Please look after your mental health

Wandsworth people struggling with their mental health can get support from a wide range of services. If you are having suicidal thoughts or are concerned about your mental health, make an urgent appointment with your GP who will be able to help you to get the right support. 

• Good Thinking – a free digital mental well-being service commissioned by Wandsworth Council Public Health that provides support to those who feel anxious, sleep deprived, stressed or sad.   
• Talk Wandsworth – confidential support for people experiencing mild mental health conditions such as anxiety, low mood and stress.  
• Kooth – free, safe and anonymous support for young people  
• Togetherall – a 24/7 anonymous support including forums and courses for mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and isolation  
• Active Wellbeing is a programme for adults with a diagnosed severe and enduring mental health illness and improves mental and physical health. 
• South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust has a 24/7 mental health support line available for people going through a mental health crisis. It is open to anyone of any age, including people who have not previously accessed the mental health service. Call 0800 028 8000.  
• The Samaritans freephone number is 116 123 and is open to anyone in distress who wants to talk about their feelings. 
• Shout is a free 24-hour text service for anyone in crisis who is struggling to cope. Simply text Shout to 85258. 
• The Stay Alive app is for those at risk of suicide and people worried about someone 
• The Hub of Hope provided by national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. 

Read more about other sources of support.  

As part of the council’s Black History Month programme, boxer Frank Bruno, who grew up in Wandsworth, returns to discuss his career and his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, describing how he overcame his challenges and learnt that there is no shame in asking for help. Book your free ticket here. 

Wandsworth Council has undertaken a major assessment of mental health needs in the borough to help plan future services. Next month members of the council’s Health Committee will discuss an updated Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Strategy, including increasing support available through GPs and health centres, suicide prevention training for health and social care professionals, crisis mental health support for people experiencing financial hardship and prevention work to improve mental health support for children and young people. 

Wandsworth Council encourages local people to take a 20-minute course from the Zero Suicide Alliance to help people talk more openly to their friends, family, and work colleagues when they are struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Find out more. 

 Cabinet member for health Councillor Graeme Henderson said: “Mental health issues can strike any one of us at any time, and it’s important we do what we can to help ourselves and each other. Times are especially tough as we deal with a cost of living crisis so if you need additional support find out what additional help is available and reach out for support”.