Military Personnel across Herefordshire are being urged to seek support for their mental wellbeing

A local campaign heads to Hereford Racecourse for the Military to Business event next week in a bid to reach out and encourage Military Personnel to seek support for their mental health.

The Now We’re Talking campaign aims to raise awareness of Healthy Minds, which is a free, confidential self-referral service covering Herefordshire and Worcestershire providing a range of talking therapies, including online, group and 1:1 therapy, as well as online self-help resources. It supports people experiencing more common difficulties such as stress, anxiety, low mood or depression.

In a recent study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation it was estimated that over 19% of military personnel suffer with these issues. The Military to Business event on 29^th July brings together local organisations to highlight support available to military personnel and their families.

Dawn Stallard, from Healthy Minds, said: “Starting a conversation about mental health might seem daunting. We all experience common mental health issues from time to time and its ok to reach out and ask for help and support, it is really important that people from a range of industries seek the support they need.”

“The Healthy Minds service supports a range of people from all sorts of backgrounds and mental health doesn’t discriminate, it can and does affect anyone. We have lots of support from self-help materials through to more traditional counselling and we’d encourage anyone who is struggling to pick up the phone or email us.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service is running virtual group activities, which you can join remotely from home. Healthy Minds can also provide you with access to an online course called SilverCloud. The course is free and can be completed in your own time and at your own pace and can fit it in around work or family commitments.

If you think you need some support contact the team on the below numbers. You don’t need a referral from a GP or another healthcare professional first.

·       Worcestershire Healthy Minds: 0300 013 57 27

·       Herefordshire Healthy Minds:  01432 220 507

You can also complete a form online. You can do this by visiting www.nowweretalking.nhs.uk here you will find lots of other useful information and guidance to support you with your mental wellbeing. To keep up to date with the latest news visit our Facebook page or our Twitter page.