It's important to exercise and eat certain foods to stay physically healthy, exercise and healthy food can also make a big difference to our mood and how we feel about ourselves. Just as there's a lot we can do to look after and improve our physical health, there’s also a lot we can do to take care of our mental wellbeing. Boosting our mental wellbeing means we're more likely to feel good about ourselves and be better able to cope with difficult times.
It’s important for us all to look after our mental wellbeing, whether we have a mental health problem or not. For tips on how to improve your mental wellbeing look through the blue dropdown headings below.
Make Time
Cheshire and Merseyside's mental wellbeing campaign Make Time suggests easy, everyday things we can do to boost our mood and feel good about ourselves. Make Time was developed by Champs, the regional Public Health Collaborative.
Click the dropdown heading below to find out more.
Make Time and the Five Ways to Wellbeing
To help us think about how we could improve our wellbeing the Make Time campaign asks us to consider and respond to the five questions below:
- When was the last time you laughed until you cried?
- When was the last time you got up and out?
- When was the last time you noticed things around you?
- When was the last time you tried something new?
- When was the last time you made someone smile?
You can join the Make Time discussion on Facebook or Twitter by posting your responses to the questions above and tagging your posts with #maketimewarrington.
Make Time is based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, simple actions that can help us to feel good about ourselves. Research has shown that people who regularly include the Five Ways to Wellbeing in their daily lives are more likely to feel positive. The Five Ways to Wellbeing, which underpin Make Time, are:
- Connect: spend time with people who are important to you.
- Be active: at a level that suits your mobility and fitness.
- Take notice: be more aware of the world around you. Be curious.
- Keep learning: try something new or different, start a new hobby.
- Give: do something thoughtful for someone else, or volunteer your time.
YouTube has a short animation, produced by Rochdale Borough Council, explaining the Five Ways to Wellbeing.
The Make Time campaign prompts us all to think about what we currently do that makes us feel good and how we might fit more of the Five Ways to Wellbeing into our daily lives and so maintain or improve our mental wellbeing.
Make Time resources 
If you live or work in Warrington, then you can order free copies of the Make Time postcards, bookmarks and prompt sheets from Warrington Health Promotion Resource Centre, by completing this order form.
Alternatively you can download a PDF of the prompt sheet and print it yourself. The sheet is designed to help guide discussions about mental wellbeing; or for people to use as a self-management tool, to reflect on their own mental wellbeing.
Pull up banners promoting the Make Time campaign can also be borrowed, for free, from the Resource Centre.
Social prescribing for wellbeing
Social prescribing refers to non-medical support, or activity which can improve our mental wellbeing and quality of life. Social prescribing activities encourage self-care and can help build resilience. The focus with social prescribing, is on the person themselves, rather than on their mental health problem.
The Creative Remedies groups, described below, are one example of social prescribing. You can find out more about the range of local social prescribing activities in Warrington by:
Creative Remedies 
This arts and wellbeing service offers a range of activities to help Warrington residents to improve their health and wellbeing. The activities offered include drama, drawing, media, music, sports, painting, photography, Read to Relax and walking groups. You can refer yourself into the groups, or can be referred by a health or social care worker.
Visit Creative Remedies' webpage
Podcasts (digital audio recordings) for wellbeing
There’s a huge range of free mental health podcasts available. We’ve chosen the selection below as they're from key mental health charities, or NHS organisations; and the focus is on wellbeing or relaxation (rather than on specific mental health problems).
Mental Health Foundation
The “podcasts for your wellbeing” page on this site offers a variety of free podcasts focusing on different aspects of wellbeing. The areas covered include wellbeing and sleep, relaxation, nutrition, exercise and positive thinking.
Visit the Mental Health Foundation's website
Mental Health in Manchester
This website has audio relaxation exercises (each approximately 6-20 minutes long) covering controlled breathing, seated relaxation, body tension, muscle relaxation, woodland visualisation and preparing for restful sleep.
Visit Mental Health in Manchester's website
Mind
This page includes a five minute video on relaxation for mental wellbeing.
Visit Mind's website
Mind's site also has a range of PDF booklets which you can download free, these include:
Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
This page offers a range of short audio relaxation exercises (each around 8 minutes) in either male or female voices. The exercises focus on wellbeing through breathing, visualisation, progressive muscle relaxation and candle gazing.
Visit Northumberland NHS Trust's website
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help resources
CBT can help us improve our mental wellbeing, by enabling us to recognise and change unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour, which may be causing us difficulty, or distress. The links below offer free self-help resources and courses based on CBT.
BBC's Activity scheduling sheet
Activity scheduling is a basic CBT technique, which can help you make your week more structured and satisfying. The aim of activity scheduling is not to fill every day, but to get a balance of different activities throughout the week, including pleasurable, social, physical and necessary activities. Activity scheduling can be particularly useful for people experiencing depression, or anxiety. You can download a PDF of the BBC's activity scheduling sheet here.
Get.gg Self Help
This website offers a range of CBT self-help resources, which can be downloaded free. The resources include worksheets, information sheets and MP3 files.
Visit Get.gg’s website
Living Life to the Full
This site offers free online CBT-based, life-skills courses to help you to work out why you feel as you do; to tackle your problems; to build confidence; and to feel happier. You can also download free worksheets from the site, including planning sheets, worry strips and an anxiety diary sheet.
Visit Living Life to the Full’s website
MoodGYM Training Programme
This site offers a free online CBT-based programme, consisting of five modules to help you prevent and cope with depression. The programme helps you explore why you feel the way you do; changing the way you think; knowing what makes you upset; assertiveness and interpersonal skills.
Visit MoodGYM’s website
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust - self-help booklets
This site has a range of clear, easy to read, self-help booklets which are based on CBT. The booklets cover different aspects of mental wellbeing and mental health problems; they are available in a variety of formats; and can be downloaded free. There is also a free app for iPhone, iPad and Android, which allows you to access the full range of self-help booklets.
Visit Northumberland NHS Trust's website
Mindfulness for wellbeing
Mindfulness is a technique which can help you maintain or improve your mental wellbeing. It involves paying attention to the here and now; and not worrying about the future or the past. Mindfulness is often practiced through simple meditation, or breathing exercises, which involve focusing awareness on the present moment, and calmly acknowledging your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Through doing this it’s possible to change the way you think and feel about stressful experiences, to feel calmer and to manage stress better.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an effective treatment for people who’ve experienced several episodes of depression.
The sites below have more information about mindfulness and how it can help with mental wellbeing.
Mental Health Foundation – mindfulness podcasts
The Mental Health Foundation has a number of podcasts focusing on mindfulness including:
Be Mindful – online mindfulness course
This site, which was developed by the Mental Health Foundation, has information on:
- What mindfulness is
- Finding a mindfulness teacher
- Learning mindfulness online
- Mindfulness training for health care and work places
- Evidence and research
Be Mindful’s online mindfulness course costs £30, but you can try the first session for free, to see if it’s something you’d like to learn more about.
The site also has:
Visit Be Mindful's website
Bupa - mindfulness exercises
This site has short podcasts, with suggestions for practicing mindfulness when doing the routine activities of brushing your teeth, eating a satsuma, standing in a queue and walking.
Mind – mindfulness booklet
This charity has a number of pages focusing on mindfulness. These include a free PDF booklet on how to practice mindfulness; how mindfulness can help with mental health problems; and tips for taking a mindful walk for relaxation.
