Mental health support information and advice for Slough

Mental health affects all of us at some point in our lives but there are plenty of sources of advice support and information. We have compiled a list of useful support resources for Slough residents in need of mental health support information.
mental health

If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should get immediate expert advice from a doctor. Support is still available, even during the pandemic. Find out where to get help in a mental health crisis on the NHS website.

Slough Public Health Portal

This portal has a wealth of information related to you or your family’s health. This portal provides an easy way to view and access local services in Slough related to your health. The coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak is going to have an impact on everyone’s daily lives, as the government and the NHS take necessary steps to manage the outbreak. During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. The NHS has issued some helpful top tips to control anxiety and support mental health.

Age UK Your Mind Matters

Some people think that being low or down is just a sign of old age, but it is not. It’s been a difficult year so if you know an older person who is struggling to cope, and feeling like it’s all too much, then read the Age UK Your Mind Matters Guide.

Berkshire Healthcare – Talking Therapies service

Talking Therapies offers help for common mental health problems including mild to moderate and moderate to severe, anxiety, depression, stress and phobias. The service also runs regular stress control sessions for the general public locally. For more information phone 0300 365 2000.

Books on Prescription

Reading Well Books on Prescription is a national scheme where health professionals recommend books for common mental health problems. The first list included 30 recommend self-help books covering issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, stress, bulimia and sleep problems and is known as Reading Well Books on Prescription booklist.

Community Mental Health Team

If there is an emergency, please call 999. You can ask your GP to refer you to the community mental health team. If you need urgent help, but it's not an emergency, you can contact the Mental Health Crisis Team by calling: 111 and asking to speak to the Mental Health Crisis Team or speaking directly by calling 0800 129 9999

Covid-19 and Mental Health and Wellbeing

Covid-19 is having an impact on everyone’s daily lives, as the government takes necessary steps to manage the outbreak, reduce transmission and treat those who need medical attention. During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. It is important that you take care of your mind as well as your body. This guidance explains the practical steps which may help maintain positive mental health and well-being during the pandemic.

COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing.

COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing

Every Mind Matters

Every Mind Matters can help you to manage and maintain your mental health, as good mental health makes such a difference. Every Mind Matters gives you simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting our mood or sleeping better. Visit the Every Mind Matters website for advice and information on how to maintain good mental health.

Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities – Information Booklet Feeling Down – Looking After My Mental Health

The Foundation for people with Learning Disabilities is part of the Mental Health Foundation which is a charity and aims to make life better for people with learning disabilities. They have published an easy read, interactive guide called Feeling Down – Looking After My Mental Health to help people with learning disabilities to take of their health with help. You can download the guide from The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities website.

GP/ Doctor Surgery

Your local GP can offer you advice and treatments to improve your mental health and guide you to local services.

‘Mental health: let’s talk the talk’ Parents’ guide

A guide aimed at parents and carers of children and young people. A helpful directory of local services to East Berkshire. Mental health explained and related to young people.

Mind – Mental health and Covid-19

Those already living with mental health problems are facing extra challenges during this pandemic.  When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information is vital. Visit the  Mind Mental Health Information Hub

Physical Activity and your Mental Health

Being physically active means sitting down less and moving our bodies more. Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health, either on its own, or in combination with other treatments. Visit MIND to find out more.

Scope

Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales and they can provide practical information and emotional support when it’s most needed. They provide advice and support to people with disabilities and their families on the Scope website or you can call them on 0808 800 3333.  They also have advice on what to do if your mental health has been affected by COVID-19 on their Advice and Support page.

Shout 85258

Shout 85258 is a free text service that can help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, bullying or if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It is a free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support service. Just text ‘Shout’ to 85258.

Sport In Mind

Sport in Mind is the independent Berkshire mental health sports charity formed in Reading in 2011 to use sport and physical activity to help aid the recovery of people experiencing mental health problems and encourage individuals to move their lives forward in a positive direction.

The Samaritans

The Samaritans provide a free listening service, with no judgement, no pressure, and will help you work through what’s on your mind.  If you need advice for a specific issue, they can put you in touch with specialist organisations.  Go to  The Samaritans website or call them free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

If you need advice on accessing health and care services, how to stay safe and well this winter, coping with family pressures, or dealing with loneliness and isolation, we have developed advice and information pages on all these topics.