Help if you need it
Many people find this time of year challenging, but there is help and support available if you need it.
Mental health
If you are worried about your mental health, or that of a loved one or a friend:
- Your GP can help you get the support you need.
- You can also visit Devon Partnership Trust’s urgent help pages.
- If you need to talk to someone, there is a range of services to help- including 24/7 support and self-referral. Call the crisis line on NHS 111 (choose the mental health option).
The Samaritans has online support or you can call 116 123 if you need to talk to someone or email jo@samaritans.org
Mental Health Matters offers mental health support to anyone aged 18 and above in the Devon area. For more information visit The Moorings in Devon.
You can contact TALKWORKS if you are experiencing a common mental health problem such as low mood, anxiety, stress or problems with sleep. It’s free and is available for anyone older than 18 who lives in Devon.
One-to-one sessions with an NHS therapist or counsellor can take place face-to-face across Devon, over the phone or by video call. Self-refer by completing the online self-referral form or by calling the team on 0300 555 3344. Alternatively, book an appointment with your GP and they can make a referral on your behalf.
Children and adolescents’ mental health
Please call 0330 0245 321 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and NHS 111 when it’s closed.
For more information, visit:
- Children and Family Health Devon
- Children and Family Health Devon – Need urgent help?
- Devon Partnership Trust – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are worried about a young person who might be, contact HOPELINE247. Call 0800 068 4141, text 8247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org for confidential support and practical advice.
Financial worries
If you are worried about money, Debtline offers free advice and support. Call 0808 808 4000 Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.
There are also more details on Torbay Council’s website.
You might be entitled to claim the government’s cold weather benefit or the winter fuel payment. Torbay Council also offers a £100 support for fuel, water and food for people who are eligible.
Housing
Shelter provides advice and support services offer one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness.
Citizens Advice Torbay provides free and confidential advice and support for a range of issues, including housing, benefits, and employment rights.
Health
Please call 999 or visit our emergency department if you need urgent and life-saving care including chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding and unconsciousness.
Please contact your GP in the first instance if you need routine health advice.
Please call NHS 111 if you need advice and help when your GP surgery is closed and it cannot wait until it reopens
Our minor injuries units and urgent treatment centre provides treatment for a range of conditions including animal bites, burns, cuts and lacerations which need stitching and broken bones.