Information on Mental Health

If you're in good mental health you can make the most of your potential, cope with everyday life and play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends.

Mental health difficulties affect one in four of us at some point in our lives so they are very common. There are now lots of ways to overcome these difficulties, including some very practical steps each of us who experiences them can take on our own. There are also people and services to access for guidance and support. It sometimes helps to think of mental health and mental illness separately.

Good mental health means that we feel happy about ourselves and have a sense of purpose and of belonging to a community. We have goals in life, good self esteem and feel valued and in control of our lives. Mental illness is much more clinical, defined by symptoms and, diagnosed by doctors, who prescribe treatment that’s often medication based. It’s important to recognise, however, that each and everyone of us can take steps ourselves to improve our mental health irrespective of whether we have a mental illness. In taking such steps it’s often the case that the symptoms of illness become less distressing and more easily managed.

Research has shown that remaining hopeful and positive about the future and developing the inner strength to be in control help to combat the symptoms of mental distress which can, at times, feel overwhelming.

MIND

Richmond Borough Mind is a charity and key provider of adult mental health services that are based on local needs. It offers friendly, accessible support and information to promote wellbeing in the community and to help people who experience mental distress to have hope, control and opportunities to live full and meaningful lives. Its services include low cost, confidential counselling, support and advice for carers, drop-in sessions and eco-therapy. The charity also works with service providers to develop more culturally appropriate services.

For more information visit www.rbmind.org, call 020 3513 3404 or email info@rbmmind.org

South West London and St. George’s Trust (SWL&StG)

SWL&StG works in partnership with primary care, local authorities and charities to support and treat people with mental health problems and their families and to improve awareness of the importance of mental health.

Visit the website at www.swlstg-tr.nhs.uk for more information, including conditions, treatments and therapies as well as help for carers and families. You can also find out about local and national support groups and telephone helplines

Depression Alliance

The Depression Alliance works to relieve and prevent depression by providing information and support and has self-help groups in Twickenham and Richmond.

Legal issues

The government’s website GOV.UK provides useful information on mental health, including assessments and the Mental Health Act and Disability Discrimination Act.

If you care for someone else there may come a time when you have to manage their affairs. The Mental Capacity Act enables people to choose someone to manage their finances and property should they become incapable of doing so and also to make health and welfare decisions on their behalf. The best way to do this is to plan for the future by drawing up a legal agreement known as a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Advocacy services

An advocate is an independent person who speaks up for vulnerable people and can provide you with information about your rights under the Mental Health Act, and help you to assess the treatment options available.

Current project: Kew Road Supported Housing Development

For more information and FAQs please read Kew Road Supported Housing Development(pdf, 136KB).