We recognise that looking after our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health. We can tell you about services in Blackburn with Darwen that can help you manage your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

We might suggest you speak to your GP or mental health team, we can also tell you about how to arrange talking therapies and as well as other services and activities in the local area that are based around the five ways to wellbeing or specific to your situation. 

Five ways to mental well-being  

Below are five things that, according to research, can really help to boost our mental wellbeing: 

• Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships. 

• Be active – you don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life. 

• Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike? 

• Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks. 

• Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. 

Mental health crisis

If you feel worried about your mental health, and are considering taking your own life, you should talk to someone. You can call 999 or your GP surgery and arrange to speak to someone immediately, alternatively the following organisations can help

NHS Mental Health Urgent Response Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110.

Samaritans offer completely confidential emotional support 24 hours a day - you call them for free on 116 123

Suicide Prevention Hope Line 0800 068 4141 Young people under the age of 35 who may be having thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned a young person may be having thoughts of suicide. 

NHS Wellbeing Helpline & Texting Service staffed by volunteers and those with lived experience, that offers emotional support – ring if you want to chat about your mental health or are lonely etc. 0800 915 4640 or by texting ‘Hello’ to 07860 022846.

Mental health support 

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

https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/mindsmatter2-help-advice-lines

Specialist Triage Assessment and Referral Team (START) 01254 226360 Providing a single point of access into Adult Mental Health Services - including assessment, triage and signposting (aged 16+)

Talking therapies 

Mindsmatter are continuing to offer free talking therapies by telephone or online - this can be either via GP or Self Referral - 01254 226037 

You can also pay for talking therapies by going directly to a private therapist, many list their services on Counselling Directory using their search function 

Together All (Previously known as Big White Wall) A safe online community of people who are anxious, down or not coping who support and help each other by sharing what’s troubling them, guided by trained professionals. Available 24/7, and completely anonymous. Free for people living in Blackburn with Darwen - just enter your postcode https://togetherall.com/en-gb/

Listening service

Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.