As the new year unfolds, many people will start to experience a strain on their Mental Health in what is often referred to as the 'January Blues'. However, mental health and well-being remain a key focus for 2023, as we all adjust to the post-pandemic world and the looming cost of living crisis. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar, PTSD and many more are now starting to gain more recognition in society as we all become more aware and informed for ourselves and others.
Redundancies are bound to happen as people and companies begin to be impacted by the oncoming recession. However, it's vital to understand that redundancy isn’t personal; there is a whole world of opportunities waiting for you. But before you’re ready to think about the next step, it’s important to take the time to address the potential impact that unemployment may have on your mental health and reach out for help with your living situation, if you need it. If you’re unsure where to turn, you’ll find helpful resources below with links to professional support and services that can provide you with mental health support after job loss.
Mental health
The following mental health organisations provide mental health support from qualified professionals, who are trained to listen, reassure, and assist in any way they can.
Mind
Advocating for better mental health for everybody, Mind is a charity that empowers people with advice and support to better understand their situation and the choices available to them. They also offer national and local services including workplace training to develop mentally healthy offices, applied suicide intervention skills, Mental Health First Aid and more through their training and consultancy schemes.
You can call Mind’s Infoline for confidential mental health support on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 between 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. You can also call their legal line on 0300 466 6463 to ask about discrimination and equality-related laws, and what being detained under the Mental Health Act means. Please feel free to download this Keeping Well Booklet, created by Mind to help you maintain mental wellbeing during the ongoing pandemic.
Papyrus
Papyrus offers a helpline for adults under the age of 35 who feel hopeless and struggle to see that life is worth living. They are trained individuals, there to listen and provide mental health support to those who are struggling to see the bigger picture. Many people experiencing depression found that talking to someone from Papyrus made them less likely to give up and helped them to cope. The Papurus HopelineUK (0800 068 41 41) is open from 9am to 10pm on weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends, or you can text 07786 209697 instead.
Shout
A mental health crisis is defined as an emergency that poses a direct physical threat to your emotional or physical wellbeing. If you feel overwhelming physical sensations that you’re unable to control, or you’re considering harming yourself in any way, you need to call emergency services by dialing 999. Alternatively, before the threat becomes overwhelming, you can reach out to Shout about your situation, by texting “SHOUT” to 85258. You’ll get immediate, confidential support in your time of need.
NHS – Every mind matters
The NHS has a range of mental wellbeing tips that can help you look after your mind. The advice is up to date, covering the most common reasons people are seeking mental health support, including isolation, redundancy, and dealing with health anxiety and coronavirus worries. If things are getting on top of you, you should also make an appointment with your GP to be referred for over-the-phone counselling or medication. There is nothing wrong with seeking medical treatment for mental health. Mental wellbeing should be treated with the same amount of care as your physical health.
Emergency essentials
If you have any worries concerning food supplies, toiletries, warm clothing, and other essential items, help is available. Remember, this is temporary, and things will get better, but do reach out for help and supplies if you need it. We’ve explained how The Trussell Trust can help below.
The Trussell Trust
Supporting nationwide food banks, Trussell Trust provides emergency food supplies to people in need, with more than 14 million people living in poverty in the UK right now. They work with more than 1,200 food banks across the UK to provide a parcel consisting of at least three days' worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable foods for individuals and their families. They also provide essential hygiene items such as toilet paper, tampons, and toothpaste. Supplies are donated to the food banks and volunteers then sort through the sell-by-dates on products and organise them into parcels. In order to receive a voucher for a food bank, you’ll need to speak with either a doctor, health visitor, social worker, or advice agency.
Employment and financial support
There are professional services dedicated to offering employment and financial guidance, and they can inform you about your legal rights and schemes available to help you find work, such as the Work and Health Programme. If you have a disability or learning difficulty, we’ve compiled specific support for you here.
ACAS
If you’re looking for impartial advice and information about employee rights, rules, and best practices, ACAS is the place to turn to. You can find advice on a range of topics, from the redundancy process, dismissal and negotiating pay, to contracts, job applications, and short-term working. They also offer help to resolve disputes and appeal disciplinary and grievance procedures. ACAS has created downloadable templates for you to adapt to your situation, for example, this redundancy appeal letter template.
