Animation release helps those in crisis for World Mental Health Day
The new animation demonstrates signs of a mental health crisis, helping people recognise when they or someone they care about may need extra support, and encourages those struggling to reach out before their issues escalate into a more serious condition.
"At Mersey Care we set up phone support for people experiencing a mental health crisis some years ago, which provides access to one of our dedicated mental health professionals who can offer assistance and signpost you to the best support available," explained Dr Noir Thomas, Mersey Care's Chief Medical Officer.
"As a healthcare provider we want the same outcome as friends, relatives and loved ones of those who fall into mental health crisis, which is spotting the early signs and allowing access to support quickly so we can prevent crises and help people maintain their wellbeing.
"World Mental Health Day is a timely reminder that mental health matters every day and we want our new animation to become a simple tool for everyone to access so they can guide people on when and how to seek help.”
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, focuses on 'Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,' and highlights the importance of looking after mental health in every situation, particularly when life feels overwhelming.
The animation (see below) demonstrates the signs of a mental health crisis, and also encourages people to reach out early rather than wait until situations become urgent.
Mersey Care Mental Health Services
Mersey Care provides a range of mental health services to support wellbeing, including community support teams, therapy services, and specialist crisis intervention. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is encouraged to contact one of Mersey Care’s dedicated urgent help lines for immediate assistance.
There are also Crisis Café’s, based in Liverpool and Southport, which offer advice and referrals to ongoing support services, while Crisis Café 110, based in Hope House, Crab Street in St Helens, is offering an open evening between 4pm and 6pm on 10 October.
The Trust’s Talking Therapies service is holding a variety of workshops as part of their World Mental Health Day event, being held at Liverpool Central Library from 10am to 3.30pm on 10 October, which includes mental health talks and Zumba displays, while the Life Rooms are holding wellbeing events at Southport (8 October) and Walton (9 October).
Talking Therapies Service - Halton
The Talking Therapies service has also been extended in Halton, so it is now available to everyone aged 16 and above having previously been limited to those aged over 18. This change means even more people can benefit by accessing support for anxiety and depression. If you’re 16 or older, with a Halton GP, you’re able to self refer via Mersey Care’s website.
