People across the Black Country are being reminded of the mental health support available to help their wellbeing as Mental Health Awareness Week returns (13-19 May).
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which is the lead provider of mental health services in the Black Country, provides inpatient and community services across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Alongside this, there are also a range of services that people can access when they feel they need help for a mental health issue, such as generalised anxiety, depression and panic.
NHS Talking Therapies in the Black Country
Adults across the West Midlands can access NHS Talking Therapies, which is talking based therapy based on a person’s needs. It is a practical and effective way for people to manage their mental health difficulties and is completely free.
Trained, professional therapists use methods such as guided self-help and cognitive behavioural therapy through a range of one-to-one appointments, group work, phone or video consultation.
The service is designed to help people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties, so people are urged not to avoid getting in touch if they feel their problem is not ‘serious’ enough.
Talking Therapies is completely free and people can refer themselves for help or they can be referred by their GP.
In the Black Country, NHS Talking Therapies can be accessed in the following ways:
- People in Walsall should call NHS Walsall Talking Therapies on 0800 953 0995
- If you live in Sandwell and need support, contact NHS Sandwell Talking Therapies on 0121 612 6650
- Residents in Wolverhampton should contact NHS Wolverhampton Talking Therapies on 0800 923 0222.
- In Dudley, people should call 0800 953 0404 to access NHS Dudley Talking Therapies.
More information about each service and how to refer can also be found online at:
Sanctuary Hubs
If people are looking for face to face support during out of usual service hours, Sanctuary Hubs are available in each borough of the Black Country.
They can provide emotional support to those in distress, reassurance or at times when people just want a listening ear.
No referral is required but individuals must be aged 18 or over and registered with a GP in the Black Country.
If you are concerned about your mental health, or the mental health of a loved one, take a look at the ‘Urgent Help’ page on the BCHFT website: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/contact-us/help-crisis