How are you? from young to old, there’s someone who can help.

Today, (Friday) marks the end of national Mental Health Awareness week.

While the focus of this week was loneliness, North East Lincolnshire has joined forces with its health-care partners to put out a more general health and wellbeing message.

They want to let people know that local professionals are here to support and help anyone – from young people and teenagers to adults and pensioners.

According to the independent think-tank The Nuffield Trust, latest estimates state that one in six adults in the UK will have experienced a ‘common mental disorder’ such as depression or anxiety in the past week and one in six children aged between six and 16 will have experienced the same during the year of 2021.

In North East Lincolnshire there are a number of options for people of all ages, from children to adults, to get support: Telephone 01472 256256 option 3, Freephone 08081 968442 or text ‘ORANGE’ to 85258, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are also national groups that offer help to specific age groups, for example www.kooth.com for younger people.

NAViGO chief operating officer Janine Smith said: “Current stressors such as the cost of living, loss of jobs and exam and peer pressure for younger people could be contributing to more stress and anxiety.

“It has been well reported how during lockdown and COVID-19, that many people have struggled from the impact of being alone, feeling isolated, working from home and issues if they were house-bound.

“If you or someone you know needs to talk, please remember that as a leading mental health services provider, NAViGO is here to help.”

Dr Ekta Elston, local GP and medical director of NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG also urged people of all ages to seek help if they needed to.

She said: “It’s really important that you talk to someone if you are struggling with your mental health or have something on your mind that you are struggling to cope with.

“It may feel like you’re on your own with your problems but there is always someone available to listen to you and support you; no worry or problem is too big or too small. Seeking support quickly helps recovery and will get you back on your feet and feeling your best,” she added.