💚 Mental Health Awareness Week

12 May 2026

You are not alone – support is available

Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance for us all to pause, reflect, and talk openly about mental health. One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year, and yet many people still feel unsure about asking for help.

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health — and support is available right here in Warwickshire.

🧠 Signs & Symptoms of Mental Health Difficulties

Mental health challenges affect people in different ways. You might notice changes in yourself or someone you care about.

💭 Emotional signs

• Feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed most of the time
• Irritability, anger, or mood swings
• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
• Feeling hopeless, numb, or disconnected

😴 Physical signs

• Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Feeling constantly tired or low in energy
• Unexplained aches, pains, or headaches

🧩 Behavioural signs

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or colleagues
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Avoiding everyday tasks or responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol or other substances

👉 If these feelings last more than a couple of weeks or begin to affect daily life, it’s important to seek support.

💷 Money & Mental Health

Financial pressure is one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety. Worries about bills, debt, benefits, housing, or rising living costs can have a serious impact on mental health.

You may notice:

😟 Constant worry about money

💤 Poor sleep due to financial stress

💭 Feeling ashamed, stuck, or out of control

🔁 Avoiding letters, emails, or bank statements

😔 Increased anxiety or low mood

💚 Financial difficulties are not a personal failure — and help is available.

🧾 Practical support that can help

Citizens Advice offers free, confidential, and impartial advice on:

• Debt and budgeting
• Benefits and Universal Credit
• Housing and rent issues
• Energy bills and cost‑of‑living support
• Employment and income concerns

📞 Warwickshire Freephone Adviceline: 0808 250 5715

Mon-Fri 9.00-3.30
👉 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Reducing financial stress can make a real difference to mental wellbeing.

Call our adviceline or come and speak to an adviser at one of the drop in sessions at our local offices www.brancab.org.uk.

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🤝 Where to Find Mental Health Support (UK & Warwickshire)

🏥 NHS Support

• Your GP

A good first step if you’re worried about your mental health. They can listen, offer advice, and refer you to local services.

• NHS Talking Therapies – Coventry & Warwickshire

Free, confidential support for anxiety, depression, stress, and related concerns.
✅ You can self‑refer — no GP referral needed.
👉 https://www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/talking-therapies

💙 Local Support in Warwickshire

• Mind Warwickshire

Counselling, recovery services, wellbeing groups, and advice.
📞 0300 330 5481
👉 https://www.mindwarwickshire.org.uk

• Rethink Mental Illness – Warwickshire

Support for people experiencing mental illness and for carers.
👉 https://www.rethink.org

• Samaritans – Coventry & Warwickshire

24/7 emotional support for anyone feeling overwhelmed or distressed.
📞 116 123 (free, 24/7)
👉 https://www.samaritans.org

📱 Urgent or Crisis Support

• Shout – free text support, 24/7

📲 Text SHOUT to 85258

• NHS 111

📞 Call 111 and select the mental health option

• Emergency

🚨 If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999