Sometimes World Mental Health Day seems like a slightly strange idea – as if there were ever a day when mental health wasn’t a significant issue. What we hope that World Mental Health Day provides is an opportunity for people to begin conversations about their mental health, which can then continue for as long as they’re needed. It’s also an opportunity for organisations like Touchstone to reach new people, who might not yet know about the support that is available for a wide range of mental health issues.

See below some messages from our fantastic CEO Arfan Hanif and the brilliant Anti Stigma Leeds Champions:

If you – or someone you know – are struggling this year, please ask for help.  The following link gives you access to lots of numbers and other resources to make sure we keep talking about our mental health in 2021, because talking really can help to save a life.

Important websites and numbers:

West Yorkshire mental health 24/7 support line, provides confidential advice – 0800 183 0558

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, for anyone aged 17 or over: www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/leeds-mental-wellbeing-service/home/

For children and young people: www.mindmate.org.uk

For those struggling with alcohol and drug use: www.forwardleeds.co.uk

A mood self-assessment is here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mood-self-assessment/

Leeds Mind: 0113 305 5800, or email info@leedsmind.org.uk

For people in crisis:

Visit https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/need-urgent-help/

Connect, open 6pm-2am on 0808 8001212 or online chat at www.lslcs.org.uk

For people in crisis: Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s 24/7 single point of access on Freephone 0800 183 1485.

For people in crisis: A team of peer-support workers in partnership with Touchstone – 0113 8556191 or visit it www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/srvices-list/crisis

Samaritans Leeds – 116 123 or 0113 245 6789