Money Helper
Set up by the government, this is a service that offers financial advice without judgement or any cost to you with support from a debt adviser over the phone and online. Their Money navigator tool is an instant service that allows you to discover what money issues you need to tackle first, with advice on how to stay on top of outgoing payments with the extra support you’re entitled to. It will give you a personalised action plan based on your situation, whether you’ve experienced redundancy, you’ve been on furlough or you’re self-employed and out of work.
Redundancy can affect the whole family, so it’s not uncommon for children to suffer from worry on your behalf. If you’re worried about how your child is coping, the below services will help you to talk to your children about their feelings and teach them to develop coping strategies.
Childline
Childline is a charity that offers a variety of support services and resources for young children’s mental wellbeing. You can call Childline on 0800 1111 to arrange a free one-to-one chat between your child and a counsellor, or encourage them to chat online or write a letter to Ask Sam explaining their feelings and worries. They’ll get a friendly and helpful reply within a few weeks. Children can also connect with Childline’s community by posting on this message board to share their thoughts with others, or use Childline’s Art Box to explore creative activities and find helpful ideas for thinking about the future.
Young Minds
The people at Young Minds are dedicated to supporting young adults' emotional and mental wellbeing. They have a messaging service that offers 24/7 support across the UK for young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. They just need to text YM to 85258 to start the conversation.
NHS services for young people
Your GP can refer your child to children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) for ongoing treatments and therapy for mental health conditions. If you talk to your doctor, they can assess whether your child needs this, or recommend alternative options. For young adults, these self-care videos may help them to gain a better understanding of what they’re going through. They cover different areas of mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings, with advice for self-care and information about thought patterns, worry, and lifestyle routines.
Shelters and temporary housing
Losing your home should never be a worry, but for some people, it’s a reality. We want to remind those that are facing eviction that there is no shame in seeking help, and nothing wrong with turning to a shelter or temporary housing service. Here are some organisations committed to keeping people off the streets.
Shelter
Chat online with a housing adviser or find urgent help if you have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon by calling Shelter’s helpline on 0808 800 4444. They will ask you about your situation and you may need to have relevant documents like tenancy agreements to hand. Alongside housing advice, you can access free legal advice from Shelter’s solicitors who will help you if you’re facing eviction. If your income has suddenly stopped, Shelter has also provided services for essential financial support.
Crisis
For anyone homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, Crisis has several services to help you prepare for a more stable future. Crisis can help you find a hostel or shelter, alongside workshops to help with education and skills training, finding work and applying for jobs, finding a home, and looking after your health. Search for your local Skylight Centre to find out what support is available near you.
Mental Health Courses
Are you looking to deepen your understanding and awareness about Mental Health conditions and how to support someone experiencing mental ill health? You can expand your knowledge and gain a qualification at the same time through one of our mental health courses. Oxbridge provides a range of courses in this subject area, including:
Level 3 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Learn more about this widely-encouraged and powerful approach to psychotherapy with this CBT Diploma.
Life Coaching Level 3
Help people find their way, realise their goals and improve their relationships, careers, and day-to-day lives. A life coaching course will teach you how to help your clients overcome all kinds of obstacles.
Mental Health Awareness Level 1
Get a foundational understanding of mental health and discover how poor mental health can impact individuals and society.
Mental Health Awareness Level 2
Develop a greater understanding of mental health and discover the attributes of common mental health conditions.
Mindfulness Level 3
Our Mindfulness course helps you focus on the present and learn of how your body, thoughts and feelings are connected.
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
Gain a broader understanding of autism as a neurological difference with this accredited level 2 course.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
This course is designed to introduce you to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how it can be used to improve your own life and the lives of those around you.
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
An ideal NCFE CACHE qualification that quickly develops your understanding of specific learning difficulties.
Stress Management Level 2
Learn how to support yourself and others by reducing and rechannelling stress.
If you want to gain a real qualification that can be leveraged in your career and develop your knowledge on a very personal topic, speak to Oxbridge today. Let one of our friendly learning advisers know of your goals, whatever they may be, and they will advise you on the best route or course to take. You can call us on 0121 360 6000, pop up on live chat, or send us a DM on social media, we'd be happy to help!