New emotional wellbeing and mental health services launch in Stockport

Stockport Council and Stockport NHS Clinical Commissioning Group have launched three new emotional health and wellbeing services.

The new services will expand the range of support available to Stockport residents at a particularly stressful and isolating time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three new services are:

• the Big White Wall – www.bigwhitewall.com/, which offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offers peer support for anyone over the age of 16 as well as support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
• The establishment of the new 24/7 mental health helpline and (currently virtual) safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276), commissioned by Stockport NHS CCG and provided by the charity Making Space;
• An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. Access to this is through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASSH) – 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.

At a time where the current UK lockdown is expected to be extended for another three weeks, the new services will form part of the broader emotional wellbeing and mental health offer in Stockport, which means there is now further support available for children and adults.

Of particular note in the launch is the peer support element of the Big White Wall, allowing the Stockport community to help one another in addition to the 24/7 clinical support if needed.

The Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Elise Wilson, said:

Emotional wellbeing and mental health are incredibly important all year round, and even more so during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Emotional wellbeing and mental health are a top priority for myself and Stockport Council, and these three services will provide a variety of avenues for those that need that support – both now and in the future.”

Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Stockport Council, said:

The services launched today have created a more comprehensive level of support within the borough, adding to those already in existence across Greater Manchester, at a time where it is needed most, but more importantly, these services will remain permanently in Stockport for those who need help all year round.”

Andrea Green, Accountable Officer, NHS Stockport CCG, added:

We shouldn’t forget that everyone’s ability to manage at a time of crisis, is personal to them. For some, the impact will be felt immediately, as they are self-isolating, with minimal contact with loved ones and friends. For others, the stress and anxiety of what we are going through may become apparent at a later date.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by community spirit and kindness demonstrated by our residents – helping out vulnerable neighbours and volunteering in their thousands to support the NHS and social care – but for those who need more, the help will be there now and in the future, with these new services.

Henry Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Big White Wall, said:

I’m delighted to welcome Stockport Council to Big White Wall and offer safe mental health support for the local population.

“Our community will be there, 24 hours a day, to support residents through feelings of stress, isolation, anxiety and worry during these challenging times, and beyond.”

For more information visit: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/wellbeingcoronavirus

More information about Stockport’s new emotional wellbeing services

The Big White Wall

Big White Wall is an online community to support a range of mental health and wellbeing issues. It offers 24/7 safe support.

• Clinically led – Whilst offering a combined social and clinical service, BWW has a robust clinical structure comprising of a highly-skilled team of Wall Guides, therapists and a Clinical Director.
• Widely commissioned – BWW’s efficacy is seen across healthcare, higher education, employment and the military.
• Award-winning – BWW is a market leading digital mental health and wellbeing service with a range of awards for service design, delivery and innovation.
• Scalable: The service is a scalable solution that simultaneously promotes early intervention and self-management.

Big White Wall can be an effective wellbeing choice for Stockport residents who:

• Require services outside office hours: those in work, or with caring commitments for example
• Are not able to travel to face to face appoints, perhaps due to a lack of transport, physical health conditions, work commitment, childcare etc.
• Prefer the anonymity and discretion of a digital service: members are fully anonymous within the SupportNetwork
• Require immediate access to treatment: digital support does not often require timely referrals and support can be immediate
• Are stuck on long waiting lists for treatment: digital support is immediate and depending on services, can hold no waiting lists, making it a great alternative for speedier treatment
• Still expect high levels of clinical efficacy regardless of delivery method: research shows no deterioration in outcomes and at times, digital delivery yields better outcomes
• Are put off from face to face services: digital services reduce the barriers for many accessing mental health support as digital is such a normal engagement method. Anonymity is also a factor
• Prefer digital: as shopping online, banking online and booking travel online have now become the norm, receiving healthcare online is going that same way
• Are isolated: synonymous with mental ill health, isolation is often a factor that prohibits many from seeking support due to a fear of not being understood.

There is no referral process; users simply create there account by using their home postcode. The service is available for people 16+.

The wall encourages peer to peer support, is anonymous and this in monitored by wall guides. Users can also benefit from completing a range of guided modules on a range of issues. As part of the implementation Stockport Council are ensuring that BWW have the relevant information about Stockport local services in the event of increased risk or crisis.

Mental Health Helpline 24/7

The Helpline will provide services to support residents aged 18 and over, who may be struggling to cope, feeling low, anxious, stressed, or be experiencing extreme emotional distress, as follows:

• Provide emotional support, practical advice, guidance and telephone support for people with mental health needs who are registered to a Stockport GP or who are ordinarily resident within Stockport and who have been given details of Mental Health Matters Helpline. 
• Support to those who are experiencing extreme emotional distress or are at crisis point and feel that there is nowhere else to turn.
• Support to carers who are struggling to cope with the difficulties caring for someone can bring.
• Signpost to local services for follow-up support

Emotional Wellbeing Hub

Children’s services in Stockport are developing a new emotional wellbeing hub 0-25 to be launched next week in line with other initiatives being undertaken by Stockport and GM.

The Hub was already planned as a part of the SEND WSoA but Covid-19 has accelerated the planning and implementation of the hub. The schools nclusion and emotional wellbeing services in Stockport have had to look at how we can support our partners, families and young people best within the current climate. The traditional ways of providing services needed to change quickly during this time to provide easy access to information and support for schools, families and young people in different ways. Several services traditionally have access routes through schools referral which at present is not viable or appropriate. It is therefore proposed that the following services work together to provide a different emotional well-being offer for the duration of Covid-19:

• Educational psychology
• Primary Jigsaw
• Secondary Jigsaw
• Behaviour support
• Autism team
• Linking to HYM’s/Parenting service

The emotional wellbeing hub will have one point of access through the MASSH which will be available to Stockport residents and services. This will be aligned to the revised early help offer which will also ensure other issues within the household are supported and signposted as needed. The Hub will liaise with HYMS in relation to higher risk issues and situations. It will also provide: signposting to resources for families, on-going referral and case discussion with HYM’s, brief interventions with young people/families, telephone support, digital appointments.