Healthwatch York has published the 4th edition of the guide to mental health and wellbeing in York.
Download York Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide
The free guide is available to anyone in York who wants to know more about the help available for people experiencing mental ill health. It is available online via their website. Printed copies have also been made available, due to the backing of the three statutory partners of the York Safeguarding Adults Board, City of York Council, NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group and North Yorkshire Police. The guide will also be shared with all organisations working in York supporting people experiencing mental ill health.
The guide, which was first published in 2015, has received local and national praise from people living with mental health issues and organisations providing mental health support.
The guide provides information and advice to help people:
· Know what to do if they, or someone they care about, experiences a mental health crisis
· Look after their mental wellbeing
· Find organisations that can provide advice, help, support and social activities
Healthwatch York’s aim is to put local people at the heart of health and social care services in York. As part of this objective Healthwatch York want people to have access to clear information that helps them find the support they need.
Siân Balsom, Manager of Healthwatch York, said:
“One of the key messages we hear from people is how hard it is to get information when you need it. We first created the guide because we wanted to help people get straight to the right support. Through our work with our colleagues across York CVS during the pandemic, we know people need good information about looking after their mental wellbeing more than ever before. We hope this updated guide will help even more people in York to take care of their mental wellbeing and find support when needed.”
Tim Madgwick, Independent Chair of the York Safeguarding Adults Board added:
“I am delighted that the Healthwatch York guide to mental health and wellbeing in York has been updated in 2021 and is now available to support people who need to access a service or support group particularly if they do not have access to the internet. The comprehensive guide indicates what a vast range of support exists for people in York. At a time of crisis this guide and the information it holds could be absolutely critical. As a result of Covid-19 mental health needs are rising and this guide is an invaluable document. I am very grateful to everyone who has been involved in bringing this right up to date.”
The guide has been designed to cover support for people of all ages in York. It is available online at https://www.healthwatchyork.co.uk/our-work/hw-york-publications/ and printed copies are freely available for collection at the Priory Street Centre.
Emily Abbott, Deputy Manager at Healthwatch York continued:
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of York’s Safeguarding Adults Board in providing funding for printed copies. The pandemic has highlighted how vital it is that everyone can get the information they need, not just the people who are able to get online to do so. I also must thank our former colleague Abbie Myers, who stayed with us after taking up a new role so we could make this guide available as quickly as possible.”
Abbie Myers confirmed:
“I’m really excited to have taken up my new role as an NHS Link Worker. That’s all about building connections, making sure people can do the things that matter to them. But I was determined to get this done before I move on. I’m passionate about people finding out the right information first time – good information gives people the power to change their lives for the better. I’m so pleased this is now available to everyone in York.”
Healthwatch York also encourages everyone who uses health and care services to share feedback on their experiences in York. This includes mental health services. Feedback can be provided at any time by calling Healthwatch York on 01904 621133, by email at healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk, or online through our feedback centre at https://www.healthwatchyork.co.uk/services/. Feedback about the guide and whether it has been useful is also welcomed.