Somerset Talking Therapies

Patients wanting access to CBT, or other professional mental health services, can make a self-referral to the Somerset Talking Therapies team.

Please use this link if you wish to make a self-referral: Talking Therapies – Somerset IAPT Service – NHS Foundation Trust (somersetft.nhs.uk)

Mind in Somerset

Mind in Somerset is one of the most comprehensive and recommended charity run services for people who need help and support with their mental health https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/. They have;

• A 24/7 telephone service called Mindline
• Online chat service between 8pm and 11pm
• Support groups
• and many other projects to support peoples mental health.

Telephone: 01823 276 892

Free phone: 0800 138 1692 (24hr service every day.)

Shout – Text: 85258

The idea of talking to someone over the phone can be daunting some times and there are other services to cater for this. Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/

Stay Alive App (developed by reputable suicide prevention charities)

A pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. The app can be accessed through the Apple Store, Google Play and downloaded as a pdf.https://www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app/

Google/Android App

iPhone/IOS App

Desktop Web App

Silverline

Aimed at people over 55. Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

Aimed specifically at men. Their helpline is open between 5pm and midnight every day of the year.

• Telephone (outside London): 0800 58 58 58
• Telephone (London): 0808 802 58 58

Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/ (5pm – Midnight every day)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Anxiety UK suggests practicing the “Apple” technique to deal with anxiety and worries.

• Acknowledge: Notice and acknowledge the uncertainty as it comes to mind.
• Pause: Don’t react as you normally do. Don’t react at all. Pause and breathe.
• Pull back: Tell yourself this is just the worry talking, and this apparent need for certainty is not helpful and not necessary. It is only a thought or feeling. Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are not statements or facts.
• Let go: Let go of the thought or feeling. It will pass. You don’t have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble or cloud.
• Explore: Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well. Notice your breathing and the sensations of your breathing. Notice the ground beneath you. Look around and notice what you see, what you hear, what you can touch, what you can smell. Right now. Then shift your focus of attention to something else – on what you need to do, on what you were doing before you noticed the worry, or do something else – mindfully with your full attention.