Mental Health
Learning to look after your mental health is really important especially for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They have their own unique challenges and feelings, which can sometimes make them feel different. Taking care of their mental health helps you to feel in control of how you are feeling.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is about our feelings, thoughts, and how we handle tough times. It's like taking care of our mind just like we take care of our body. It's important to have good thoughts and talk about how we feel. If things get hard, we can ask for help to feel better, just like when we're not feeling well physically.
How can we help someone who is struggling with their Mental Health?
What can you do if someone you know is struggling with their mental health?
If someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, there are several supportive actions you can take:
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Be an attentive listener. Let them talk about how they're feeling without interrupting or judging. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can be very comforting.
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Let them know you're there for them and that you care about their well-being. Express your willingness to help in any way you can.
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Learn about their specific mental health condition or struggles. Understanding what they're going through can help you offer more targeted support
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Suggest seeking professional help, such as a therapist, counselor, or doctor. Offer to assist in finding resources, making appointments, or even accompanying them if they're comfortable. Be sure to look at the bottom of this page at the services available in Wirral for support with mental health.
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Understand that recovery is a journey and it may take time. Respect their pace and decisions, and avoid pressuring them to "get better" quickly.
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Keep in touch regularly. Send messages of support, invite them to do activities, and show that you're thinking of them.
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Be patient and understanding. Recovery isn't always linear, and there may be ups and downs.
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Refrain from judging or criticising their feelings or actions. Supportive and non judgmental communication is key.
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Encourage them to engage in self-care activities that they enjoy, like hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
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Stay observant for any signs of worsening mental health. If you notice serious changes or concerns about their safety, consider involving a trusted adult or professional.
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Remind them of their strengths and past achievements. Offer positive affirmations to boost their self-esteem.
Managing Your Emotions
Sometimes life can give you difficult things to process and this can make you feel sad, lonely, upset, angry, naughty, unable to cope, anxious, or depressed.
Everyone has different life experiences so you can’t compare the way you react to a situation to the way someone else does.
Normal Emotions
We all experience a range of emotions but sometimes things might happen that means we might not be able to deal with these very well. For example: someone dying, difficulties at home or friendship breakdown. This is ok and perfectly normal.
When are they not OK?
When your emotions affect you on a daily basis and affects school, family, friends, social life and stops you from doing things, it can become a problem.
Unhealthy ways of expressing your emotions
Downers – focus only on negative things, overlooking or dismissing positives (negative glasses)
Self-harming
Misusing drugs and alcohol
Fighting – getting into trouble etc
Feeling thoughts - strong emotions cloud how we think and see things
Blaming me or others for my problems
We all express our emotions in different ways some are better than others
What can we do to manage our emotional health and wellbeing?
Take a time-out. Do some yoga, listen to music, meditate, read or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Keep healthy, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
BREATHE! Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly. IN for 3, HOLD for 3 and OUT for 3.
Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which is not possible, be proud of however close you get.
Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it as bad as you think?
Welcome humour. A good laugh goes a long way.
Maintain a positive attitude. Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed and let them know how they can help you.
Further Support
Wirral 0 - 19 Service
Welcome to the Wirral 0-19 Duty Service, your dedicated resource for all inquiries related to children and young people aged 0 to 19 years old. Our service will provide comprehensive support, guidance, and information to parents, caregivers, and individuals seeking assistance within the Wirral community.
At Wirral 0-19 Duty Service, we understand the importance of addressing the needs and concerns that arise during a child's life. Whether you have questions about parenting, education, health, or any other matter concerning children and young people, we're here to help.
You can reach out to us Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm by calling our dedicated contact number: 0151 514 0219
Chat Health
Young people can access confidential support and advice from a school nurse via
ChatHealth – 07480 635538
Response Counselling Service
Response counselling service works with young people aged 13-18. It is a free confidential service working with young people with moderate to severe issues which include suicide ideation, self harming, depression, high levels of anxiety bereavement etc.
We also work with the Response Alcohol and drugs team as many referral come for both services. Our work is separate from but alongside CAMHS, sharing risk between the 2 services. The referral system is usually by filling in a referral form and sending it by email unless it’s a parent referring and we can take it over the phone. We can only accept referral if it’s with the consent of the young person.
If a young person mentioned suicide then it’s fine for a worker to talk with them but it does need referring on, talking about suicide will never increase the risk of a young person taking their own life.
Self harm can include many ways , it is a physical way of dealing with an emotion. Again it needs referring on as stopping a young person from harming themselves isn’t going to deal with why they are having to do it.
Tel: 0151 666 4123
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers support young people in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people on a wide range of issues and topics such as: building resilience, reducing risks, healthy relationships, sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) drugs, alcohol, emotional health, Stress and Anxiety.
To find your youth worker visit their page.
Wirral Access Team CAMHS
The Wirral Access team offers a single point of access to CAMHS for children and young people presenting with a range of mental health difficulties.
