Joining forces across Devon to provide vital access to mental health services and support for our residents.

This Sunday,10 October, is World Mental Health Day and a reminder to us all to look after our mind as well as our body, and to have open and honest conversations with those around us about how we feel.

Before the pandemic, Torbay residents generally reported positive wellbeing, however almost 1 in 4 said they had high anxiety levels and around 1 in 5 residents self-reported having a common mental disorder such as anxiety or depression.

As our lives begin to return to normal, many of us that have been struggling with our mental health will have the resilience to bounce back but there will be those who continue to struggle and require help and support.

There are many things that we as individuals can do to boost our mental health and emotional wellbeing and to support each other. Evidence suggests there are 5 ways to mental wellbeing to help you feel more positive and enable to get the most out of life – connect, keep learning, be active, give and take notice.

If you need more help with your mental health, Devon Partnership NHS Trust provide a round-the-clock First Response Service for adults which you can access by calling 0808 196 8708. Mental health services for children and young people are provided by CAMHS.

You can also make a self-referral by contacting Talkworks, a talking therapy service which provides tools and techniques to improve your mental health and physical wellbeing.

Details of other services can be accessed through the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust website.