Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. There are services available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that are available 24 hours a day and provide professional support for anyone who needs advice and guidance.
NHS 111 mental health triage
The NHS111 mental health triage team provides mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The triage team has a wide range of skills including on the phone psychological intervention which allows you to receive the care you need in the comfort of your own home.
The service ensures that people have easy access to support at the right time, and in the right place for them, including enabling people to get help mental health support before a problem becomes a crisis.
You can contact the NHS111 mental health triage team by visiting 111 online, or by calling 111.
Shout text service
Anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can text 'HANTS' to 85258 to speak by text with one of Shout's trained volunteers. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. It won’t show up on your phone bill.
NHS Talking Therapies (previously iTalk)
NHS Talking Therapies Hampshire (formerly italk) provides free treatment to people suffering from common mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress.
They support people to improve their mental wellbeing through education, guided self-help tools and evidence-based talking therapies.
Further information about the service can be found here: Hampshire NHS Talking Therapies
NHS Talking Therapies is also available for residents on the Isle of Wight. They are based at The Gables, Halberry Lane, Newport and offer appointments via telephone, through an online video platform and face-to-face. Further information can be found here: Isle of Wight NHS Talking Therapies
In Southampton, Steps to Wellbeing provide NHS Talking Therapies to people registered with a GP in Southampton. More information, including how to self-refer, can be found here: Steps 2 Wellbeing
NHS Talking Therapies is also available to people living in Portsmouth. Further information about the Portsmouth service can be found here: Talking Therapies Portsmouth
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is an informal, non-judgemental, out-of-hours mental health service for anyone over the age of 18 who requires short-term support with their mental health.
The Lighthouse has two locations in Southampton, Shirley and Bitterne. You can access the service by texting “Lighthouse" to 07451276010. The team will then respond and offer text support, telephone support or face to face.
The service runs from 4.30pm to 11.30pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives within the local area of Shirley or Bitterne and feels they are at crisis point with their mental health.
If it is an emergency and your life is in danger please dial 999.
Stories from people across Hampshire who have used the services available
Sara, 34 from Southampton contacted the 111 team when she felt that her medication was making her feel worse and she was considering taking her own life. Sara said: “I completed the online form and thought nothing more of it until my phone rang, and I spoke to a nurse who didn’t make me feel dismissed or stupid, she treated me like a human being and listened to me.
“She helped me calm down by doing some breathing exercises with me which I didn’t think would help but really did as we did them together and then gave me the information for something called the lighthouse.”
Sara added “The call was really helpful, and the lady listened when no one else could.”
The 111 team also work to help people access alternative ‘Safe Places’ in the community for short-term support. By exploring these options, the team reduces the need to attend an Emergency Department which can often be stressful, distressing and avoided with specialist support over the phone.
Ben, 22 from the New Forest had always struggled with his mental health. He was told about NHS111 by a friend and one night when he was considering taking his own life, he decided to make that call. Ben said: “I didn’t have anyone to call to help me, it was 1am and everyone I knew would have been asleep I didn’t want to disturb anyone as this wasn’t their problem. Then I remembered NHS111.
“I received a call back really quickly. This guy introduced himself, and asked me how I was doing, it was a breath of fresh air we chatted like we were old friends. I started the call with a razor blade cutting into my hands feeling really frustrated with myself.
“We chatted for what felt like hours, but it was probably only about 20 minutes or so, and not once did I feel like I was being rushed off the phone. I came off the phone laughing.”
Vicky, 18 from Portsmouth was struggling with her mental health and was considering taking her own life when she remembered seeing an NHS 111 magnet on her fridge. Vicky said: “I called NHS111 and explained my situation and I was told someone would call me back within 2 hours.
“I received a call from a really nice sounding lady, who after checking my details asked me what was going on. After I blurted everything out while crying my eyes out, she asked if I had bread in the house which I thought was a really weird question. I told her I did she told me it was time to make some toast, and I did just that and ate the toast while we talked. I still don’t know what magic she used to get me to eat.
“She told me that she would make a referral to a team that could support me. She was amazing I now have support, and everything seems much better.
“NHS111 saved me and got me the right support. Thank you so much.”
Luke, 26 from Winchester has always struggled with his mental health. Luke attempted to take his own life and was found by a police officer. He was taken home and given the number for iTalk. Luke said: “That night changed my life because for the first time someone just listened, and I felt truly heard.”
“I know 111 is only a call away with no judgements and nothing but kindness. That night changed my life because for the first time someone just listened didn’t show signs of being annoyed with me or wanting to rush me.”
Louise-Ann, 28 from Andover is a carer for her 19 year old daughter. Louise-Ann contacted the NHS111 service after her daughter had self-harmed and cut herself. She said: “The gentleman I spoke to asked me what happened and how was I doing? I explained what had taken place and how shocked and worried I was, they asked to speak to my daughter however she refused to speak them.
“I was really worried and felt so lost, I didn’t know what to do and to my surprise the gentleman listened to my worries and concerns, explained self-harm to me and what I could do to support my daughter, I felt like I had a better understanding of self-harm and felt less useless.
“The 111 team is awesome, I felt supported and understood. It’s a service not just for someone with mental health but for parents too.”
Sonya Mclean, Senior Programme Manager in the Mental Health Crisis Care for the NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “I would like to urge anyone who is feeling under pressure and struggling to cope, to take advantage of the brilliant services that are available to our residents, either by contacting NHS111 or by sending a text message to the SHOUT team.
“If your life is at risk right now and you feel you might attempt suicide or have seriously harmed yourself - call 999 or head to your nearest Emergency Department. Mental health emergencies are serious and you are not wasting anyone's time.”
The 111 team also work to help people access alternative ‘Safe Places’ in the community for short-term support. By exploring these options, the team reduces the need to attend an Emergency Department which can often be stressful, distressing and avoided with specialist support over the phone.
Dr Jez Rowland, Consultant Psychiatrist and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “The last few years have not been easy and for many people the festive period will be really hard. Feelings of isolation and loneliness, grief for loved ones no longer here, as well as the stress of finances during a cost of living crisis can all pile up quickly.
“Simple things such as getting outside regularly, reframing thoughts, sleeping well and not over indulging can all help with resilience but if you are struggling there are a number of excellent services available across Hampshire that can provide support.”
Further support is also available here:
- call Samaritans on 116 123
- If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill
- Information is available on the national Mind website.