Mental Health
Information Services and Advice
Mental Health Services
In your local area there are numerous services available to anybody struggling with their mental health
The practice felt it would be helpful to have all these available resources clearly identified for you in one place to ensure that when you need it you can get the most appropriate help for you as quickly as possible. (Updated February 2022)
National Telephone Helpline – Available to anyone 24 hours a day
0300 303 3972 - The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people. The phone line is now the first port of call for mental health help (NHS111 will redirect calls to this helpline)
Self-Referral PCMHT
Patients are now able to self-refer to the Primary Care Mental Health Team by calling:
0151 488 8348 (Monday - Friday, 9-5).
**PLEASE NOTE - THIS NUMBER IS FOR SELF-REFERRALS ONLY & IS NOT FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES**
Mental Health Crisis Helpline
People who need urgent mental health support can call the Cheshire and Wirral mental health helpline on 0800 145 6485. Launched during the early response to Covid-19, the phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and open to people of all ages – including children and young people.
Crisis café (No.71)
For “self-defined” crises; No long term support offered and no medical input. For age 18+.
This is non clinical service so can be accessed even if in contact with a clinical service or on a waiting list.
You can self-refer to this service – 01244 393139. Alternatively the practice can contact this service on your behalf leaving your contact details and the staff at Crisis Café will call you back.
The Crisis Café is based at 71-77 St Anne Street, Chester, CH1 3HT and they are now welcoming patients to drop in.
Mental Health First( Healthbox).
This is a new service for low grade mental health problems. Currently the service has been adapted due to COVID-19 so sessions consist of 15-20 Minute phone calls rather than anything face to face as previously.
Once the referral to this service has been made you will be contacted within 72 hours. Referrals can be made by the practice if you ring our reception team on 01244 346677 they will refer you onto one of our clinicians to discuss.
Silvercloud
On line Cognitive behavioural Therapy (guided self-help)
Applications are screened to identify more serious symptoms and regular contact by email from a mental health worker will monitor your progress.
Only available to patients who haven’t engaged in other Mental Health services or are not on waiting lists.
Upon registration you will be asked numerous questions relating to your condition and, within a couple of weeks, this will be triaged by a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). At this point if Silvercloud is felt to be suitable for you, you will be emailed by a PWP and given your log in information.
For patients who are accepted for Silvercloud, you will be able to complete online modules in your own time on any device. You can be registered on multiple devices for ease of access. The modules consist of videos, activities to complete and case studies to read, as well as quizzes, audio guides and patients own journal. There are optional modules available on sleep difficulties, relaxation and low self-esteem.
It is recommended that patients complete one module per week. One module should take 40 – 60 minutes.
When you sign up you are allocated a PWP who will follow your progress, add and review modules as required and will also review progress. Reviews are done via email at times agreed with the patient.
Below is the link for you to sign up. You can also download the app from your app store on their phone or tablet.
https://westerncheshireiapt.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
CWP
For non-urgent help and general wellbeing advice, the CWP website contains information and links to resources to support people with anxiety, low mood, and worries relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic www.cwp.nhs.uk
The CWP also have a section on their website full of self help resources.
Self help resources can be convenient if:
- you are wanting information about the problems you are experience to help you understand what you are experiencing and suggestions of what you can do to manage these more effectively
- you are short of time, you have family or work commitments
- you can't get out easily
Self Help:
http://www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/western-cheshire-iapt/self-help-information/
PCMHT Primary Care Mental Health Team
If you are not eligible for Silvercloud or Healthbox or your problems are more severe the practice can refer you to this service.
Once the referral has been sent you are required to opt in to the service to arrange an assessment. There is normally quite a long waiting list for any therapy.
Contact reception to speak to your GP.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
For help with Alcohol or Substance Abuse you can Self-Refer to Aqua House (Turning Point) by telephoning - 0300 303 4549
What to do if you need urgent mental health help:
- Please call 0300 303 3972 and dedicated local NHS staff will support you to access the help you need;
- The helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people;
- The helpline is now the first port of call for mental health help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be re-directed to this local service – so call 0300 303 3972;
- Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call 0300 303 3972 to be directed to the best local service to support you;
- You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance;
- For children and young people there is also a dedicated website MyMind.org.uk