As part of the district-wide Mindful Towns and Villages initiative. Freethorpe has met the Mindful Village status, by having volunteers trained to have supportive conversations about mental wellbeing, recognise when someone may be struggling, and signpost people to appropriate support services. I’ll act as trusted, approachable point of contact for neighbours or colleagues who are having a tough time.

The aim is to challenge stigma around mental health and to foster a safe and open culture. Where the community are encouraged to notice early warning signs to indicate that someone might be struggling with their mental health. All doctors’ surgeries now have Community Connectors placed within them to support a huge range of non-clinical problems. They are a fantastic service which can also be accessed via the Help Hub request form or directly contacting the GP surgery and asking to book an appointment with the community connector.

For those that regularly have contact with the Freethorpe Community, and notice anyone that may need support in areas of their life that might be contributing to poor mental wellbeing (e.g. support with money worries or debt, household support, benefits, domestic abuse, help in your community, wellbeing and health, refugee support, carer support, bereavement support, employment and training, housing etc), or you need support yourself, you can either:

  • Direct the person/yourself to the Help Hub where they/you can complete an online request for help form: https://www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/community-safety/help-hub/getting-help

  •  With consent from the person, you can complete the request for help form by making a referral on behalf of someone else.

  • Contact one of the Freethorpe Community Wellbeing Champions, who will assist in any way that they can:

    • Melanie Hoggett: Tel: 07810 547169; Email: melanie@mjbcounselling.com

Emergency and crisis support

  • NHS: 999 or A&E if it is an emergency or you don't think you can keep yourself or someone else safe

  • 111 Option 2 is the Mental Health Crisis Support line. Professional healthcare advice that is available 24/7, if you or someone needs urgent care

  • Emergency GP appointment

  • Samaritans 116 123 (24/7 freephone).

  • Get help in a crisis (Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust)

  • Shout - A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

  • Papyrus 24/7 Hopeline 0300 102 2470 - Young Suicide Prevention or Text Hope to 88247

  • Under 19s can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline – the number will not appear on their phone bill

Self-refer for talking therapies

You can also self-refer online for support from NHS Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies