Finding this year difficult? We’re here for you. Reach out for free talking therapy in North West London

The Talking Therapies services across North West London Health and Care Partnership are launching a campaign to remind local residents that mental health services are open and here for them during the pandemic and beyond.

Talking Therapies have been running throughout the pandemic, but we know coronavirus has made stress and anxiety more common for people and we want everyone to know this service is here to help them.

If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed, depressed or finding it difficult to cope then our teams are here to help. Common difficulties include isolation, bereavement, panic attacks, drinking or eating more and taking drugs. If you’re feeling this way talk to someone before it gets out of hand.

Some people have experienced these mental health issues for the first time during the pandemic while others have seen them return.

Claire Murdoch, CNWL’s Chief Executive, said “The last year has been unlike any other and the emotional impact of the pandemic on families’ mental health and wellbeing has been huge. If you feel everything is getting on top of you, please talk to us and encourage your family or friends to do so too if you’re concerned. Whatever your age, these therapies help.”

Carolyn Regan, West London NHS Trust Chief Executive, said “We know there are people out there not currently receiving the support they need. Talking Therapies services are easily accessible to everyone and we’re ready to take your call. You will speak to trained clinicians who can quickly help you with your mental health and wellbeing”.

Visit nhsTalk2us.org and fill in a short online form and our teams will book you in for an appointment to discuss any difficulties you are having and the next steps to take.

There’s no need for you to travel. They’ll speak to you on the phone or in a video consultation. If you prefer to see someone face to face we can arrange this with you.

If you can’t get online easily you can also phone for an appointment; call the team in the borough where the GP you are registered with is located. If you are not sure which service your GP is associated with check on this link https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/ or call the number closest to you and they’ll make sure you reach the right team.

The Talking Therapies services across North West London are run by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (Brent, Kensington and Chelsea, Harrow, Westminster and Hillingdon) and West London NHS Trust (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith and Fulham).

The campaign will go live in early March as plans for easing of lockdown begin.

The service is not just for difficulties caused by the pandemic, they can also help with pre-existing difficulties such as:

• Difficulties sleeping
• Trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
• Little interest or pleasure in doing things
• Changes to your appetite
• Feeling tired or having little energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling nervous anxious or on edge
• Worrying too much about different things
• Trouble relaxing
• Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
• Being very afraid of a specific thing (e.g. injections/ needles, certain animals, lifts)

To speak to the service directly Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm call

Westminster Telephone: 030 3333 0000

Ealing Telephone: 020 3313 5660

Hammersmith & Fulham Telephone: 0300 123 1156

Hounslow Telephone: 0300 123 0739

Brent Telephone: 020 8206 3924

Harrow Telephone: 020 8515 5015

Hillingdon Telephone: 01895 206 800

Kensington & Chelsea Telephone: 020 3317 4200

Talking Therapies Services are not able to provide immediate support in an emergency. If you require immediate help

• If you live in Brent, K&C, Harrow, Westminster or Hillingdon contact CNWL’s Single Point of Access line (24 hours a day) on 0800 0234 650

• If you live in Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow or Ealing contact West London’s Single Point of Access line (24 hours a day) on 0800 328 4444