Mental health services remain available for those in crisis during industrial action

Mental health crisis support will continue to be available across Suffolk and north east Essex throughout this latest period of industrial action.

Junior doctors are striking until Tuesday with senior consultants taking action between 20 and 22 July followed by radiographers on July 25 for 48 hours.

Their action is part of an ongoing row between unions and the government over pay and conditions.

Health leaders say support will continue to be available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Dr Andrew Kelso, Medical Director at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, said: “If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting someone in crisis and need urgent help, 24-hour support is available every day for adults, children or young people.

“If you need urgent medical support, you can call 111 and select option 2.  This service is open to all ages and available 24hrs a day, seven days a week.”

There is also a range of other local support services for people living with mental health conditions which will continue to operate during the strike action.

These include:

Crisis Cafes

Crisis cafes support for people who need mental health crisis support. Crisis cafes in Suffolk:

Bury St Edmunds

The Malthouse, 8 Elseys Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3AA.  Open seven days a week.
Email: steamip@accessct.org
Call/Text: 07435 944076

Ipswich

22 Carr Street, Ipswich, IP4 1EJ.  Open 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: steamip@accessct.org
Call/Text 07435 943590

North east Essex

The North East Essex Crisis Cafés in Colchester and Tendring.  Open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) from 5pm to 10pm – you can self-refer by calling 0300 330 9492.

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Talking Therapies

For people in need of support if they feel continually depressed or anxious. Please contact:

Suffolk – 0300 123 1503 (for Wellbeing Suffolk, Monday to Friday 8 am to 8pm, excluding Bank Holidays)

North east Essex – 111, option 2

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Samaraitans

You can talk to Samaritans anytime on 116 123.