Looking after your mental health and wellbeing through winter
23 Dec 22
Winter can be difficult for many of us, darker nights and a drop in temperature can be hard on our mental health and the rising costs of living are causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, their health, jobs and finances. It’s normal to feel anxious and if you’re worried about the effects on your mental health, you are not alone. The following organisations are delivering services to support you to look after your mental health and well-being through winter.
You can self-refer to most of these services without needing to see your GP or a mental health professional. Please visit the websites or give them a call to find out more.
Herts Mind Network deliver peer support, community support, domestic abuse services, complex needs services, dementia and carers support. Plus, a range of online services and Wellbeing Courses. More information can be found at www.hertsmindnetwork.org or call 0203 727 3600.
Mind in Mid-Herts In person and online mental health courses and workshops, social groups, exercise groups including football and walking, psychological therapies, 1-1 calls, LGBTQ+ and male/female groups as well as vocational support. Live daily mindfulness sessions. To access any of their services contact them on 03303 208100, email admin@mindinmidherts.org.uk or visit the website: www.mindinmidherts.org.uk
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) Wellbeing Service support for adults experiencing common mental health problems i.e., depression and anxiety. The service offers free access to digital video and telephone based talking therapies. Info & self-referral wellbeingservice/hertfordshire
Rethink Mental Illness offers a befriending service to adults with a mental difficulty in East Herts and carers support across the whole of Hertfordshire. Contact rethinkcompanions@rethink.org, jonathan.clack@rethink.org or call 07760615342
Guideposts Watford offers support with mental health problems, disability, or caring responsibilities. Group and social activities, physical activities, 1:1 support and crisis management, courses, outreach support, peer support, Carers support.info at www.guideposts.org.uk/hertfordshire-services/ or call 01923 223 554.
Support for autistic adults
Autism Hertfordshire provides support to autistic people, parents, carers and professionals. There is a helpline open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, you can reach us on 01727 743246 or email enquiries@autismherts.org. Autism Hertfordshire is also able to provide support with: Pre and Post Diagnosis Support, Transitions support, adult skills development course and workshops, carers support, social activities.
Support for refugees and asylum seekers
Flourish provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to refugees and asylum seekers who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. Please visit Flourish – Refugee Service – Hertfordshire Mind Network (hertsmindnetwork.org), or phone 020 3727 3600.
Dementia
If you are concerned that you or a loved one are developing memory problems, your GP can make a referral to Hertfordshire’s Early Memory Diagnostic and Support Service (EMDASS). There is a range of information and ideas to support people with symptoms of dementia through Hertswise and Alzheimer’s Society. Or call 01707 378365 For more information you can still talk to Herts Help on 0300 123 4044.
InTouch is a countywide emotional support line for older people, open Monday to Friday 9am – 4:30pm. Tel: 01992 629 358 or 01992 634 964 or 07538 954 189 Email: InTouch@ageukherts.org.uk