The NHS website
The information about mindfulness on this site covers:
- What mindfulness is
- How mindfulness helps with mental wellbeing
- How to be more mindful
- Different mindfulness practices
- Tips on wellbeing
Visit the NHS website
Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust – mindful breathing exercise
Reading for wellbeing
If you like reading, then the reading for wellbeing initiatives listed below might suit you:
Read to Relax 
These free weekly reading groups aim to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation. The Read to Relax groups bring people together to read, have a cup of tea and a chat. The group is read to, so you can just sit back and listen. There are currently three Read to Relax Groups running in LiveWire Libraries:
| Lymm Library |
Tel. 01925 754367 |
The group meets each Friday, 10.30am -11.30am. |
| Orford Park Library |
Tel. 01925 572504 |
The group meets each Tuesday, 10.30am -11.30am. |
| Penketh Library |
Tel. 01925 723730 |
The group meets each Tuesday, 2.00pm - 3.00pm. |
Visit LiveWire Libraries' Read to Relax webpage
Creative Remedies also offers a Read to Relax Group.
The Reader
The Reader is a national charity which aims to promote wellbeing and reduce social isolation through shared reading. The Reader offers free training and ongoing support to help volunteers set up and run shared reading groups, to promote wellbeing in their community or workplace. Shared Reading Information Workshops offer the opportunity to find out more about the Reader's North West volunteering opportunities. Details of the workshops are listed on the website.
Visit the Reader’s volunteering webpages
Reading Well: Books on Prescription
This scheme encourages people to read recommended self-help books for issues such as depression, anxiety and sleep problems. All the books are endorsed by health care professionals and can be borrowed free from your local LiveWire Library. GPs and other health professionals can recommend the self-help books as part of your treatment. For details about the Warrington Books on Prescription Scheme and to see the range of recommended books visit the LiveWire Libraries page. For more information about the national scheme visit the Reading Well webpages.
Reading Well: Books on Prescription for Dementia
This is a national initiative which brings together 25 books on dementia, recommended by the Reading Agency. The collection was chosen by healthcare experts, people with dementia and carers’ groups. The books are for people with dementia, their carers, friends, family and anyone who wants to find out more. Each of the LiveWire Libraries has a collection of the books, which can be borrowed free. Health professionals can also prescribe books from the list to their patients.
Reading Well: Mood-Boosting Books
The Reading Agency has put together lists of mood-boosting books, which include novels, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels. These books are recommended (by members of reading groups) for anyone who is feeling stressed, or wants to boost their mood. Many of the books can be borrowed from LiveWire Libraries. You can check which mood-boosting books LiveWire Libraries have by using the online catalogue. If you know your library number and PIN you can also reserve books online and ask for them to be delivered to your local Warrington library for free.
Click here for the Mood-Boosting books' webpage.
Click here for the Mood-Boosting book list chosen by older people.
Food and wellbeing
What we eat and how frequently we eat, can make a big difference to our mental wellbeing. Making improvements to our diet can help us think more clearly, feel more positive and give us more energy. The following sites have information about how food can affect our mental wellbeing:
Asking for help
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing involves being able to recognise when you might need help; and asking for support if you need it.
If you feel stuck in a rut and need a bit of encouragement and support to get you back on track, then you could contact Warrington Wellbeing. More details are below.
Warrington Wellbeing
The Warrington Wellbeing Team can help you get the information, advice and practical support you need to improve your health and wellbeing. The Team can offer free one to one support, to help you manage things like loneliness, money worries, health problems and reducing smoking. Some information and advice is provided by the Team members themselves, but if specialist advice is needed Wellbeing staff will refer you onto the appropriate service.
For more information visit the webpage below, or drop into the Warrington Wellbeing office (at the Gateway on Sankey Street, opposite the town hall and the golden gates).
Visit Warrington Wellbeing's webpage
Other organisations you can contact for support with your mental health and wellbeing are listed under the orange dropdown headings below.
If you can’t cope and need support urgently, then click on “If you need help right now” in the orange dropdown headings below.
If you, or someone you know, can’t cope it’s important to ask for support. It’s especially important if you feel desperate, or are having thoughts of suicide.
If you can’t cope, or are feeling suicidal then you can:
- talk to your doctor
- if your doctor's surgery is closed ring NHS 111
- contact your Care Coordinator (if you have one)
- ring the Warrington Assessment Team on 01925 666647 (see below)
- if there's immediate risk of you taking your own life ring 999.
Warrington Assessment Team
The Assessment Team is for adults (aged 18 and over) with moderate to severe symptoms of mental health problems. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your GP can refer you to the Assessment Team, or you can contact the Team yourself without first seeing your GP. Assessment Team staff will screen you, over the phone, to identify your needs. Then they’ll provide advice, or signpost or refer you to the most appropriate service. Support workers and anyone concerned about an adult’s mental health can also ring the team for advice about the most appropriate service to refer someone in to. (The Assessment Team, rather than A&E, is recommended for adults in crisis, unless they also need medical attention for their physical health)
These are the services you're advised to contact if you have symptoms of mental health problems and can't cope. If you’re 18 or over and have symptoms of mental health problems, it's best not to attend the A&E department of Warrington Hospital, unless you also need medical attention for your physical health.
If you’re finding it hard to cope you can also contact CALM, PAPYRUS or Samaritans. These three charities support people who are struggling to cope, or feeling suicidal. More details are below:
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM is for men who are down, or in crisis. CALM offers free confidential support to men, through a helpline and webchat. Support is available from 5pm to midnight every day.
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
Visit CALM’s website
PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide
PAPYRUS’ HOPELineUK is for young people who are having thoughts of suicide and anyone who is worried about a young person who may be at risk of suicide. When you ring you don’t have to give your name, or any personal details. All calls are confidential, but if an advisor is concerned about a young person’s safety then PAPYRUS may contact emergency services to ensure the young person doesn’t come to harm.
HOPELineUK 0800 068 41 41
Text 07786 209697
pat@papyrus-uk.org
Visit PAPYRUS' website
Samaritans
Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk, at any time, day or night, about whatever is getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch with Samaritans. You can call, email, write, or visit Samaritans face-to-face.
116 123 this number is free to call
jo@samaritans.org
Visit Samaritans' website
Staying safe if you're not sure life's worth living
If you don't feel able to contact a support service, or to talk about how you're feeling, then you could visit the Connecting with People, Staying Safe website, which gives advice about how you can keep yourself safe until you feel ready to ask for help.
If you’re worried, or are having difficulty coping with your thoughts or feelings then it’s important to talk to your GP.
You could also look at some of the sites below which have general information about mental health and common mental health problems. They also have tips on how to look after yourself and stay well.
Mind
Mind’s website has information booklets and fact sheets on different aspects of mental health, many include suggestions for self-help. The booklets can be read online or bought from the site, many can also be downloaded free. Mind's Infoline provides information on a wide range of topics including different mental health problems, where to get help locally and the types of support and treatment available.
Visit Mind's website
Rethink Mental Illness
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
This website has clear, non-medical information aimed at the general public. The information provided includes free, downloadable leaflets on many different aspects of mental health, mental health problems and available treatments. There's also a free app that you can download, which gives access to mental health information, animations and podcasts.
Visit the RCPsych's website
The local services below offer general information, advice and support to help people stay safe, healthy and active.