We accept requests for help from schools, GPs, social care, families, and young people through completion of the 'request for help' form. All requests for help are discussed within the service to consider what the best way forward may be. If CAMHS appear to be the most appropriate service to meet the young person's needs then a Choice appointment will be offered.
During the Choice appointment, a Mental Health Practitioner will work with the family and young person to help them to share a range of information and to agree a plan based on the assessment of need; this may be an agreement for further work together within Wirral CAMHS or a signpost to other agencies for support, if this is felt to be more appropriate based on the young person's current circumstances.
Visit their website if you would like to request help for yourself or someone you care for.
WALK Wirral Autism & Learning Disabilities Key workers
Wirral Autism & Learning Disabilities Keyworkers (WALK) was established in September 2022 for children/young people with autism and/or learning disabilities, who are on the Dynamic Support Database who present with mental health challenges that lead or could lead to them being at risk of admission to a Tier 4 setting/hospital.
Who is this aimed at?
Children from 0 to 18 years old (until 18th Birthday)
Has a diagnosis of Autism and/or Learning Disability.
They must be registered on the Dynamic Support Database held with CAMHS.
Individuals must have the continuing involvement of a main professional e.g., CAMHS case worker / social worker otherwise requests for involvement will not be accepted.
Plus at least 1 out 3 of the following -
Acute setting (A&E) attendance or have been offered a Tier 4 bed intervention within the last 12 months.
Individuals who have a high risk of re-admission to Tier 4 setting, including CHEDS.
Where there has been a problem or difficulty in an area of support, resulting in a lack of progression which has significantly affected the child’s or young person’s mental health.
How to get involved
Currently, a child/young person needs to be with/open to CAMHS. A referral through a CAMHS worker needs to be put forward to go onto the Dynamic Support Database and then a Request for Involvement can be requested.
Email: walk@wirral.gov.uk
hatch
hatch is here to make sure that you have emotional wellbeing support.
Much of the time we are not born with the innate ability to cope with these things on our own.
This is where we can help. hatch provide 1-1 sessions to help develop a range of skills and strategies that can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Our volunteer mentors support you to complete a computerised CBT skills intervention called Bazaar -that explores which things work best for you. CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which sounds pretty intimidating. What it actually means is learning a way of thinking that helps us face tough times in a positive way.
hatch support Wirral Young People aged 11 -16yrs
To get in touch about accessing hatch please head to our website and complete a referral form via our 'Get in touch' page.
Access is free and immediate.
Twitter: @hatchmerseyside
Instagram: @hatchmerseyside
Website: hatchmerseyside.co.uk
Open Door Centre
If you are aged 17 - 30, you can become a member and then access as many of our services as you like, including Creative Therapeutic Support if you are feeling down, low, stressed or anxious, numerous different activities within music and the arts, unique training and volunteering opportunities and much more. Membership is free, with no waiting lists.
CAMHS Advice Line
This site was created for young people, carers and professionals to pool together lots of helpful resources from across the internet.
24 hour mental health line 0800 145 6485 any age.
Action for Children
Best start in life
We know how important the early years are - and we’re here to help. From parenting advice to education and early intervention, we focus on improving children’s life chances.
Good mental health
Everyone has ups and downs in life. Our mental and emotional well-being experts work with families and schools to make sure children and parents feel able to cope with challenges when they arise.
A safe and loving home
We make sure more children feel part of a family that cares for them. We find homes for those without, protect children who have been abused or neglected, and help ensure young carers don’t miss out on a childhood.
KOOTH
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm
kooth.com
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
or
Text BLUE to 85258 to get resources and sign posting information.
Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving. All of our Crisis Volunteers donate their time to helping people in crisis.
Anxiety UK
Provides information, support and advice for anyone struggling with anxiety.
Live chat service available.
Phone: 03444 775 774
Text: 07537 416 905
Email: support@anxietyuk.org.uk
Opening times: 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday
No Panic
Supports people struggling with panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias and other anxiety-related issues related - and provides support and information for their carers.
Offers a specialist youth helpline for people aged 13-20. The opening hours are 3pm - 6pm, Monday - Friday; 6pm - 8pm, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Call 01952 680835 for a recorded breathing exercise to help you through a panic attack (available 24/7).
Information about call costs here.
Phone: 0300 7729844
Phone: 0330 606 1174 (Youth helpline)
Email: sarah@nopanic.org.uk
Opening times: 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year
OCD Action
Offers support and information to anybody affected by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Website provides information and advice to help you access treatment.
Phone: 0300 636 5478
Email: support@ocdaction.org.uk
Email: youthhelpline@ocdaction.org.uk
Opening times: 9:30am - 8pm, Monday - Friday
The Mix
Offers support to anyone under 25 about anything that’s troubling them.
Email support available via their online contact form.
Free 1-2-1 webchat service available.
Free short-term counselling service available.
Phone: 0808 808 4994
Opening times: 4pm - 11pm, seven days a week
Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: 9am - midnight, 365 days a year
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.
All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
Text: YM to 85258
Opening times: 24/7