A SOUTHAMPTON charity dedicated to improving wellbeing and boosting positive mental health is re-opening its revamped Shirley hub during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9 – 15 2022) and will be accepting in person bookings.
Claire Trent, Service Manager at Options Wellbeing Trust, which offers counselling, therapy and wellbeing support, on Shirley Road, says: “We’re showing our support for Mental Health Awareness Week, focused this year on loneliness, which affects millions of people across the UK and has a big impact on our mental health, by re-opening our Shirley hub ahead of schedule to ensure people who need us now that we’re in the post-pandemic phase can now get in contact and book face to face sessions. During the various restrictions, we took time out to revamp the space and are also looking forward to being able to invite people to see how it looks now.
“Since the pandemic we have seen an increase in people contacting us for our support as they are feeling lonely and isolated. During the lockdowns when we all, understandably, had to stay at home people became more isolated and now they are struggling to go out and socialise again as they did pre-COVID.
“During the week we will be putting some helpful advice on our website at www.optionswellbeing.co.uk, including some top tips on dealing with loneliness. People can also find out all about the services we offer and we’re accepting bookings for face-to-face appointments for anyone that might need help dealing with their mental health and issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, addiction and eating disorders. Appointments can be made in person now to take place in our hub in Shirley from May 30 from 9am onwards.
“For the moment, this is a soft re-opening and we will be hosting a full ribbon cutting ceremony at our premises on June 30.”
Anyone who would like to book an appointment should visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk or call 023 8063 0219. The hub is based at 147, Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3FH.
The Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in the Pandemic’ research found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the pandemic. It has been a factor in contributing to higher levels of distress, as a result of people’s sense of isolation and reduced ability to connect with others.
Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, Mark Rowland, says on www.mentalhealth.org.uk: “Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health so we much find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a part in this. The week is also an invaluable opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, with a focus on providing help and advice.”
Options Wellbeing Trust is a long-established registered charity with more than 50 years’ experience in offering a range of professional and affordable therapeutic support, counselling, training and development services to people across Southampton, Hampshire and Dorset.
It is proud to assist people in communities at a grassroots level, making a difference to their lives, leading to a brighter future.
The charity supports people and helps them explore ways of recognising what is negatively impacting on their lives and finding ways of addressing and improving their wellbeing.
It delivers workshops and one-to-one help on a number of life issues including anxiety, stress management, bereavement, trauma, relaxation, and educational awareness groups on a range of topics including addictions, such as gambling, drinking, and gaming.
For further details, please visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk.