Age UK Mid-Mersey
The organisation supports older people (50+) to live healthily and independently. The range of support offered by Age UK Mid Mersey includes information and advice, a befriending service, social activities, and a counselling service. An information and advice drop in service is now offered from the Warrington office in Sankey Street.
Warrington office Tel. 01925 244 645 (10.00am-3.00pm Monday, answerphone at all other times)
Email enquiries@aukmm.org.uk
Visit Age UK Mid Mersey's website
Visit Age UK's mental wellbeing webpages
LifeTime
LifeTime is a network for people in Warrington who are over 50. It offers age-relevant advice, training and social events, as well as putting people in touch with health information and support. LifeTime is based in The Gateway, Sankey Street, Warrington.
For more information contact LifeTime on 01925 246824 or mail@lifetimegateway.org.uk.
Visit LifeTime's website
My Life Warrington
This site has information about the range of advice, support and activities available in Warrington. Areas covered include childcare, things to do, money advice, getting around, health and wellbeing, housing needs, education and work, care and support, Count Me In and Ask Ollie.
Count Me In is a campaign which encourages us all to be active citizens and to help make Warrington a better place for everyone who lives, works, visits or does business in the Borough.
Ask Ollie, also known as “The Local Offer”, is Warrington's online directory of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Visit the website of My Life Warrington
Warrington Adult Social Care First Response Team
This team is the first point of contact in Warrington Borough Council for Adult Social Care services. The team works with people over the age of 18 who have care and support needs. (This might include the need for things such as home care workers, equipment, or respite breaks).
When someone contacts the Team a social care assessment will be carried out using the Care Act (2014) eligibility criteria. This is to identify whether the individual has eligible needs. If they do, then the team will work with the individual to identify how their needs can best be met. If an individual’s needs don’t meet the Care Act eligibility criteria, then the team will signpost the person to community support services.
The First Response Team also deals with issues relating to adult safeguarding In Warrington.
If you’re not able to contact the First Response Team yourself, then someone else can make contact on your behalf, as long as you’ve given them your permission. To help make sure that you get the right support, the First Response Team will pass your details on to other teams if necessary.
Visit the First Response Team’s webpage
Warrington Advice Network Development (WAND)
The WAND website aims to help local people find the advice they need. It’s straightforward to use and has sections on where people in Warrington can get advice about many different issues including: housing, debt and money, consumer issues, benefits, employment, health, discrimination, education and relationships. The WAND site was set up by a partnership of organisations in Warrington, led by Warrington CAB.
Visit WAND's website
Warrington Wellbeing
The Warrington Wellbeing Team helps people get the information, advice and practical support they need to improve their health and wellbeing. The Team can offer free one to one support, to help people manage things like loneliness, money worries, health problems and reducing smoking. Some information and advice is provided by the Team members themselves, but when specialist advice is needed Wellbeing staff will refer people onto the appropriate service.
For more information visit the webpage below, or drop into the Warrington Wellbeing office (at the Gateway on Sankey Street, opposite the town hall and the golden gates).
Visit Warrington Wellbeing's webpage
The sites below have general information about both mental and physical health problems and tips on how to look after your mental and physical health.
The NHS website
This site provides easy to read information on a range of different mental and physical health problems. It also has information and practical ideas to help you look after yourself.
Visit the NHS website
Patient UK
This site includes clear information leaflets on both physical and mental health conditions. It also has details of support groups.
Visit Patient UK website
The local service below offers advice and practical support to help people keep their homes healthy and safe.
Warrington Home Improvement Agency (WHiA)
WHiA is an advisory service for older, disabled or vulnerable people and for families on low incomes who own their homes or who live in private rented accommodation and who wish to repair, improve or adapt their homes. Some of WHiA’s services are free; some home improvement work may be eligible for grant funding; and for some services there’s a charge, this is explained to individuals when they contact WHiA.
WHiA also runs Warrington Healthy Homes, a home visiting service, which provides advice and practical support to help people over 60 and younger vulnerable people, to stay safe and well in their homes. The service can help with issues such as: home security, repairs and home improvements, home adaptations to improve mobility, a handyman service, advice on funding and benefits.
Visit WHiA’s website
The organisations below offer information, support, treatment or an opportunity to socialise and reduce isolation.
It’s Good to Talk
This site, run by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, enables you to locate therapists in your local area. The site also covers: what therapy is; what therapists should do; different types of therapy; the cost of therapy; and questions it’s useful to ask before you choose a therapist.
Visit the It's Good to Talk website
If you’re looking for talking therapy, or counselling in Warrington, you might want to ask your GP whether you could be referred for free therapy via the NHS. You might also like to visit the sites listed below, these organisations all offer free, or low cost counselling or talking therapy in Warrington.
Age UK Mid-Mersey
Pathway Community Counselling
St Joseph’s Family Centre
Warrington Primary Care Psychological Services
Making Space
“Beating the Blues”, is a free, computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) programme offered by Making Space. The programme is confidential and you can refer yourself. No knowledge or experience of computers is needed. CCBT is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. It can help people recognise and challenge negative thinking and behaviour within themselves, and develop coping skills. Each person receives up to eight, weekly treatment sessions with one to one support. It's also possible to work through this programme at home with weekly telephone support sessions.
Visit Making Space's website
MindEd for Families - Older People
This website provides clear information for older people and their families. The site covers mental wellbeing; concerns older people might have; and mental health problems that can affect older people.
Visit MindEd for Families' website
North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (previously 5 Boroughs Partnership)
This trust provides treatment, support and guidance for people in Warrington affected by mental health problems or learning disabilities. To receive most of the services you need to be referred in by your GP, or another health professional. The website explains the range of services and support available; gives details about mental health problems; has information on how to look after your mental health; and explains how service users and carers can get more involved.
Visit the website of NW Boroughs Trust
Pathway Community Counselling
This Orford based service offers counselling for a wide range of different issues. After an initial assessment you may be offered 6 weekly sessions of 50 minutes.
Visit Pathway's website
Reading Well: Books on Prescription
This scheme encourages people to read recommended self-help books for issues such as depression, anxiety and sleep problems. All the books are endorsed by health care professionals and can be borrowed free from your local LiveWire Library. GPs and other health professionals can recommend the self-help books as part of your treatment. For details about the Warrington Books on Prescription Scheme and to see the range of recommended books visit the LiveWire Libraries page. For more information about the national scheme visit the Reading Well webpages.
If you like reading you might also be interested in the Read to Relax groups in Warrington and the Reading Agency's Mood-boosting books. Click here for the Mood-Boosting books' webpage. Click here for the Mood-Boosting book list chosen by older people.
Read to Relax
These free weekly reading groups aim to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation. The Read to Relax groups bring people together to read, have a cup of tea and a chat. Group members are read to, so they can just sit back and listen. There are currently three Read to Relax Groups running in LiveWire's libraries:
| Lymm Library |
Tel. 01925 754367 |
The group meets each Friday, 10.30am -11.30am. |
| Orford Park Library |
Tel. 01925 572504 |
The group meets each Tuesday, 10.30am -11.30am. |
| Penketh Library |
Tel. 01925 723730 |
The group meets each Tuesday, 2.00pm - 3.00pm. |
Visit the Read to Relax webpage
Creative Remedies also offers a Read to Relax Group.
