Monday 18th January 2021 marked ‘Blue Monday’ in the UK.
‘Blue Monday’ is a name given to the third Monday of January and has been referred to as the ‘most depressing day of the year’ due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights and typically extended time between pay day.
While ‘Blue Monday’ gets people talking about depression and anxiety, we at Barrow AFC acknowledge that mental health issues are suffered all year round, not just on one day.
The past year has been tough on us all. Many people have developed new mental health problems as a result of the pandemic, and existing mental health problems have become worse.
If you are suffering, you do not have to do so in silence because this Football Club is always here to support its supporters - and nothing is ever going to change that.
The following agencies are available for free, confidential support:
Mind in Furness
Face to face, online and over the phone support for people in Furness suffering from mental health problems.
Telephone: 01229 827094
Mind UK
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Furness Mental Health Trust
A Service User and Carer Led and Run Charitable Incorporated Organisation in the Furness Area.
Telephone: 01229 827870
NSPCC
Children’s charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty
Telephone: 0808 800 5000 (for adults concerned about a child), 0800 1111 (for Childline for children)
First Step South Cumbria
Urgent support phone line, staffed by trained mental health processionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services.
Telephone: 0800 953 0110 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Telephone: 0344 477 5774 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm)
CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Telephone: 0800 585 858 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Men’s Health Forum
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email
Website: menshealthforum.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: mentalhealth.org.uk
OCD UK
A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.
Telephone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
PAPRYRUS
Young suicide prevention society.
Telephone: 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm, and 2pm to 5pm on weekends)
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 116 123 (free 24 hour helpline)
SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
Website: sane.org.uk/support
Refuge
Advice on dealing with domestic violence.
0808 2000 247 (24 hour helpline)
Alcoholics Anonymous
A free self-help group. Its 12 step programme involves getting sober with the help of regular face to face and online support groups.
Telephone: 0800 917 7650 (24 hour helpline)
Alzheimer’s Society
Provides information on dementia, including factsheets and helplines.
Telephone: 0300 222 1122 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and 10am to 4pm on weekends)
Gamblers Anonymous
A free self-help group. Its 12 step programme involves stopping gambling with the help of regular face to face and online support groups.
Telephone: 0330 094 0322 (24 hour helpline)