HAMPSHIRE, UK — As the festive season approaches, the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging individuals struggling with their mental health to reach out for help, emphasizing that a range of 24/7 mental health services are available across the region.
In a statement, the ICB highlighted several key services that can provide support to people during the holiday season, including the NHS 111 mental health triage team, the Shout text service, NHS Talking Therapies, Kooth, Safe Havens, and The Lighthouse. These services are designed to assist people experiencing mental health difficulties, whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, or more serious crises.
Sonya Mclean, Senior Programme Manager for Mental Health Crisis Care at NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB, urged anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope during this period to seek help. “I would like to urge anyone who is feeling under pressure to take advantage of the services available to our residents, whether through NHS 111 or by texting the Shout team for support,” Mclean said.
She also addressed those facing more immediate crises, adding, “If your life is at risk and you feel you might attempt suicide or have already seriously harmed yourself, please call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department. Mental health emergencies are serious, and you are not wasting anyone’s time.”
The call for help comes after a powerful testimony from Vicky, an 18-year-old from Portsmouth, who shared her experience of reaching out to NHS 111 during a mental health crisis. “I called NHS 111 and explained my situation. They told me someone would call back within two hours, and I received a call from a kind and understanding lady,” Vicky said. “She made sure to check my details, asked me what was going on, and referred me to a team that could support me. She was amazing — now I have the support I need, and everything seems much better.”
Vicky’s experience serves as a reminder of the vital role that mental health support services can play in saving lives. “NHS 111 saved me and got me the right support,” she added.
As many people face additional pressures during the festive season, NHS Hampshire encourages anyone feeling low or in crisis to reach out, stressing that help is always available and accessible, no matter the time of day or night.
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