If you like reading you might also be interested in the Reading Agency's Mood-Boosting books. Click here for the Mood-Boosting books' webpage. Click here for the Mood-Boosting book list chosen by older people.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk, at any time, day or night, about whatever is getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch with Samaritans. You can call, email, write, or visit Samaritans face-to-face.
116 123 this number is free to call
jo@samaritans.org
Visit Samaritans' website
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline, which provides information, friendship and advice to older people. It's open 24 hours a day, every day, tel. 0800 4 70 80 90
Visit the Silver Line's website
St Joseph's Family Centre
This Warrington based charity provides a range of support services including: counselling for children (from 6 years of age) and for adults; family contact services (so children of separated families can enjoy contact with their parents); and provision of food, furniture, bedding and essential household items for people and families in crisis. Short courses on parenting and anger management are also offered.
Visit St Joseph's website
Talking Matters Warrington (Previously Warrington Primary Care Psychological Service)
This service offers a range of talking treatments to people who are experiencing issues such as stress, low mood, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatments offered include disorder specific workshops, guided self-help and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). To use the service people need to be aged 16 or over and registered with a GP in Warrington. People can be referred into the service by a GP, or can refer themselves by ringing 01925 401720, using the form on the website, or attending the drop-in, which is every Monday, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, at 51 Bewsey Street, Warrington.
Visit Talking Matters' website
Warrington Borough Council’s (WBC) Mental Health Support
WBC provides a range of support for people with mental health problems. This includes the following groups and courses, which are all for people aged 18 or over:
Star Support Service
Star Support is a structured one-to-one support package to help people with mental health problems achieve small goals that will make a big difference to their lives. The support is tailored to individuals' needs and can help build confidence, reduce anxiety and enable people to access mainstream community activities.
To receive the Star Support Service you need to be referred by one of the following services:
- North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust: inpatient wards at Hollins Park Hospital, the Assessment Team, Home Treatment Team, Early Intervention Team and Recovery Team can all refer into Star Support.
- Lea Court
- The Psychiatric Liaison Team
- Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust’s Discharge Team
- Warrington Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods’ Complex Stream and First Response Team
- CGL Pathways to Recovery
Group Therapies
- Positive Thoughts: This seven week group therapy course is based on how our thoughts influence the way we feel; and ways of promoting more helpful thinking.
- Anxiety Management: These group sessions cover different ways to manage the pressures of life. The group therapies run over several weeks and are based in community venues. Both the Positive Thoughts and Anxiety Management groups are structured courses.
All referrals for group therapies go through Warrington Wellbeing. You can contact Warrington Wellbeing and refer yourself, or you can contact the Mental Health Outreach Team (details are below) and they can contact Warrington Wellbeing and refer you into group therapies.
Visit Warrington Wellbeing's webpage
For more details about Group Therapies contact Donna Holman, Mental Health Outreach Team:
Tel. 01925 444233
Email dholman@warrington.gov.uk
Creative Remedies
This arts and wellbeing service for Warrington residents aged 18 and over, offers a range of courses to improve health and wellbeing. Courses include dance, drama, drawing, media, music, sports, painting, photography, Read to Relax and walking groups. You can refer yourself, by just turning up, or a health or social care worker can refer you.
Visit Creative Remedies' webpage
Warrington Your Way (previously Warrington Day Centre)
Warrington Your Way is for people over 18 who experience mental health problems. Services provided include advice, education, skills development, work experience, peer support and a range of activities. One-to-one support sessions are offered to everyone who attends the Centre, these can cover the self-management of mental health problems, personal development, goal setting and help to access other agencies. For more information ring 01925 652204 or email warrington-yourway@together-uk.org.
Visit the national Your Way webpage.
The sites below have information about a particular type of mental health problem older people might experience, or are aimed at a particular group of people.
Anxiety UK
This national charity provides information and support to people experiencing anxiety. The helpline is staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety. Areas covered on the site include what anxiety is, treatments and self-help. For a membership fee people can access additional services such as reduced cost therapies and specialist email and phone support.
Visit Anxiety UK's website
Beyond the Scars (previously No Secrets Warrington)
This group provides peer support to adults who self-harm. Weekly meetings in Warrington offer individuals the chance to discuss and learn about their self-harm in a safe and confidential environment, without fear of judgement. In addition to the weekly meetings Beyond the Scars runs an online support group for people who self-harm; and a private Facebook support group for friends and family.
Visit Beyond the Scars’ website
Change, Grow, Live, Pathways to Recovery
Change, Grow, Live offers confidential information, advice and support to anyone affected by drug or alcohol use. The service can provide assessment, referral and a range of different medical and psychological treatments.
Visit CGL's webpage
Footsteps for Families
This is a Warrington based service to help people cope with a family member's drug or alcohol misuse. The support Footsteps can offer includes information, telephone help, drop–in sessions, one to one appointments, home visits, courses for family members and a parent support group.
Footsteps also offers up to eight sessions of counselling to anyone over the age of 11 who has a family member with a drug or alcohol issue; or who has been bereaved through drug or alcohol misuse.
Visit Footsteps website
Hearing Voices Group (Warrington)
This group (for people 16 and over) offers a safe environment where people who hear voices, have hallucinations, or other unusual experiences can feel comfortable and accepted. Meetings are 7.00pm-9.00pm on Tuesdays at Warrington Day Centre. For more details ring Garry Billington on 07972 538141.
The Hearing Voices Network (HVN)
The HVN is a collection of support groups across the country for people who hear voices, see visions or have other unusual perceptions. The groups provide an opportunity for people with shared experiences to come together, support each other and feel valued and understood.
Visit the Hearing Voices Network's website
Mood Swings Network Warrington
This self-help group supports people (aged 18 or over) with mental health problems, their carers, family and friends. The group meets from 7.30pm-9.00pm on the second Thursday of each month, at Warrington Your Way (which was previously known as Warrington Day Centre).
For more information contact Jen Heston-Kellett or Sameer Mana on 01925 443555.
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACA)
This charity offers information, advice and support to anyone who is concerned about a parent's drinking. There are different pages for children, young people and other people who are concerned. The charity runs a free, confidential helpline and also offers support via email.
Visit NACA's website
NHS digital apps library
This site lists apps, which may help people manage, or improve their health. It includes a section on mental health apps. Some apps are labelled "NHS Approved", which means there is evidence that the apps can help people look after their health. Others are labelled "Being Tested in the NHS", which means the NHS is monitoring them and gathering evidence on their effectiveness.
The NHS is testing the digital apps site and is keen to have feedback from people, so that the site can be improved and developed.
Visit the NHS Digital Apps Library
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust - self-help booklets
This site has a range of clear, easy to read, self-help booklets that are based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The booklets cover different aspects of mental wellbeing and mental health problems; they are available in a variety of formats; and can be downloaded free. There is also a free app for iPhone, iPad and Android, which allows you to access the full range of self-help booklets.
Visit NTW's self-help booklet webpage
PAPYRUS, Prevention of Young Suicide
This charity offers support to young people who are having thoughts of suicide and to anyone worried about a young person who may be at risk of suicide. Callers don’t have to give their name, or any personal details. All calls are confidential, but if an advisor is concerned about a caller's safety then PAPYRUS may contact emergency services to ensure they don’t come to harm.
Visit PAPYRUS' website
PeerTalk
This UK charity runs a network of peer support groups, for people 18 and over, who are experiencing depression. The groups are facilitated by volunteers. The Warrington group meets on Mondays, 7.00pm-8.30pm at the Gateway, 89 Sankey Street. You don’t need to register in advance, or to make an appointment, you can just turn up on the night.
