The following services and organisations are available to offer support. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are other support options available.
Stoke-on-Trent Together Support Network - VAST
Anxiety and general mental health concerns:
Staffordshire mental health helpline – This helpline has been established as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s response to the second coronavirus lockdown which began on 5 November. It’s open seven days a week. Calls are handled by Brighter Futures staff. Call handlers offer the person calling a safe space to talk through any issues they may be experiencing, and callers are then sign posted to the appropriate support services available.
T. 0808 800 2234
SMS: 07860 022821 (FREE)
E: Staffordshire.helpline@brighter-futures.org.uk
W: https://www.brighter-futures.org.uk/staffordshire-mental-health-helpline/
Every Mind Matters - Every Mind Matters website has lots of tips on how you can look after your mental health, and offers advice on specific issues such as low mood, anxiety, coronavirus related anxieties, stress and sleep. You can also take a short quiz and get your own 'Mind Plan.
W. https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
NHS Free Mind Plan - Answer 5 simple questions to get your personalised mental health action plan with tips and advice to help you be kind to your mind.
W. www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/your-mind-plan-quiz/
Changes Here4U Wellbeing - A local mental health support service that offers services for adults and children and young people.
W. http://changeshere4u.org.uk/ and http://www.changesyp.org.uk/
Loneliness:
The Dove Service - offer a 'Dove Buddies' group, every Tuesday 10.30-11.30am where residents can register to join a social/friendship group to combat loneliness and social isolation. They also offer an alleviating isolation group every Wednesday 1.30-2.3pm. This group was created to support those who supporting others as they struggle with the impact of grief and loss during Covid-19.
T. 01782 683155
E. enquiries@thedoveservice.org.uk
If you're worried about a child you can contact:
S-O-T Children’s Centres – 01782 237500 and 01782 232977
or our Safeguarding Referral Team - 01782 235100
Support for older people:
Father Hudson’s Care – The Young at Heart project offers support for older people.
W. https://www.fatherhudsons.org.uk
T. 01782 269990
Beth Johnson Foundation – Provides support for older people.
T. 01782 844036
Practical support:
Jobs, Enterprise and Training service (JET) – A free careers and advice and support service run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and offers help to residents who need support to find a job.
T. 01782 238464
E. Kelly.Tomlinson@stoke.gov.uk
The Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent - Provides support for people facing debt and other financial problems.
T. 0300 3309 062
Disability Solutions West Midlands – Provides help and advice for people with a disability.
W. https://disabilitysolutions.org.uk/
Domestic abuse:
New Era – A domestic abuse support service for victims of domestic abuse. It also offers help for perpetrators.
W. A 24/7 Live chat facility is available via the website - http://www.new-era.uk/
T. A free, confidential helpline -0300 303 3778.
Glow - A service that helps victims address and overcome domestic abuse
W. https://findtheglow.org.uk/our-services
T. 0330 0945 559
Victim Support - An independent charity helping people affected by crime or traumatic events, including those who are affected by domestic abuse, to get support.
W. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
T. A free support line - 0808 168 9111
If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm - either to yourself or someone else - then phone 999.
Sexual abuse:
Savana- Provides free counselling and support services for anyone from the age of 4 who have been affected by sexual violence and abuse.
T. 01782 433204
Support for carers:
North Staffs Carers – A local charity providing support for unpaid carers in North Staffordshire
W. https://www.carersfirst.com/home
T. 01782 793100
Bereavement and loss:
Dove Service: Bereavement Counselling and Support – A charity providing bereavement and loss counselling in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
W. https://www.thedoveservice.org.uk/
T. 01782 683155
Substance misuse:
The Community Drug and Alcohol Service – Provides support to people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
T. 01782 283113
Rehab 4 Addiction - A helpline assisting those affected by substance misuse for people who are concerned about their own or a loved one's drug and alcohol addiction.
W. https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/
T. 0800 140 4690
Accessing support in a mental health crisis:
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare – A telephone helpline offering support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who are concerned about their own mental health or somebody else’s.
T. 0300 123 0907 (OPTION 1).
If you have a hearing impairment and are unable to utilise the telephone, you can text the service on 07739 775202 and the team will respond as soon as possible (please note: this text service is charged at your network provider’s rate).
W. https://www.combined.nhs.uk/how-to-access-us-in-a-crisis/
If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm – either to yourself or someone else – then phone 999.
Self-help resources:
Eating Well - The NHS website has lots of information on how you can improve your diet and how certain food groups will benefit your health and wellbeing.
W. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/
Exercise videos - The leisure team at the city council are regularly putting up exercise videos you can follow from the comfort of your living room. There are different routines being uploaded to suit everybody. You can find videos on the leisure centres' Facebook pages: Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Dimensions Leisure Centre, and The Wallace Sport and Education Centre.
ORCHA Health App Library - The ORCHA health app library has been developed by the city council and ORCHA to to help you find the best apps for things such as stopping smoking, improving your mental wellbeing, keeping active and managing health conditions.
W. http://www.stoke.orcha.co.uk
AskSARA - AskSARA is a free online assessment tool which helps you find products and equipment, specific to your needs, with information on where to get them.
W. https://stoke.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/
Homelessness
Brighter Futures - A local support service which helps with homelessness and mental health issues
W. https://www.brighter-futues.org.uk
T. If you notice anybody who is sleeping rough in Stoke-on-Trent or Newcastle, please contact the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team via 0800 970 2304.