Mental wellbeing

The last 2 or 3 years has presented challenges for us all and impact and experience of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has been different for everyone.

That's why it's so important to do what we can to look after our mental health and wellbeing, now more than ever.

On this page you will find information about where you can find support or what steps you can take if you are concerned for another person.

Please note:
The inclusion of a link to an external website from nwleics.gov.uk isn't an endorsement of that website or service. Links are intended to highlight free resources.

• 5 ways to wellbeing 

• Help and support lines

• Start a Conversation

• First contact plus

• Family support

• Mindfulness, breathing and coping in a stressful situation

• More support and information

• Cost of living support

5 ways to wellbeing

The charity Mind have created some steps to help you look after your wellbeing. These are the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing';

• Connect
• Be Active
• Take Notice
• Learn
• Give

Visit our 5 ways to wellbeing page now for further information. 

Help and support lines

North West Leicestershire District Council have pulled together a range of support lines for you. Please visit our support helplines page to look at the support available to you over the phone.

Here are just a few more that are available:

National Domestic abuse helpline: Support for domestic abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour based violence and human trafficking/slavery. 0808 2000 247 (Freephone 24hrs) or visit their website. 

NHS Mental Health - Central access point (CAP): For people of all ages across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – including existing and previous service users and people who have never used mental health services before. It also supports carers, stakeholders and health and social care professionals looking for information and advice. 24hour NHS phone support for all urgent mental health needs. Tel: 0116 295 3060

Relate: Offers counselling services for every type of relationship nationwide. Contact 0116 2543011 or reception@relateleics.org

The Mix - essential support for under 25's: They are there to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free, confidential helpline - 0808 808 4994

United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA): Domestic and sexual abuse service in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland - 0808 802 0028

Young Minds Parents Helpline: Helpline for parents or others concerned about a young person - 0808 802 5544

The Hope House Befriending Service: A service to support people whose life expectancy or quality of life will be affected by their condition, plus their carers and partners. For more information contact Carol on 07483 124926 or email hopehouse@hospicehope.org.uk

Hospice Hope Confidential Counselling Service: offer counselling service during this very difficult time by phone or video link. For more information contact Linda Mould on linda@hospicehope.org.ukor call 07516 505 421.

Leicestershire Recovery College: an NHS college offering a range of recovery-focused educational courses and resources for people aged 18 and over who have lived mental health experience. For more information contact 0116 295 1196 or email recoverycollege@leicspart.nhs.uk.

Supporting your mental health while working from home- to learn more and watch animated videos please visit here.

Start a Conversation

Start a Conversation is a suicide prevention campaign that aims to build a community that is committed to the mental health and wellbeing of its residents. A non-judging environment where care and support is available to those in distress or those bereaved or affected by suicide. For more information on how to access support visit the Start a Conversation website.

First contact plus

This system is a self-referral service for people living in Leicestershire to access support on mental health, finance, physical activity and much more. You can find the support you are looking for via:

Health Support, Finance Support, Make a self-referral

For more information, please contact Emma Knight on emma.knight@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Family support

Follow North West Leicestershire’s Children and Families Wellbeing service on Facebook here for advice, ideas, recipes and more.

Visit their service website to find out what support is available or call the Children and Families Wellbeing Services Triage Team on 0116 3058727

Also follow North West Leicestershire Home-Start on Facebook for lots of ideas and support.

The NHS and health for teens have created some new resources aimed at younger people and mental health support. Take a look at there three resources here (please note they make take a few moments to load); 

Mental health support in Leicestershire - guide for young people (PDF Document, 3.11 Mb)

Mental health support for children, young people and families during COVID-19 (PDF Document, 0.83 Mb)

Mental health support for children, young people and families during COVID-19 (poster) (PDF Document, 0.61 Mb)

Mindfulness, breathing and coping in a stressful situation

Breathing and meditation

Have a go at our breathing practice with Leigh.

Stress

So what is stress and how does it affect people differently? Here is some information on understanding stress from Mental Health First Aid England.

They also have their address your stress toolkit which was created as part of their 2018 campaign but still has lots of useful advice on including tips on self-care for stress. 

Mindfulness 

Mindfulness is described as the ability to be fully present in the moment. Read more about what it is from Headspace now.

You can also find out more about getting started with mindfulness from the Mindful website.

Headspace are now providing 3 free practices for relieving stress, walking at home, and panicking. 

Mindfulness for children - Here is a mindfulness session for children.

More support and information

One-in-four adults and one-in-ten children experience mental illness during their lifetime, and many more of us know and care for people who do. 

St John's ambulance have created a great wellbeing self-assessment tool. On this tool you will go through 4 sections of questions around your personal mental wellbeing, including current wellbeing, stress factors, physical and mental health, and self-care. After each section you receive a tips and resources page and at the end of the tool a score for your overall wellbeing is provided. 

Download the Mental Health booklets from the British Heart Foundation and you will find all the information you need around common mental health problems, including: the early warning signs of stress and mental health problems, mental health awareness training, and managing someone with a mental health problem.

Why not try the NHS Mood self-assessment here.

Or look at NHS Resources of Mental Health.

Your mind plan is another great support tool from every mind matters. Take your time to answer the 5 questions in the interactive quiz and receive some top tips and advice for you.

Active Together have a wellbeing page including mental wellbieng. 

Support with digital skills

Active Together have created some webpages supporting people with IT skills. There is a page for older and vulnerable people.

Other activities

Leicestershire Libraries have made it possible to download brilliant eBooks and eAudiobooks from their Digital Library for free.

Cost of Living

The current challenges facing us all as a result of increased cost of living can impact mental wellbeing, see our Cost of Living page for further support.