Visit PeerTalk’s website
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (Cheshire & Merseyside)
This charity provides information, advice and support to people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse. The services offered in Warrington include counselling, a monthly survivors’ support group, advice and support if you choose to report the crime to the police, as well as emergency contraception and sexual health information. You can refer yourself to the Centre either by phoning, or through the website's contact page.
Tel. Warrington 01925 221546
Visit RSASC's website
Relate Cheshire and Merseyside
This charity provides counselling focussing on a range of issues including: relationship counselling, sex therapy, family counselling and young people’s counselling. In addition to this Relate offers workshops and courses for members of the public, professionals and businesses. You can also talk for free to counsellors on Relate's national site using live chat.
Visit Relate Cheshire and Merseyside’s website
Speak Up Advocacy Hub
The Advocacy Hub, which is based in The Gateway on Sankey Street, offers free, confidential, independent advocacy to any Warrington resident over the age of 18 and to disabled young people over the age of 16.
Advocacy services support people by making sure they have their voice heard on issues that are important to them. The Advocacy Hub brings together a range of advocacy services, to make it easier for people to get the advocacy support which is right for them.
Visit Speak Up Advocacy Hub's webpage
The Survivors Assistance Network (SAN)
The network provides free, practical and emotional support to anyone in the UK who’s been affected by a terrorist incident, either at home or overseas. This includes people who've sustained injuries, witnesses and people who’ve lost a loved one.
Support is available via phone, email, social media and in person. The support offered includes tailored assistance plans; supportive group activities; remembrance events; and linking people with other services, such as Victim Support. The network is part of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.
Visit SAN’s website
Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP)
WDP offers free information and advice to disabled people, their families and carers about services and equipment that can help with independence and improve quality of life.
Visit WDP's website
Warrington Independent Domestic Violence and Abuse Service
This service provides free confidential information and support to anyone living in Warrington who is experiencing domestic violence. The service can explain to people what their options are; can help people to keep safe; and can make referrals to other support agencies.
Visit the Domestic Violence and Abuse Service's website
Call the service above on 01925 243359 Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm
(Urgent messages are picked up and responded to outside these hours.)
Or call Refuge and Women’s Aid's National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
This is a 24-Hour freephone number.
Wired - Warrington Carers' Centre
The service offers information and support to carers, as well as social events, training opportunities and stress management. Wired also produces a quarterly newsletter and runs a drop-in service for carers.
Visit Warrington Carers' Centre website
Warrington Women's Aid (WWA) Refuge
WWA provides support and safe, temporary accommodation for women and children who leave home because of domestic violence. The website includes useful phone numbers and information about help available if you're experiencing domestic abuse.
Visit WWA's website
A number of webpages and support services developed specifically for men are listed under the drop down headings below. Details of campaigns linked to men’s mental health are also included.
Many of the services listed on other sections of this site also provide information and support to men, the services and campaigns below have been included in this section as they are designed especially for men, whereas services listed on other areas of the site tend to be more general.
Talking really does help
If you’re worried or anxious about something, then opening up and talking about it can be hard, but talking to someone you trust can be a really effective way of starting to deal with problems, including mental health problems. Sharing your worries and concerns in this way can also help you to feel supported. As talking is so important, many of the services and campaigns detailed below encourage men to talk about their feelings.
Men and suicide
In the UK the male suicide rate is more than three times the rate for women. The reasons for this are complex, but it’s believed that part of the reason is the social pressures and stigma that can prevent men from talking about their feelings and asking for help when they can’t cope.
Several of the campaigns listed below were developed in response to the male suicide rate, they ask us all to challenge stigma* in relation to mental health problems and suicide; and to encourage people, especially men, to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
If you are struggling to cope, or are having thoughts of suicide, the “Ask for help” and “If you need help right now” sections above explain which services you can contact for help and support.
*For more information about stigma see the “Stigma, discrimination and mental health problems” section below.
Information and support services for men
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
CALM is for men who are down, or in crisis. CALM offers free confidential support to men, through a helpline and webchat. Support is available from 5pm to midnight every day.
Visit CALM’s website
Dads Matter UK
This charity supports dads who are worried about, or who are experiencing depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the birth of their baby. The website covers the scale of the problem; how dads can recognize they’re experiencing difficulties; and getting help and support for both parents.
Visit Dads Matter UK's website
Fit to Tackle for Him
This is a free twelve-week fitness and weight loss programme for men, delivered by Warrington Wolves Foundation and LiveWire. In the past the sessions have included boot camp, touch rugby, training drills and boxercise. Members also received training tips from Warrington Wolves and healthy lifestyle advice from LiveWire's health and wellbeing advisors.
You can apply for the next Fit to Tackle programme by completing the online form, on the webpage below.
Visit the Fit to Tackle webpage
Men's Advice Line
This charity provides confidential advice and support to men who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. The Men's Advice Line can offer emotional support, practical advice and can put men in touch with other services for more specialist help.
Visit Men's Advice Line website
Men Get Eating Disorders Too (MGEDT)
This national charity is run by and for men with eating disorders, their carers and families. The website aims to raise awareness of the issues of eating disorders in men. It also enables men to offer and receive peer support through the online forum.
Visit the website of MGEDT
Offload
Offload is a ten-week mental fitness programme for men (aged 18+) living in Warrington. The programme enables men to learn from current and past professional rugby players, how to cope with stress and pressure and how to develop mental fitness. The sessions also include a range of fun activities, such as stadium tours, a chance to meet players and team competitions.
The aim of the programme is to help local men build resilience and improve their mental wellbeing, so they are able to manage difficult times and everyday challenges more easily.
For more information contact James Howes on jameshowes@wolvesfoundation.com
Royal College of Psychiatrists - Depression and men leaflet
This website has clear, non-medical information on many different aspects of mental health and mental health problems. One of the leaflets, which are free to print from the site, focuses on depression and men.
Visit the depression and men webpage
SurvivorsUK: male rape and sexual abuse
This charity provides confidential emotional support to men (18 and over) who have been sexually abused at any point in their lives. Support is offered through a national helpline and one to one SMS and web chat. SurvivorsUK also offers information and support to families and carers of men who have been sexually abused.
Visit SurvivorsUK's website
Campaigns and campaign resources – men’s mental health
In Your Corner
This is a national mental health campaign for men, run by the anti-stigma project Time to Change. The aim of the campaign is to encourage men to look out for their mates; and to be more supportive of the 1 in 4 of us who experience mental health problems in any given year.
Warrington has adopted the campaign and is inviting local organisations to host the In Your Corner stool, to raise men’s awareness of mental health issues. The stool is the type used by a corner man in a boxing ring, so links to the campaign message that at times we all need a mate in our corner to support us.
If your team or organisation would like to host the In Your Corner stool, or to order some of the local In Your Corner promotional materials for distribution in Warrington, then please email resources@warrington.gov.uk or ring 01925 443193.
#ItsOkayToTalk campaign
The #ItsOkayToTalk campaign was launched on social media, by the Rugby League player Luke Ambler, following the suicide of his brother-in-law. The aim of the campaign is to challenge stigma in relation to suicide and to encourage men to talk about how they feel.
By posting a picture of yourself doing the OK hand sign and adding the hashtag #ItsOkayToTalk, you can show your support for the campaign and strengthen the message that if someone is struggling, or feeling suicidal then ItsOkayToTalk.
