Today’s theme is Mental Health. The adult safeguarding duties under the Care Act 2014 applies to all people with care and support needs, including adults who have mental health issues as they may be at risk of abuse and neglect. It is a priority for Safeguarding Adults Board to ensure that adults at risk of abuse and neglect are protected, and that practitioners are skilled and trained appropriately to recognise changes in symptoms and behaviours that may indicate a deterioration in their mental health and that those people are safeguarded. What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental illness, especially depression, increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. General Information Where to get help in a crisis If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment. It’s important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus. See more information about where to get help in a mental health crisis on the NHS website. Age UK Your Mind Matters Being worried, low or out of sorts aren’t just part and parcel of getting older – they’re important signs that you’re not feeling as well as you should be. Our mental health affects how we think and feel, and how we cope with life’s ups and downs. As we move through different stages of life and our circumstances change, our mental health can change too. We’ve all faced a lot of challenges this year. You may have found your own ways of coping, but it’s also natural to feel overwhelmed by it all. If things are starting to get on top of you, you don’t need to try and cope alone. There is support out there that can help. See support available at Age UK Your Mind Matters Guide. Solent Mind Solent Mind is part of a network of over 100 Local Minds who tailor trusted mental health services to our communities. They collaborate with Mind to make sure their pioneering campaigns, information and research makes a difference in Portsmouth. For more information about services available in Portsmouth see the Solent Mind website. Shout Shout can help with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, bullying or if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Shout 85258 is free, confidential 24/7 mental health text support in the UK – just text ‘Shout’ to 85258. Shout 85258 has become increasingly critical since Covid-19, being one of the few mental health support services able to operate as normal at this time. The Samaritans The Samaritans provide a free listening service, with no judgement, no pressure, and will help you work through what’s on your mind. If you need advice or specialist support for a specific issue they have a list of specialist organisations, including their contact details, which you may find helpful. Go to The Samaritans who say ‘whatever you’re going through, call us free any time, from any phone, on 116 123’. NHS Easy Read Guide to the Mental Health Act The Mental Health Act is a law that tells people with a mental health disorder what their rights are and how they can be treated. The term “mental health disorder” is used to describe people who have: a mental illness; a learning disability; a personality disorder. Being detained (also known as sectioned) under the Mental Health Act is when you’re made to stay in hospital for assessment or treatment. It’s important that you know what happens to you when you’re detained, what your rights are, and where you can seek help. The Mental Health Act Code of Practice tells everyone how to use this law and what they must do. You can see an easy to read guide on the NHS website.