Help available for people with mental health problems

DO YOU know a friend, relative or neighbour who is suffering from mental health problems and needs support?
Experts have today urged anybody who is concerned about the behaviour of somebody they know – or needs support themselves – to seek help now.

It comes after the body of reclusive schizophrenic Jacqueline Harrison lay undiscovered at a flat in Hainton Avenue for more than two years after she refused to see family members.

And with research from the Mental Health Foundation showing that one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problems, it is important to know where to seek help.



Kevin Bond, chief executive for NAViGO health and social care in North East Lincolnshire, said: "While Mrs Harrison was last known to our services approximately five years ago and was well at that time, we offer condolences to her family and friends.

"It is always tragic when somebody dies in such circumstances and people may find it helpful to know of all the services available and how to approach them if they are concerned regarding someone's mental health.

"There are different options available to you if you are at all worried about a family member.

"The first port of call should be the family's GP, as GPs often know an individual's history and like to be involved in the decision-making process for their service users.

"If the person is known to mental health services, open to receiving mental health services, or if the family want advice out of hours, then they should call the individual's assigned care co-ordinator or contact NAViGO.

"As a social enterprise, we place a great deal of importance on being part of our local community and hope that in turn, the local community will help to support people with mental health problems."

Martin Skelton, manager of Mind Grimsby and Cleethorpes District, said it is unusual for somebody like Mrs Harrison to lose all contact with support services, but that it can, unfortunately, happen.

"Sadly, if a person disengages with services and stops taking medication then their symptoms can worsen and the problem escalates," he said. "However, there are a wide range of services available to people who need help, as well as their families and friends.

"If a person is referred to us we will work to engage them and help them to socialise."

Mind offers counselling, drop-in sessions and day centre activities at its base in Oole Road, Cleethorpes, as well as at the Kent Arms and Weelsby Allotments, both in Grimsby.




Get help today

Call Navigo on 01472 620800 or visit www.navigocare.co.uk

Open Minds, for people aged over 16 and suffering from common mental health problems, is on 01472 625100 for advice and guidance (during office hours) or you can visit the walk-in centres base in Osborne Street, Grimsby or Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes. 

Contact Mind by calling 01472 602502 or visiting www.gcdmind.co.uk