The National Suicide Prevention Alliance and Samaritans have teamed up with the #ItsOkayToTalk campaign and produced a smart-card for men. The card has tips for looking after yourself and what to do if you're struggling to cope. You can download a PDF of the smart card here.
Visit the Facebook page of #ItsOkayToTalk
The Movember Foundation
This international charity aims to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives. The charity focuses on reducing the prevalence of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health problems and male suicides. The site has a page on men's mental health, suicide prevention and the importance of talking about how you’re feeling.
Visit Movember’s mental health webpage
State of Mind
State of Mind encourages rugby league players, coaches and fans to talk openly about mental health problems and to ask for help or support when they need it. The website includes practical tips for looking after your mental health; messages of support from rugby league players; and information about how you can get more involved.
Visit State of Mind's website
Men's Health Forum - Top tips leaflet and card
The website of the Men's Health Forum has PDFs of a men’s mental health leaflet and card, both of which you can download free.
Men’s leaflet
This explains how men can look out for their friends and support them with their mental health.
Men’s top tip card: Is your mate off his game?
This card aims to help men talk to their friends about mental health.
Visit the Men's Health Forum website
Time to Change – Meet the Wolfpack
This page on the Time to Change site encourages men to look out for their mates; gives tips for starting conversations about mental health problems; and emphasises the importance of providing support to mates by just being there. These serious messages are conveyed through a humorous video of dogs, “Meet the Wolfpack”.
Watch “Meet the Wolfpack” on YouTube
Visit the “Meet the Wolfpack” webpages
U OK M8? The LADbible
The LADbible's website includes a page dedicated to U OK M8?, a mental health campaign which aims to raise awareness of male mental health and suicide; and to encourage men to talk about their feelings.
The U OK M8? page includes a wide range of articles written for men, on different aspects of mental health such as personal experience of mental health problems and recovery; gender stereotypes and discrimination.
Visit the U OK M8? webpage
LGBTQ people's mental health
When people use the term LGBTQ to describe themselves, it means they identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, or they might define their sexuality or gender in a different way.
Being LGBTQ doesn’t itself cause mental health problems, but LGBTQ people’s experience of issues such as isolation, rejection, harassment, discrimination and hate crime, can increase the risk of certain mental health problems. (For an explanation of hate crime, and details of how to report a hate crime, look under the "Stigma, discrimination and mental health" heading at the bottom of the page). Research* has shown that LGBTQ people are significantly more likely, than heterosexual people, to experience anxiety and depression; to self-harm; and to take their own lives.
Taking care of our mental wellbeing
It’s necessary for all of us to look after our mental wellbeing, but for LGBTQ people, who may face additional pressures, it’s particularly important. For more information about maintaining or improving your mental wellbeing click on the “looking after our mental wellbeing” heading above.
Asking for support
It’s also really important to be able to recognize when you might need help or support; and to ask for help when you need it. The organisations listed below offer information, advice or support to people who identify as LGBTQ. A number of the websites have pages or downloads focusing specifically on the mental health and wellbeing of people who are LGBTQ. One of the services, Mind Out, is a mental health support service just for LGBTQ people.
If you can’t cope and need support urgently, then click on the orange drop down heading“If you need help right now” above.
Terms used
In the outline of services below, the terms used to describe people who are LGBTQ reflect the wording on each of the services’ websites.
Details of webpages, services and groups for LGBTQ people under 18, are listed on the page for children and young people.
*For more details about the research mentioned in the first paragraph, you can download a PDF of Stonewall’s Mental Health Briefing 2012. Clicking here will download the briefing.
Age UK
The Age UK website has a number of pages with information and advice for older LGBT people. The pages cover being LGBT in later life; planning for the future; marriage and civil partnership; protection against prejudice; and financial issues for same sex couples.
Visit Age UK's website
The Beaumont Society
This is a national self-help organisation run by and for the transgender community. The Beaumont Society offers support to people who identify as transgender, and to their partners and families. The Society can also provide advice and training on transgender issues.
Visit the Beaumont Society’s website
Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity
This is an independent community-led charity which provides information and support to lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. The charity also offers support to LGBT+ people who have had problems with the police or who have questions about the criminal justice system. Galop runs the national LGBT domestic abuse helpline, see the entry below.
Visit Galop’s website
For more information about what hate crime is and how to report hate crime in Warrington, click on the orange drop down heading “Stigma, discrimination and mental health problems” below.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation offers advice, support and information to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans. Services include a national helpline and free talking therapies for LGBT people across the North West. The Foundation has produced this PDF guide on mental health and wellbeing for LGBT people. The website also has a page on mental health for lesbian, bi-sexual and trans women.
Visit the LGBT Foundation’s website
LGBT Network (Warrington)
This network provides an opportunity for LGBT people to share their ideas and opinions about local health services, with the providers and commissioners who have the power to influence how services develop. The purpose of the network is to make local services more accessible to the LGBT community in Warrington; and to enable the Council and NHS to make stronger links with the local LGBT community. Meetings are every three months, but people don’t need to attend the meetings to feed their ideas and views into the network.
For more information contact Kerry Thomas on 07436109140 or kerry.thomas@tht.org.uk
LGBT Pulse Warrington
This Facebook page, run by the NHS for the LGBT community in Warrington, aims to cover a range of issues such as events, services and health promotion. One of the main focuses is sexual health.
Visit LGBT Pulse’s Facebook page
Mardi Gras Foundation
The Mardi Gras Foundation is a gay straight alliance, which aims to promote inclusion, equality and diversity. The Foundation offers support to the LGBT community through groups, a befriending scheme and counselling. Training for schools, colleges and business is also available on issues such as terminology, diversity, hate crime and homophobic language.
Visit the Mardi Gras Foundation’s website
Mermaids
Mermaids supports children and young people (up to the age of 19) who are experiencing gender identity issues. Support is also available to families and professionals involved in the care of children and young people. The organisation provides support through a helpline, email, an online parents' forum and a separate teens’ forum.
Visit Mermaids website
Mind and Mindline Trans+
Mind's website has pages on LGBTQ mental health and information booklets and fact sheets on many different aspects of mental health. All of the booklets and fact sheets can be read online, some can be downloaded free, others can be bought from the site.
Mind is running a new mental health helpline, especially for people who identify as trans or non-binary, their families and friends. Mindline Trans+ is a confidential helpline, staffed by trans volunteers whose role is to listen, provide support and signpost callers to other services that can help. At present the helpline is open Monday and Friday, 8.00pm to midnight.
Call Mindline Trans+ 0300 330 5468
Visit Mind’s website
Mind Out
Mind Out is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, trans and queer people. Mind Out offers advice and information over the phone, by email or via online chat.
Visit Mind Out’s website
National LGBT domestic abuse helpline
This helpline offers emotional and practical support to LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse. The webpage covers how to tell if you’re experiencing domestic abuse and what to do if you are. Domestic abuse can take many forms, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
Visit the webpage of the domestic abuse helpline
Helpline 0800 999 5428
The helpline's opening times are:
| Monday and Thursday |
10.00am-8.00pm |
| Tuesday and Wednesday |
10.00am-5.00pm |
| Friday |
1.00pm-5.00pm |
| Tuesday 1.00pm-5.00pm |
Trans specific service |
The NHS website
The NHS website has a range of health information for LGBT people. Links to the main pages which cover LGBT people's health are listed below:
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink's site has information about a wide range of issues including mental health problems, treatments and support available. Rethink's information sheets (which can be downloaded free) include a PDF fact sheet on LGBT mental health.
