This World Mental Health Day (10 October) we’re shining a spotlight on our free or low cost services and those that can be accessed without a GP referral, to ensure that anyone in our community experiencing mental health problems knows they can access support.

Our free peer support groups supported 434 people last year, helping people to feel less isolated and more connected. “Being part of the peer support group has made a significant improvement in my quality of life; the group is always friendly and welcoming.”

Last year we delivered 639 free counselling sessions to young people and 574 low cost sessions to adults. The people we supported told us: “It’s been really helpful having someone to talk to and learning to trust. I’d definitely recommend the service to others.”

“I feel the Counselling service was extremely person-centred, which I appreciated as it opened up a safe space to be vulnerable without judgement. I felt that it was both informative and compassionate and I won’t hesitate to look here in the future, if necessary.”

Our free Safe Haven service was chosen by people in crisis 264 times last year. One of those people said: “Safe Haven is a wonderful service. They have helped me in my time of need. I always get a session booked in quickly on the evening.”

Our free or low-cost services that you can access without a referral from a health professional are:

• Peer support groups (Bucks and East Berks)
• Counselling for Adults and for Young People (Bucks)
• Safe Haven, out of hours support (Bucks)
• Closing the Gap, support with financial struggles and mental ill-health (Bucks)
• Children and Young People’s services (Bucks and East Berks)

Our free services that you can access via a health professional are:

• Community Based Support (Bucks)
• Community Connectors (East Berks)
• First Contact Practitioner (Bucks)
• Mental Health Safety Planning in Bucks and East Berks

 

Whatever you’re going through, Bucks Mind is here for you. If you’re struggling, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. Please call 01494 463364 or email [email protected]

World Mental Health Day is and international awareness day held on 10 October to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support mental wellbeing globally. The theme for 2025, set by the World Federation of Mental Health, is: ‘Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’.

The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health whatever they’re going through because everyone deserves good mental health.

If you feel you need help then please access our services because our support can make a real difference.