Mental health support available in Leeds

As we fight the physical impact that coronavirus is having on people, it’s important to remember the mental impact that this situation can have.

Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as your physical health during the lockdown and you can still access mental health support should you need it.

The impact of coronavirus is felt in many parts of people’s lives and this global health emergency is likely to lead to anxiety and affect our emotional wellbeing as our usual, daily routines change. You could be worried about loss of income, changes in jobs and the effect social distancing and isolation has on your relationships. You could also be affected by loneliness.

If you do feel like you need help, support is still available either through your own GP or through the following services:

  • Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service: is for anyone aged over 17 and registered with a Leeds GP. You can use the online therapy courses and self-management tools to help with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression and bereavement. Immediate help is available at: https://leeds.omnitherapy.org/
  • Leeds Mind Peer Support: offers online sessions where people can talk to others, share personal experiences and develop skills and strategies to maintain wellbeing. You can join the online support groups at: leedsmind.org.uk/our-services/peer-support/about-peersupport/
  • MindWell: has launched a Coronavirus Mental Health Information Hub which has information about mental health and Covid-19 for people in Leeds. The information can be accessed through mindwell-leeds.org.uk which also includes a full directory of services that you can access as well as National offers such as the “Every Mind Matters” wellbeing plan.
  • Mindmate: Children and young people worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak can visit the Mindmate website for information and support at: mindmate.org.uk
  • Well-bean Hope in a Crisis Café: The cafe is open 7 nights a week from 6pm-12am and anyone experiencing a crisis can contact them for one-to-one support over the phone and face-to-face support via Zoom.
  • Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust: As a specialist provider of mental health and learning disability services, LYPFT can offer you expert resources to support you throughout this difficult time. So, whether you already access our services, or you’re struggling with your mental health and looking for more in depth support, visit the wellbeing hub for ideas and tools to help manage your mental wellbeing throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

If anyone feels they may be at risk of harming themselves or others they should call 999 or visit the nearest accident and emergency department.

Dr Gwyn Elias, GP and Clinical Lead for Mental Health for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group said “We know that many people will be feeling anxious and worried right now for a number of reasons. It is really important that you ask for help if you are worried about your mental health. We have lots of different services in the city that will be tailored to meet your needs. The quickest way to see which services are available to you is through the Leeds Mindwell website.

“If you are feeling very distressed or hopeless, talking to someone can help. You could try talking to a family member or friend, if this doesn’t feel right there are people who want to talk to you and can help. You can contact NHS 111 either by calling or by going online to: www.111.nhs.uk. The Samaritans are also open 24 hours a day. In Leeds we also have free helplines, details can be found on the Mindwell website in the “I need help now section.

“If you have had previous contact with specialist mental health services in Leeds, you may have a crisis plan with contact details. If you don’t have a crisis plan or are unable to find it you can call the single point of access team on 0300 300 1485. If your life is in immediate danger call 999 now.”

For the latest information on coronavirus please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. For those wanting to help people in their community, advice on doing this safely can be found on the Government’s website www.gov.uk/safehelp