Visit Rethink’s website
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
SOBS offers peer support to people over 18, who have been bereaved by suicide. There's a page specifically about the email support that SOBS can provide when LGBTQ people have been bereaved by suicide; or when someone who is LGBTQ has died by suicide. The charity's focus is on self-help.
Visit the LGBTQ support page of SOBS website
Trans* Warrington
This local group meets on a monthly basis. The group offers transgender people in Warrington information, advice and support through social meetings. The group also organises a number of events for the trans community throughout the year; and provides trans training, which is often free to Warrington based services.
Visit Trans* Warrington’s website
The sites below offer information, advice and support to people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers.
Some of the services listed on other sections of this site also provide information and support around dementia. The sites listed below have been included in this section as they provide services specifically for people affected by dementia, whereas services listed on other areas of the site tend to be more general.
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society provides emotional support, information, advice and guidance to people who are living with dementia and to their carers.
The local Dementia Café offers people living with dementia and their carers the opportunity to meet others in an informal and supportive environment. The Dementia Café takes place on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.00am until 12.00pm at The Clock Tower Café, The Gateway, 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR.
Call theAlzheimer’s Society's local office 0151 420 8010
Email the Warrington branch of the Alzheimer’s Society warrington@alzheimers.org.uk
Visit the Alzheimer's Society's national website
Community Dementia Café
The dementia café provides the opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to socialise in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. The café runs every Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am at St Werburgh’s Community Hub, Boswell Avenue, Warrington WA4 6DQ.
For more information please contact Warrington Borough Council's South Area Team on 01925 443187 or 01925 442565.
House of Memories - free app
House of Memories is a dementia awareness programme, run by National Museums Liverpool. The programme offers training, resources, and museum-based activities to both professional carers and to family and friends. The aim is to help people share memories; improve communication and focus on the person living with dementia, rather than the condition. The workshops for family members and friends are free.
My House of Memories app
This free app has been designed by, and for, people living with dementia and their carers. The app enables people to explore everyday objects from the past and to share memories together. The objects the app covers are linked to a number of themes including school, work, leisure and maritime. The app is available for both iOS and android devices, you can find more details about the app and how to download it on the House of Memories website.
Visit the House of Memories website
Later Life and Memory Service Warrington
The service offers assessment, diagnosis, information and support to help older people understand and cope with changes in their memory. If you feel the service might benefit you or someone you care about, then contact your GP to ask about a referral. For more details about the range of support offered contact the Service directly on 01925 664041.
Visit North West Borough's website
Lewy Body Society
The MacIntyre Community Memory Café
The cafe is a welcoming and relaxing environment for people to take part in social activities, make new friends and enjoy tea, coffee and cake. The café is open to everyone, people living with dementia, those caring for them, friends and family, and people who are interested to find out more. The Warrington Community Memory Café is held in on the last Friday of every month from 11.00am until 1.00pm at The Old School Dining Room, Fairfield and Howley Community Centre, Warrington, WA1 3AJ.
Visit the Community Memory Cafés' webpage
Reading Well: Books on Prescription for Dementia
This is a national initiative which brings together 25 books on dementia, recommended by the Reading Agency. The collection was chosen by healthcare experts, people with dementia and carers’ groups. The books are for people with dementia, their carers, friends, family and anyone who wants to find out more. Each of the LiveWire Libraries has a collection of the books, which can be borrowed free. Health professionals can also prescribe books from the list to their patients.
Wired - Warrington Carers' Centre
The service offers information and support to carers, as well as social events, training opportunities and stress management. Wired also produces a quarterly newsletter and runs a drop-in service for carers.
Visit Warrington Carers' Centre website
Poor mental health, money worries and debt are closely linked. Living with a mental health problem can sometimes make it difficult for people to find work, or to manage money effectively; also being in debt, or worrying about money can be very stressful. Research shows that one in four adults with a mental health problem, has problem debt. And half of adults in problem debt also have a mental health problem. You can find more details on this PDF produced by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.
If you're having difficulty with money, or with your mental health, then it's important to ask for help. There are a number of free services which can help you manage your money, sort out your debts and look after your mental health.
The organisations listed immediately below offer free practical information and advice on managing money or debt. The organisations in the list further down this section offer free advice, information or support on issues relating to mental health, money and debt.
Budget Boosting Clubs
Warrington Borough Council's Budget Boosting Clubs provide free advice and support to help local people find jobs and increase their income. Both group and one to one support is offered. The clubs run every week and are open to anyone in Warrington aged 18 or over, who is looking for work, or who needs to boost their income. Individuals and families are welcome. Details of the days, times and locations of the Budget Boosting Clubs are on the webpage below.
Visit the Budget Boosting Club’s webpage
Citizens Advice Warrington
This is a local charity providing free, confidential and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including money and debt advice. The service is quality marked and is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority for advice provision. A team of specialist advisors cover all aspects of money and debt advice. They are part of the Greater Merseyside Money Advice Partnership funded by The Money Advice Service. Details of locations and opening times are on the website below. Immediate electronic advice can be accessed through the website.
Visit the website of Citizens Advice Warrington
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
This national charity works with local churches to provide free support to anyone who is in debt. In Warrington the following support is available:
The CAP Money Course: a free course to help you manage your money. You can find out when courses are running in Warrington by using the postcode search on the website.
CAP Debt Help: a debt coach will visit you at home, discuss your debts with you and help you find practical solutions. To book an appointment with Debt Help, or to find out more call the New Enquiries Team on 0800 328 0006. This number is free to ring from mobiles and landlines in the UK.
Visit CAP’s website
National Debtline
This charity provides free, confidential debt advice online and over the phone. Information on the website covers issues such as dealing with debt; and working out your budget. Sample letters for creditors; and a range of fact sheets and guides on different aspects of debt and debt management are also available to download free from the site.
Visit the National Debtline’s website
Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service was set up by the government to provide free, impartial money advice to the general public. The Service offers advice to help people improve their finances; tools to help people keep track of their spending; and support both over the phone and online.
One section of the Money Advice Service’s website has details of where to get free debt advice. All of these services are confidential and hold a standard accredited by the Money Advice Service. Another page of the site explains what financial abuse is (e.g. your partner controlling your money, or running up debts in your name). This section of the site also lists places you can go for advice and help if you are experiencing financial abuse.
Visit the Money Advice Service’s website
Step Change
This national charity offers free debt advice online and over the phone. The website also has advice and guidance to help people keep on top of their finances. Debt Remedy is Step Change’s free online debt advice tool. Through Debt Remedy you can get anonymous online debt advice, including a personal action plan, in 20 minutes.
Step Changes’ pages on debt-related stress (developed in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation) suggest practical things you can do to tackle debt and stress at the same time.
Visit Step Change's website
Warrington and Vale Royal College’s money courses
The College offers several courses to help people manage their money, these include “Saving Money by Internet Shopping, Introduction”, “Saving Money by Internet Shopping, Next Steps” and “Making Your Money Work”. The courses are open to adults living in Warrington and are free to people receiving out of work benefits. People receiving other benefits pay a reduced course fee. The courses run over several weeks in the daytime. Each course is run according to demand, so a course will be arranged only once enough people have enrolled. To find out more about these courses contact Learner Services on 01925 494494 or .
