Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is marking World Mental Health Day today (Friday) by reminding people that mental health support is available – and easy to reach.
This year’s theme, “Access to Mental Health Services”, highlights the importance of making sure people can find the right help at the right time. The Trust is using the day to raise awareness of the wide range of local and national services available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and knowing where to turn can make a real difference. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, feeling low or facing a crisis, the right support at the right time can help them feel safe, understood and in control.
The Trust works closely with NHS partners, local authorities, and voluntary organisations to ensure mental health support is accessible and responsive to the needs of our communities.
One of the key tools available is the Life Card. Life Cards offer key support and signpost to key organisations offering advice and support for those struggling with their mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts. These cards also provide guidance on how to help someone in distress. They are available digitally and or as a small card designed to fit discreetly into wallets, phone pouches and bags to ensure support is always close at hand. These are free to the public and NHS and voluntarily services and can be accessed via the Trusts website.
Beth Ford is autistic and experiences mental health challenges. She said:
“When I’m struggling or having suicidal thoughts, it’s hard to know where to go. The Life Card helps me find support quickly. I carry one in my wallet so I know I have help nearby when I need it most.”
The Trust’s Help in a Crisis page is easily accessible via a prominent crisis button on the homepage: www.hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/help-crisis signposting to access to key services nationally and locally across Hampshire and Isle of Wight including:
- NHS Talking Therapies: offering support for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and more. This service is available via self-referral or through a GP.
- Safe Havens and Lighthouse Services: Offering immediate, face-to-face, phone, text, email, text support in safe spaces during evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service: Call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support from trained mental health professionals.
- Shout Text Service: Text “HANTS” to 85258 for free, confidential, 24/7 support from trained volunteers who will listen and offer guidance. This service is available to anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who is struggling with their mental health and doesn’t want their support to appear on their phone bill.
- Samaritans: Offers emotional support to anyone struggling to cope by providing a free, confidential, and non-judgmental listening service, available 24/7 via phone (116 123), email, and in person.
- Kooth: A free, anonymous online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11–25. They offer counselling, self-help tools, and peer support.
- PAPYRUS: A UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
In a life-threatening emergency please dial 999.
Dr Victoria Laakkonen, Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We know it’s not always easy to ask for help, especially in a crisis. That’s why we’ve made it simpler for people to know where to turn. Whether it’s calling 111, speaking to a GP or texting for support, there are options for everyone. Mental health can affect anyone and knowing how to get help is vital. These services are free, confidential and there when people need them most.”
More information and access to all mental health services listed above are available at: www.hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/help-crisis
