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Day 23: Mental Health Support is Available

For this year’s Harehills Good News Advent Calendar, I’m focusing on the positive aspects of our community, the stories and people that often get overlooked in the negative press. Today, for the 23rd, I want to talk about something a little more personal, and very important: mental health.

The good news here is that Harehills, and the surrounding area, have a wealth of resources available for those struggling with their mental health. This past couple of years have been tough for me. The loss of my sister, combined with work stress and depression, led me through some very dark times. It wasn’t easy to reach out, and it wasn’t easy to find the right support for my situation. It also made me realise just how crucial it is to know what help is available locally.

My experience isn’t unique, and what worked for me won’t work for everyone. What’s important is knowing that you’re not alone and that there are people and organisations in our community who can provide support, guidance, and a listening ear. So, for this entry in the calendar, I want to highlight some of the fantastic mental health services available in and around Harehills. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but hopefully, it’s a good starting point for anyone who needs it.

Urgent Crisis Support

If you are in crisis right now, and need someone to talk to, here are some national services that offer confidential support, (thank you to Shantona Women’s Centre for sharing this lst):

  • Shout Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258  
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org – 24/7
  • Mind: 03001233393 (Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm Mon-Fri except Bank Holidays)
  • Child Line: 0800111
  • NSPCC: 08088005000
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 08082000247
  • National LBGT+ and Abuse Helpline: 08009995428 (Mon-Tues 9:15am to 8pm, Weds-Fri 9:15am to 4:30pm except bank holidays
  • Emergency services: 999, or for non-emergencies 101

Local Mental Health Resources

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service

This NHS service offers support and psychological therapies for common issues like anxiety and depression. They have online therapy courses and self-management tools, making it easy to access help when you need it. Self-referrals are welcome.

Live Well Leeds

Live Well Leeds is a community-based service providing emotional support and information, especially during times of distress. They offer a telephone helpline and instant chat for those dealing with anxiety, loneliness, or other mental health concerns. They also provide support for carers and offer social prescribing, connecting people with activities like gardening or art classes that can boost well-being. Live Well Leeds covers the whole city and is a partnership between 16 local organizations.

Touchstone Support Centre

Touchstone provides a wide range of mental health services in Leeds, with a particular focus on supporting diverse communities. Some of their key services include:

  • BME Dementia Service: Specialised support for individuals from BME communities experiencing dementia .  
  • Community Wellbeing Connectors: Connectors who work with individuals in their communities to improve mental health and well-being .  
  • East Leeds Health for All Better Together: A program that promotes health and well-being through community groups and activities.
  • Dial House @Touchstone: A partnership between Touchstone and Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service (LSLCS) to provide support and social time and out of hours crisis services to people from diverse communities
  • Check out there are many other services available
  • Telephone: 0113 2718277
  • Address: Touchstone House, 2-4 Middleton Crescent, Leeds LS11 6JU
  • Website: https://touchstonesupport.org.uk/  

Mental Health Mates Leeds

This peer support group organizes walks in Roundhay Park, the City Centre, and other locations. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, all while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and exercise.  

Feel Good Factor (Chapeltown and Harehills)

Based in Chapeltown, Feel Good Factor (FGF) offers a wide range of community health and well-being groups and activities for residents of Chapeltown and Harehills as well as the whole of Leeds. This includes art courses, walking groups, gardening, healthy eating programs, and the Connect Men’s Club. They cater to people of all ages..  

Other Useful Resources

Mindwell: This is the mental health website for people in Leeds. It is a great place to look for resources. https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/
NHS Mental Health Helplines: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

You Are Not Alone

This is just a snapshot of the mental health support available in our area. Many other fantastic organizations and groups are doing incredible work. If you know of any that deserve a mention, please get in touch, and I’ll do my best to keep an updated resource page.
Remember, we all need help sometimes. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you’re struggling, please don’t hesitate to contact one of these organizations or talk to someone you trust. There is support available, and things can get better.

Seasons greetings and thank you for reading the Harehills Advent Calendar

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