Many of us are familiar with the need to look after our physical health but we need to look after our mental health as well. This section provides an overview of some of the services and organisations that can provide help and support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental or physical health difficulties, your GP can offer help and advice and put you in touch with specialised local services.
If you are not registered with a GP, call the numbers below to find one who has a surgery close to where you live:
If you live in Newham, call 020 7059 6566
If you live in The City of London or Hackney, call 020 7683 4645
If you live in Tower Hamlets, call 020 7364 5016
To find out more about GP Practices in east London or in your area go to http://www.myhealth.london.nhs.uk/
If you are already known to the Trust’s mental health services, and feel you are becoming unwell, contact the named person who is responsible for your care or call the service responsible for your care. Their contact details will be at the top of letters sent to you or on the service leaflet. You can find the contact number for the service via the Trust's Services Directory.
If you feel your mental health is deteriorating or if you are in distress and you need to contact a health professional outside of office hours, at the weekend or when services are closed, you can call one of the numbers below for advice.
If you live in Hackney or the City of London, call 020 8510 8980
If you live in Newham, call 020 7540 6782
If you live in Tower Hamlets, call 020 3594 3179
Often when faced with distress, we feel alone and feel that no one will understand how we are feeling. Talking to other people who have had similar experiences or to someone who can listen to us can provide very real relief.
If you are suffering a crisis, or feel suicidal and in need of support, please call any of these emergency numbers for help. It is an emergency, and there is someone there waiting to take your call.
Infoline: call 0845 4647
National nurse led helpline providing medical advice.
Click here for NHS Direct Online
If you, a relative or a friend are in danger of physical harm contact the police.
Dial 999 to contact the police in an emergency.
Helpline: call 08457 90 90 90
The Samaritans provide 24hr, confidential, emotional support for anyone in crisis.
Click here for the Samaritans website
Helpline: call 0845 767 8000 (Open every day of the year from 6pm to 11pm)
SANE runs a national, out-of-hours helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.
Click here for the SANE website
Mind infoline: call 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Mental health charity Mind provides information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy.
Click here for the Mind website
Call 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 10am - 1pm)
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness. Practical advice and info about issues such as different types of therapy and medication, benefit, debt, money issues, police, courts and prison, your rights under the Mental Health Act.
For more information visit the Rethink website.
Call 020 8900 2221 (Mondy to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm)
Loud and Clear provides mental health advocacy and promotes service user involvement in North West London.
For more information visit the Lound and Clear website