NHS mental health

Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

If you're struggling with your mental wellbeing, you're not alone, and support is available.

This webpage is based on our comprehensive Mental Health Information Pack, bringing together trusted NHS guidance and local support services in one place. It has been developed to help you better understand your mental health, explore practical ways to improve your wellbeing, and find the support that's right for you.

While medication, including antidepressants, can be helpful for some people—particularly during periods of more severe illness—it may not be the right option for everyone. Medication can help reduce symptoms, but it doesn't always address the underlying causes of how you're are feeling. For many people, the best outcomes come from combining medication (where appropriate) with talking therapies, lifestyle changes, self-help techniques and community support. If you're unsure whether medication is right for you, please speak to a healthcare professional.

A good place to start is by asking yourself:

• What might be contributing to the way I'm feeling?
• Is there anything I could change to improve things?
• Who could I talk to for support?

Talking to someone you trust can often be the first and most important step. Friends, family, colleagues or a healthcare professional can provide reassurance, practical help and support you in finding the right services.

If you need urgent help

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or are having thoughts of ending your life, please seek help immediately.

• NHS 111 – Call 111 and select the Mental Health option to speak directly with your local NHS Mental Health Crisis Team (available 24 hours a day).
• Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or visit www.samaritans.org.
• Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a confidential conversation with a trained volunteer (24/7).

Local Crisis Support

HEADSPACE Plymouth
A safe, welcoming space offering evening crisis support, one-to-one sessions, group support and help with recovery planning.

• Telephone: 07890 257614
• Opening hours: 6:00pm–Midnight, including weekends.

Helpful Websites

Every Mind Matters (NHS)

The NHS Every Mind Matters website provides personalised advice, practical tips and self-care resources to help improve your mental wellbeing.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Hub of Hope

The UK's largest mental health support directory, helping you find local and national services for yourself or someone you care about.

https://hubofhope.co.uk

Marbles Lost & Found

Created by someone with lived experience of mental health difficulties, this Plymouth-based website brings together local services, support groups and useful information.

https://www.marbleslostandfound.co.uk

Andy's Man Club

A free, confidential peer support group for men aged 18 and over.

Plymouth Venue
City College Plymouth
Kings Road
Devonport
Plymouth PL1 5QG

https://andysmanclub.co.uk

Wellbeing Apps

There are many excellent wellbeing apps available free of charge.

• NHS Apps Library – Trusted apps reviewed by the NHS.
  https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/

• Healthy Minds Program – Free mindfulness and wellbeing app developed by the University of Wisconsin.

  https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app

• ORCHA Health – Independent reviews of health and wellbeing apps.

  https://orchahealth.com

Reading & Self-Help

Many people find guided self-help books helpful alongside other support.

Reading Well
Borrow free Books on Prescription from your local library or access digital resources.

https://reading-well.org.uk

Looking After Your Wellbeing

Simple everyday activities can make a real difference to your mental wellbeing.

• Stay physically active where possible.
• Spend time outdoors.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation.
• Maintain regular sleep routines.
• Stay connected with family and friends.
• Be kind to yourself and remember that recovery takes time.

Even small changes can have a positive impact on your mood and overall wellbeing.

Professional Support

If you'd like additional support, you can self-refer to several local services.

Plymouth Options

NHS Talking Therapies offering support for anxiety, depression and other common mental health difficulties.

Telephone: 01752 435419

Plymouth Mind

Provides counselling, wellbeing support and a range of community services.

Telephone: 01752 512280

https://www.plymouthmind.com

Rethink Mental Illness

Provides practical support, recovery services and community programmes for people living with mental illness.

https://www.rethink.org

Wolseley Trust Life Coaching (Social Prescribing)

Life Coaches help people identify what matters most to them, develop achievable goals and connect with local groups, activities and services that can improve wellbeing.

Telephone: 01752 203673

Email: joannebower@wolseley-trust.org

Remember

Everyone's mental health journey is different, and there is no single right way to recover. Whether you're taking the first step or looking for additional support, help is available.

Please take some time to explore the resources on this page or contact one of the organisations listed above. If you're worried about your mental health, don't wait—reach out. Support is available, and you don't have to face things alone.

Mental health services for children and young people

Link for local helpful resources

There is help available for children and young people who need support with their mental health.

If you are a parent, guardian or carer of a child or young person who needs support with their mental health, then you can contact their GP. They will be able to help point you in the right direction to support them.

There are local services in the community to help children and young people. You may have heard about the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) that help children and young people to cope with their mental health.

You can also visit the Mental health services page on the NHS website for more information about the support available and to get advice.

Teenagers - Check out our Teenage Health Hub for more information on healthcare available to you.

My Health Devon - Neurodiversity 

Patients, parents, carers and individuals are being reminded about a helpful set of neurodiversity web pages, which provide trusted information, advice and guidance for people living in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.

The pages on the My Health Devon website, which has been co-produced with clinical colleagues, parent/carers and young people has been designed as a ‘one stop shop’ for key information relating to neurodiversity both locally and nationally.

It includes a range of resources, videos, and information about what is available and will continue to be developed with input from parents/carers and young people to ensure it remains user friendly and up to date.

Visit the neurodiversity pages here