Episode 2: Help Is Close

Knowing how to find help when it comes to mental health and well being can be a challenge.

In this edition of When Life Gives You Lemons hosts Joanna Young and the Rev Ian Dewar hear about Help Is Close, a Lancaster district-wide, mental health support campaign aimed at all ages.

As well as organisations offering practical help it also lists groups who may help when it comes to maintaining good mental health - sports and social clubs, activity groups and more.

In this edition we hear from Sarah Baines who’s leading the project. We also hear from Amy, Westmorland General Hospital’s Lead Chaplain who also works in the area’s mental health facilities, and in more detail from Ian who explains how in the NHS chaplains make a difference.

Watch out for the Help Is Close posters, postcards and bags as well as the

the Lancaster District Directory -

https://directory.lancastercvs.org.uk /

WARNING: This edition includes references to suicide.

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support call

0800 0130710.

Show notes:

2 mins Lancaster’s mental health history

3 mins Introducing Sarah Baines from Help Is Close

5 mins Where the idea for Help Is Close came from.

7 mins The extent of support on offer including a dedicated number to

help. 0800 0130710

8 mins Pubs, hairdressers, schools and other locations have been targeted

to share help.

12 mins How being connected can help improve mental health.

17 mins Why there’s no shame in asking for help.

20 mins How connections around the Bay are making a difference.

22 mins Joanna thinks Ian has a tough job!

23 mins Meet Rev Amy Bland, Site Lead Chaplain for Westmorland General who also supports The Orchard mental health ward in Lancaster.

28 mins Hearing how playing games or getting a brew helps when it comes to keeping mental health well.

28 “Do you get paid for playing Rummikub…?!”