Mental health support during the winter
As we approach the festive season and bank holidays, attending local community events and reaching out to mental health local services can improve our mental health and help us avoid isolation.
Below are useful resources on mental health and community activities for this season.
Mental health and wellbeing support advice
Every mind matters – expert advice and practical tips for better mental health and wellbeing.
Good Thinking - a digital wellbeing service that gives 24/7 access to a range of digital mental health apps and other resources for Londoners including free NHS approved apps to help reduce your anxiety, get better sleep, lower your stress and boost your mood:
Kensington and Chelsea Talking Therapies Service (Community Living Well)
Kensington and Chelsea Talking Therapies is part of Community Living Well and offers free, confidential NHS service for psychological treatment for depression and anxiety disorders.
The Talking Therapies service is a free and confidential NHS service for people aged 16 and over who are registered with a GP in Kensington and Chelsea, Queen’s Park and Paddington. It is also for people who live, work or study in the borough. Telephone: 020 3317 4200 (lines open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am to 5pm on Friday).
Find out more here.
The Samaritans - Tel: 0330 094 5717 or freephone 116 123 provides 24/7
The Listening Place – Tel: 020 3906 7676 operates from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday. Offering a free, confidential and ongoing face to face support for people with suicidal feelings
Community events this season
Free Events taking place:
- Chelsea Winter Village: free and costly activities but entry is free
- Outside of the two boroughs: Union Chapel Carols by Candlelight on 22 December, National Churches Trust Carol Concert
Library Events:
- Age UK digital support at Paddington Library: on 17 December, participants can bring along their device such as a smartphone or iPad if they have one. Booking is not necessary and further information can be requested from Sarah (07399301938 or email under sarah.robinson@ageukwestminster.org.uk
- Coffee morning at Queen‘s Park Library: on 15 December from 10:30-11:30 am, booking is not required and participation is free (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/event/coffee-morning-queens-park-library)
Grenfell Support:
Community drop ins to apply for Grenfell Community Support (https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/grenfell-response-and-recovery/grenfell-support-2024-2028/grenfell-community-support-application):
- Kensington Leisure Centre, Silchester Road, every Tuesday 11am-2pm
- Baseline Studios, Whitchurch Road, every Thursday 11am-2pm
- Clements James Centre, 95 Sirdar Road, every Friday 11am-2pm
- Emailing The Grenfell Foundation under info@grenfellfoundation.org.uk, the team will offer support and advice as needed
Domestic Violence Support:
- The National Domestic Violence Helpline is available 24/7, including during the holidays under 0808 2000 247
- Housing Solutions emergency line for Kensington and Chelsea: open during the holidays and can help find emergency housing, they can be reached under 02073613008, open from 5pm-9am on weekdays and 24h on holidays and weekends
- Angelou Partnership: ten organisations have partnered together to help women and girls experiencing domestic or sexual violence including in both Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.
