‘It’s OK not to be OK’: Mental health support available to those struggling in Peterborough

The reminder follows the announcement on Monday (January 4) that the whole of England has been placed under a third national lockdown that could be in place until March.

It also follows a Peterborough Telegraph interview with the brother of a Peterborough man who died last week following a long struggle with mental health issues.

Kevin McSwiggan (40) died at his home on London Road last Wednesday (December 30) after what his family have described as a three to four year battle with his own mental health and his brother has launched a plea to anyone struggling, insisting ‘It’s OK not to be OK’ and urging people to find someone to speak to.

Following the interview the PT will also be highlighting mental health services available in the city area during lockdown.

Peterborough City Council has committed to supporting residents of the city during the pandemic with their ‘Now we’re talking campaign,’ which encourages people to get talking to combat loneliness whilst self-isolating or to just seek help if you are struggling with your mental health.

The support includes:

- Lifeline Plus - a mental health and wellbeing helpline for people aged 18 and over living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, available Monday-Friday between 9am and 2pm via freephone 0808 808 2121. The line will support people to manage their wellbeing, provide self-help advice or signpost to other organisations for particular concerns.

- Lifeline is a service on the same number available between 2pm and 11pm, managed by Lifecraft who provide support for those in mental health distress: 0808 808 2121.

- Qwell - an online wellbeing support, including educational and self-help articles and peer-to-peer support via forums. Adults are also able to receive help from qualified counsellors via drop-in or scheduled online chat sessions. Visit the Qwell website.

- Keep Your Head – this website brings together all the mental health support available across the county - visit the Keep Your Head website.

Other mental health support in the city includes a Psychological Wellbeing Service, for which people can self-refer by visiting the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust website.

This service is set up to help those aged 17 and over who are suffering from mild to moderate depression and anxiety. You do not need a diagnosis to access the service.

There is also a First Response Service for people who are in mental health crisis. The First Response Service can be contacted on 111 or by visiting the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust website.

Tracy Dowling, Chief Executive at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a challenging time for everyone, and this campaign highlights how we can all look after our mental health and each other.

“CPFT continues to provide specialist mental health support for those who require further help. In the current climate we’ve had to adapt our services and are already offering video consultations rather than face-to-face appointments where appropriate. We have also increased the support in our crisis services to ensure people who need urgent help can access it quickly.”

Aly Anderson, CEO of Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind, added: “Recognising the power of talking, charities and services have partnered to develop a new helpline during coronavirus. We will provide a listening ear for people to share how they are feeling or issues they are facing right now.

“We will support people to manage their wellbeing, learn self-help skills or to access other support for particular concerns; such as bereavement, employment or those that are caring for others.”

People in need of support can also reach out and phone:

- Samaritans 116 123

- Mind 0300 123 3393

- Calm 0800 58 58 58

- Women’s Aid 0808 2000 247

- Age UK 0800 678 1602

- Childline 0800 1111

- YoungMinds 0800 018 2138

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