As a supporter of the Armed Forces, we are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the UK Armed Forces (and their families) are treated fairly. It includes a core statement of commitment that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public or commercial services compared to any other citizen and that in some circumstances, special treatment may be appropriate. Veterans and their families should not be disadvantaged from accessing appropriate health services, for example, if they are on a waiting list and are changing their location. The NHS always prioritises people with the most urgent clinical need first, but thereafter it is important that armed forces service related injuries receive timely treatment.
Employer Recognition Scheme
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community. This includes the Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, cadets, military spouses or partners and their families. The Trust committed and signed up to fulfilling the pledges.
Looking after your wellbeing
Self-help guides
The NHS have produced a range of self-help guides that can be viewed as a PDF or an audio version. To view the guides please visit the self-help guides bookshelf (opens in new window).
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College
Courses and workshops to give people the tools, skills and understanding that they need to support their mental health and wellbeing. Visit the Recovery College website to find out more.
Relaxation techniques
Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you're feeling stressed or worried. Why not try these relaxation routines and see how relaxation can fit into your daily life? Listen to the audio guides here.
SilverCloud online therapy
SilverCloud courses are designed to help you improve and maintain your wellbeing by changing the way you think and feel about things. There are several free courses to pick from including positive body image, panic, depression, anxiety, stress and many more. Find out more about SilverCloud.
Every Mind Matters
Expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. Visit the Every Mind Matters website.
Worcestershire Community Services Directory (if you live in Worcestershire)
The Worcestershire Community Services Directory sets out all of the local information, advice, tools, guidance and local support available for people in Worcestershire.
Talk Community (if you live in Herefordshire)
Talk Community is a website detailing the services, groups, community hubs, events, and information available to people in Herefordshire.
Podcasts
Podcasts can be a really good way of relaxing the mind, listen to features, interviews and a number of people involved in mental health, including people have experience mental health difficulties, campaigners and mental health experts. To find out more visit the podcast resources page.
Access local mental health and wellbeing support
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies
The NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies team are trained and experienced in supporting a wide range of more common mental health issues. Mostly this involves ‘talking therapy’ approaches. Talking therapy could involve group discussion, or more traditional 1:1 sessions. We also provide online courses and employment support which the team can guide you through. To find out more about the service and self-refer visit the service webpage.
GP
Visit your GP practice team to discuss the best options for you, including access to specialist services.
Urgent mental health support and advice in a crisis
If you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24 hour urgent mental health helpline by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
Alternatively, if you think you need medical help right now, NHS 111 online can tell you what to do next.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- Yours or someone’s life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
- You do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
If you are already being supported by Mental Health Services in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, you should try and speak to your usual team before contacting the urgent helpline, unless it’s outside of core hours, a weekend or bank holiday.
If you are not currently in contact with any mental health services you can phone the mental health helpline for urgent advice.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing and experiencing a mental health crisis contact the SHOUT Text Crisis service by texting DEAF to 85258 for free and immediate support. If yours, or someone else’s life is in immediate danger for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe you can contact 999 by using the Relay UK service . The service is provided for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired as an alternative option for contacting an emergency service.
- The team will offer advice, support and, if required, an assessment to understand how you are feeling. When calling the number, you can expect to speak to Mental Health Advisors and/or trained Mental Health Clinicians who will be able to listen to your concerns and help make appropriate plans with you to support you. If you are unsure what to do, staff on this number will be able to guide you to the appropriate choice.
If you just need to talk, any time of day or night
These services offer confidential advice from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:
- Samaritans — Samaritans provide 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress. Call 116 123 for free, confidential support at any time or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
- Shout Crisis Text Line — a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. Text "SHOUT" to 85258.
- YoungMinds Textline — if you are a young person struggling to cope, YoungMinds offers free, 24/7 text messaging support wherever you are in the UK. If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling, text YM to 85258.
Alternative local support
- Worcestershire Safe Haven — provides telephone support and face-to-face appointments to Worcestershire residents who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 01905 600400 any day of the week between 6pm and midnight for support and signposting.
- Herefordshire Mind Safe Haven — if you find yourself in crisis or need urgent support with your mental health, the Safe Haven is a safe and friendly place that you can come and access mental health support and advice. The Safe Haven telephone and email support service is available every evening, 7 days a week, from 5pm to 10pm; call 01432 372407 or email safehaven@herefordshire-mind.org.uk.
- Melo — for young people aged 25 and under, Melo offers therapy, workshops, and online counselling for mental health support. Referrals can be made via their website, telephone, or WhatsApp. Contact Melo Hereford on 01432 800809 or Worcester on 01905 673549.
National support
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK — offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call on 0800 587 0800 (open 24/7).
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) — you can call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK247 — is a suicide prevention helpline for anyone aged 35, or if you have concerns about a young person who might be struggling. Call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 or text 88247.