wellbeing

Whatever you’re facing. We’re here for you.

What can I do to manage my own mental wellbeing?

There are some really simple steps we can all do to improve our mental wellbeing and feel more positive about life. The  NHS  call them the ‘5 steps to mental wellbeing’ and we recommend giving each of them a try. 

  • Connect  – Meet up regularly with people in your life. They could be your family, friends, colleagues or neighbours. Spending time developing these relationships is a great first step. 

  • Be active  – Walk, run, dance, cycle, boogie… Whatever your choice, staying active and exercising will increase your endorphins and make you feel good. 

  • Keep learning  – Learning new skills, rediscovering old hobbies and trying new things will give you a real sense of achievement and boost your confidence. 

  • Give to others  – Putting other people before yourself can be incredibly rewarding. Whether a smile, a kind word or a volunteering commitment supporting your community giving to others can be fulfilling.

  • Be mindful  – Take notice of what is happening around you. Noticing your personal thoughts and feelings as well as those things surrounding you in nature can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. 

Where can I find information about mental health and wellbeing?

The Devon Partnership Trust (NHS) website has lots of local information about a wide variety of mental health conditions and options for local sources of support and advice.

I’m worried about my own mental health. What should I do?

You are not alone. We all go through stressful events from to time that can change our normal behaviour. Short-term changes to behaviour are common.

We may feel more stressed, angry or sad. These feelings are not always a sign of mental illness but you should access support if you have noticed changes in the way you think or feel which cause problems in your day-to-day life.

Speaking to your doctor is a good place to start.

They could: 

  • make a diagnosis 

  • offer you support and treatments (such as talking therapies and medication) 

  • refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist 

  • recommend local support options

I’m facing a mental health crisis. What should I do?

If you’re struggling with your mental health and need urgent support, you should go to A&E or speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

If you are feeling suicidal or having suicidal thoughts, you should call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

Emergency support is also available from the Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s First Response Service. This is a 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline and can be accessed by calling 0808 196 8708.

You can also call Samaritans anonymously on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Where can I get additional support?

YMCA Exeter

Community Connecting is a process based on social prescribing, giving people time, focusing on what matters to you and connecting you to existing community groups for practical and emotional support. 

Over a small number of meetings, Community Connectors take time to listen to you, identify what is important to you and introduce you to relevant information, services, activities or groups within the local community that might support you to: increase your wellbeing; take steps towards goals; manage challenges or enrich your life. It is available for 18-30 year olds.   

TalkWorks 

TalkWorks is a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service, helping you to feel better and giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. 

The Moorings, Devon

The Moorings offer out of hours mental health support for anyone aged 16+.

Counselling Directory

Counselling Directory is a resource hub which enables individuals struggling with their emotional wellbeing to find a qualified and insured counsellor.

I’m a young person. Where can I get additional support?

YoungMinds

YoungMinds offer confidential online and telephone support to anyone worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.

They have a helpline on 0808 8025544 which is open Monday–Friday, 9am–4:30pm or you can text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. 

  • If you need urgent help, text YM to 85258.

  • All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.

Childline 

Childline offers a 1-2-1 online Counsellor Chat for children and young people up to the age of 19.