Frequently asked questions

Welcome to the FAQ section on the Wellbeing Hub.

The Wellbeing Hub is built for residents, health professionals, voluntary community and faith sector organisations. It is a directory of mental health and wellbeing services and training opportunities. These are provided by community groups, the NHS, the Council, and private organisations.

The Wellbeing Hub is not a complete guide to mental health and emotional wellbeing and does not provide direct help for mental health crises or emergencies.

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is about how we think and feel. Everyone has times when they feel worried, confused, or sad. 

Many things can contribute to your wellbeing like family, relationships, or school. Mental health and emotional wellbeing challenges can often be prevented. Taking steps to improve your wellbeing can also benefit physical health and many other parts of life. Find more information about mental health conditions by vising the NHS website.

What are the challenges to wellbeing?

Many factors can influence your wellbeing, including your experiences in life, money worries, loneliness, managing health conditions, neurodiversity, bereavement, alcohol and drug use, being new to the country, housing and homelessness, parenting, or navigating your identity. Your wellbeing can also be affected if you are caring for someone else or if someone close to you is experiencing a mental health challenge. There are lots of activities that are beneficial mentally, physically, socially, spiritually.

Explore the Wellbeing Hub to find the right help for you.

What can I do to improve my wellbeing?

Research shows that there are five steps you can take to boost your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these can help you feel more positive and get more out of life.

The 5 steps to your mental health and wellbeing are: 

  1. Connect with other people
  2. Be physically active
  3. Learn new skills
  4. Give to others
  5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Find out more about the 5 ways to wellbeing by visiting the NHS website.

What might my wellbeing support look like?

Services can be offered by the NHS, voluntary community and faith sector organisations, the private sector, or Council services. Some services can help with your wellbeing through peer support groups led by mentors with lived experience or professionals specialising in specific areas. Other services provide urgent support via phone calls, online chats, or text messages, often available 24/7. Note that not all services are immediate and there might be a waiting time. Check waiting times with your chosen service. If you find the wait challenging, crisis lines are available for immediate assistance.

There is also one-to-one support tailored to your specific needs. You can find out about different mental wellbeing topics such as meditation and mindfulness techniques by searching websites and NHS-approved apps. These can also offer you advice on how to help others struggling with their wellbeing. Find apps and resources on the Apps and Other Supportive Resources page.

How will I receive support?

There are many ways to take care of your wellbeing, but you might benefit from the help of others. Here are some possible ways that your mental and emotional wellbeing support journey could look like:

  • Appointment with your General Practitioner (GP): You can talk to your GP about your worries during the visit. Your doctor may want to know about how you feel, how your health, social and living situation is.
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan: Your GP may give you a diagnosis, suggest treatment options, and create a plan that suits your personal needs based on the assessment. This could include medication, therapy referrals like NHS Talking Therapies, lifestyle changes, or connecting you with community organisations. It might also involve further referrals to specialists if needed. Mental health services are free on the NHS.
  • Follow up and support: Your GP can check on your improvement, change your treatment if required, and offer you continuous support and advice as needed.
  • Referral to specialist care: Your GP may recommend you see mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health services if they think you need more specialised support.
  • Other ways to support your mental health and emotional wellbeing: GPs are important for mental health support, but they’re not the only option. In our borough, there are many voluntary community and faith sector organisations that can also help you. Use the Wellbeing platform to find the different types of support available to you, including NHS services, self-care activities, local community and faith support, and mental wellbeing training.
  • Continuous maintenance of your wellbeing: You can keep taking care of your mental health in the long run by using a mix of professional help, self-care, and community resources to enhance your wellbeing and your loved ones.
What might the wait times look like and is there a cost?

Services have different wait times. These depend on how many referrals they get and the capacity of the service. Some services may take from a few days to a few weeks to offer support. There are activities that you can drop into without having to refer yourself. Check waiting times with your chosen service. If you find the wait challenging, crisis lines are available for immediate assistance.

Service costs can also vary. While some services offer free assistance, others may request a small fee for their support.

How to cope with a mental health crisis? 

In an emergency or if you need urgent help:


 

Last updated: 27 August 2024