Feeling lonely, low or anxious? Support is available
Support is available in Sandwell for anyone who is feeling lonely, low or
anxious this winter. Sandwell Council is working closely with partner organisations including the voluntary and community sector to increase opportunities for social connection and provide mental health support.
There are a number of initiatives funded through the Sandwell Better Mental Health programme and the SCVO Vision 2030 Grants programme that increase opportunities for social connection, in addition to providing support for those struggling with their mental health. Find out more about details of different Better Mental Health initiatives.
Sandwell’s Warm Spaces provide a safe place over winter for people to keep warm, connect with others over a hot drink, charge phones and other devices and get advice and support with a range of issues including the cost of living. Find out more about Sandwell's Warm Spaces.
There is also a wide range of mental health support available. Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, said: “Social contact and connection are vital to our mental wellbeing, and also they have a profound impact on our physical health.
Evidence shows that isolation and loneliness are strongly linked with depression, anxiety and poorer quality of life, as well as increased risk of heart disease or stroke. “While much of the focus is on older people, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of social isolation and loneliness in younger people particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic as well as people who are unemployed or who have a disability. “With our partner organisations and the voluntary and community sector, we have a range of initiatives and friendly support available so that no one has to feel lonely or isolated. “I would urge anyone who is feeling lonely, low or anxious this winter to check out the support available and not to struggle with difficult feelings alone.”
More information on mental health support is available. Here’s a list of some of the organisations you can talk to: Black Country Mental Health Helpline 24/7 mental health support line which is available for Black Country residents of all ages 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please call freephone 0800 008 6516 or text message 07860 025 281.
Samaritans Call for free 24/7 on 116 123.
Papyrus (HOPELINEUK for Young People) Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life?
For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK on freephone 0800 068 4141 (9am – midnight all year round) or text message 07860 039 967.
Kaleidoscope Sanctuary hub Freephone 0800 008 6516 (Monday to Friday 6pm – 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 12noon – 11pm)
Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone 0808 808 1677 (Usual hours: Monday & Friday 9.30am – 5pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9.30am – 8pm, Weekends 10am – 2pm)
For more details of the cost of living help and advice available, visit our Supporting Sandwell information hub online. To receive cost of living tips to your phone via WhatsApp, add 07585 997453 to your contacts then send the word YES to this number.
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