Information is being distributed across East Suffolk to help people improve their mental health and find local support services.
A new booklet, entitled ‘Well Minds East Suffolk’ has been produced by East Suffolk Council and contains an extensive range of mental health advice, information and details of local support services for people of all ages in need of help with their mental health.
10,000 booklets have been produced, funded by the Community Partnership Board and two local Community Partnership groups as part of their Well Minds East Suffolk programme which is also providing free mental health training for voluntary and community organisations.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “Improving the mental health and wellbeing of our residents is one of the main priorities for this administration. We know that many people in East Suffolk are struggling with their mental health following the Covid-19 pandemic, the high costs of living and other challenges. We have also heard from foodbanks, voluntary organisations, town and parish councils and community groups who are speaking to people in need of mental health support and want to offer them guidance on immediate and longer-term help.
“Our Leader, Caroline Topping, was very keen to make this happen following the loss of a friend to suicide. Everyone involved in the project knows that with the right help families and friends can make a real difference to someone in distress.
“There are a lot of specialist groups who can offer advice, but it can be difficult at a time of crisis to know where to look. These new booklets bring all the information together providing a valuable resource for anyone in need of help, or who is looking for guidance with a friend or family member.”
The booklets are being delivered to community settings across the district, including libraries, community centres and the Council’s network of Warm Welcomes.
View the Well Minds East Suffolk booklet
The Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham and villages Community Partnership have funded the distribution of the information to all households in their area, as well as contributing towards mental health training from Suffolk Mind. The Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and villages Community Partnership have also contributed to Suffolk Mind training in their area, which will be delivered later this year.