Alternatively visit the website below and put the word “money” in the “key word” box of the course search tool.
Visit Warrington and Vale Royal College’s website
The organisations below provide information about the impact that debt or money worries can have on mental health; and the impact that mental health problems can have on managing money. Many also suggest practical things you can to do manage both your money and your mental health.
Mental Health and Money Advice UK
This website offers free, impartial, practical information and advice. Its aim is to support people with mental health problems who are struggling with their money, as well as people whose financial problems are affecting their mental health. The site also has information and support for friends and family, carers and professionals. Areas covered include advice in plain English, free financial tools, sample letters, real life stories and where to get further information and advice.
Visit the Mental Health and Money Advice UK website
Mind
The mental health charity Mind has several pages focusing on money, debt and mental health. These pages cover the relationship between money worries and mental health problems and give practical suggestions about how you can start to address these issues.
Visit Mind's money and mental health pages
MoneySavingExpert.com
The MoneySavingExpert.com website offers free information and suggestions to help you reduce your bills and save money. The site includes a wide range of tips, tools and guides to help you budget and find the best deals.
Free Mental Health and Debt Guide
MoneySavingExpert.com has developed a free booklet for people with mental health problems, their family and friends. The booklet was written in partnership with the leading mental health and debt charities Mind, Rethink and Christians Against Poverty. The areas the booklet covers include how to handle debts when you’re unwell, how to work with banks, free debt counselling, tips for people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depression; and whether to declare a mental health diagnosis. The booklet can be downloaded in PDF format here.
Visit MoneySavingExpert.com
Relate
The charity Relate aims to help people get the most out of their relationships. As money is one of the main causes of arguments between couples the site offers information and advice on talking to your partner about money.
Visit Relate's money and relationship page
Rethink
This site has a section on money, benefits and employment, written especially for people with mental health problems. The information covers a wide range of issues including options for dealing with debt; cancelling contracts; managing money when going into hospital; and welfare benefits and mental health problems.
Visit Rethink’s money, benefits and employment pages
Royal College of Psychiatrists: Debt and mental health leaflet
This website has clear, non-medical information aimed at the general public. The information provided includes a free, downloadable leaflet for people with mental health problems who owe money, or who are in debt; and for people whose mental health has been affected by debt.
Visit the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website
Anyone can reach crisis point. If you are struggling to find enough money for food, you can request a foodbank voucher. Foodbanks provide free food and support to people in emergencies. For more details click the Warrington Foodbank heading below.
Warrington Foodbank
The Warrington Foodbank can provide nutritional food for people in emergencies. To receive food from the foodbank you’ll need a voucher. Vouchers are provided by a number of referral agencies such as CABx, health visitors and Children’s Centres. To find out which local organisations can provide vouchers, phone the food bank on the number below.
When you visit a referral agency they will ask you for some details of your situation, so they can offer you practical advice; and so they can give you the number of foodbank vouchers which is right for you, or your family. Once you have a foodbank voucher, you can exchange it for a minimum of three days emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre. The locations and opening times for Warrington's foodbank centres are listed on the website below.
Call 07583 080 521
Visit Warrington Foodbank’s website
Many people who experience mental health problems don't talk about their feelings or ask for help as they're afraid what other people might think, or say, or do.
Jokes and insults are often linked to mental health problems, this can hurt people's feelings and make them less likely to seek help when they need it.
The campaigns "Time to Change" and "Stamp Out Stigma" ask all of us to think and talk in a more responsible way about mental health problems. Both campaigns want to change our attitudes and behaviour towards people who experience mental health problems. The aim is to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Time to Change
This national campaign encourages people to talk about mental health problems and to challenge stigma and discrimination. On the site there's information about what's happening in different areas. You can find out about activities taking place near you, or even order a box of free campaign materials for your own event.
Visit Time to Change's website
Stamp Out Stigma
The Stamp Out Stigma campaign aims to put an end to stigma relating to mental health problems and learning disabilities. The campaign’s work focuses on a number of key areas:
- Enabling people, with lived experience of mental health stigma, to share their stories.
- Myth-busting common misconceptions about mental health conditions every month.
- Helping schools to raise awareness of mental health and learning disability stigma.
On the “schools’ resources” page you can download lesson plans for primary schools and secondary schools.
Visit Stamp Out Stigma's webpages
Hate Crime
Hate crime is the term used when someone is the target of crime or hostility, because of prejudice based on certain personal characteristics that they have. To put it simply, hate crime is when someone bullies you, hurts you or makes you feel bad, and their action is motivated by one of the personal characteristics below:
There are many different forms of hate crime. Hate crime can be against a person, or against their property. It can include:
- physical attacks
- vandalism
- harassment
- threats
- swearing
- abusive remarks
- bullying
- spitting
- insulting gestures
- being ignored
Hate crime can also take place online and on social media.
Mate Crime
Mate crime can be a form of hate crime. Mate crime is when someone pretends to be your friend, but then does things to take advantage of you or hurt you. In this context a “mate” might be a friend, a family member, a supporter, a paid member staff or someone in another role. Mate crime could involve someone asking you for money frequently, making you feel uncomfortable, or making you do things you don’t want to do.
Reporting hate crime
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime, then it's important to report it, as it may help prevent a hate crime happening to someone else.
There are a number of ways you can report a hate crime, by phone, in person or online:
- By phone: you can call the Police on 101 (for non-emergencies), or in an emergency on 999.
- In person: you can go to a local police station to report a hate crime, or to a local community reporting centre. Community reporting centres are organisations in Warrington whose staff have agreed to listen to people's experiences of hate crime and pass the information on to the police. You can report a hate crime at these Centres anonymously if you wish.
- Online: via the True Vision website
This site explains the different ways in which you can report hate crimes, including online reporting. It also has links to organisations that can offer support and advice to anyone who's experienced a hate crime.
The impact of hate crime
Hate crimes can cause people significantly more psychological distress, than crimes which aren’t motivated by hate or prejudice. The violence and harassment, which can be part of hate crimes, often takes place over a long period of time. This can have negative physical and psychological effects on individuals and their families. People who have been subjected to hate crime may experience depression, anxiety, or anger as a result of what they have been through.
Getting support
It's important to let someone know if you're experiencing difficulties as a result of hate crime. Talk to your GP, a friend, a member of your family, or someone else you trust. Letting someone know how you're feeling is the first step to getting the help or support you need.
Cheshire CARES (Cope and Recover Enhanced Service)
This site was set up to provide advice and support to all victims of crime in Cheshire, including bereaved relatives and carers. There's a directory on the site listing a wide range of local and national services which can support victims of crime. The crime doesn’t have to be recent, or to have been reported to the police, for you to get support. You can find Warrington based services by using the search function on the site.
Support services on Happy? OK? Sad?
You could also click the dropdown headings above to see the range of mental health support available to people in Warrington. You might want to start by looking under the general heading “Information about local and national services and support”.
If you can’t cope and need support urgently, then click on the orange dropdown heading “If you need help right now” above.
Stigma - is a negative attitude towards something or someone, based on a misunderstanding. When we talk about the stigma of mental health problems we mean that people are often thought less of, or seen in a negative way because of their mental health problems.
Discrimination - is treating people differently, unfairly or less well. Often people are treated unfairly or less well just because they have mental health problems.
