A new Cardiff and Vale University Health Board campaign has launched, reminding the public that no one must suffer with their mental health alone.
The campaign launched in March and is spreading awareness for the NHS Press 2 service; a free telephone service for those in urgent need of mental health support.
The NHS 111 Press 2 service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is simply accessed by dialling 111 and selecting option 2. The number is free to call from a landline or mobile and is available for anyone living within the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Supported by NHS mental health professionals, the service aims to signpost individuals to the most appropriate support for their needs – this may be self-help advice, tips and guidance, a mental health referral, a partner organisation or a suitably trained professional.
Data over the last year shows that men aged 30-39 were the largest cohort of people living in Cardiff and the Vale who used the service, making up 37% of all calls. This was followed by women aged 20-29, who make up 30% of calls.
The campaign targets those who are currently using the service most often using audio advertisements which highlights the common thoughts that mental health sufferers could have, and encourages individuals to contact the Press 2 service for support.
The campaign also targets students with printed advertisements at local universities.
The health board has also accounted for key groups with lower uptake of the service, to ensure the whole population of Cardiff and the Vale are aware of the available support and know where to turn for help.
Mental health struggles can feel overwhelming, but help is always within reach. The 111 Press 2 service is there for urgent times of need and mental health crisis, but there are lots of other services which operate in Cardiff and Vale for lower-level struggles.
More information on support available can be found on the Cardiff and Vale UHB website on the Support Organisations and Charities page.