Mental Health in Bucks: How to look after it in lockdown and where to get help
Groups across Buckinghamshire are sharing advice and signposting support for locals.
Last updated 15th Apr 2021
Mental health services across Buckinghamshire are sharing their lockdown plans and advice.
Charities, groups and organisations across Buckinghamshire have been updating users of changes to the service but assuring them they will still be there to provide support around mental well being.
This includes Lindengate Mental Health Charity, which offers specialised gardening activities to help those with mental health needs from the age of 16 upwards.
Nia Visser from the Wendover-based charity wants to reassure people they are staying open for this lockdown:
"We are here to welcome everyone onto site, we are here for you.
"We have a 5 acre therapeutic garden with plenty of space for social distancing, and of course it's outside which helps with coronavirus restrictions.
"Nature is vital for us all. It is proven to help reduce stress, make us feel more relaxed and it increases positive energy. That of course has a knock on effect in improving your mental wellbeing and physical health."
Meanwhile, local Samaritans branch based in the Chilterns is reminding people that their service is still here.
When the first lockdown came into force the service, which provides support for those in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide, suspended all face to face services.
They continued their email, text and phone support though.
Simon Rubin is from the Chilterns branch, and wants people to speak out if they have any mental wellbeing worries:
"Just talk to somebody.
"If that can be your friends of family than that is great but if you can't, or you feel they are overwhelmed that is what we are there for.
"People who are in trouble often don't have an outlet to just say how they are feeling and let them think through options then decide how they might help themselves.
"These will be their ideas not ours, we give a limited amount of signposting. We are there to listen and it is surprising how much just being listened to can help."
The contact number is 116 123.
Buckinghamshire Mind have provided the below update on their services: