Most people with mental health problems go through times of being much more 'unwell'. At these crisis times we need more support and help than at other times. However many people have said that they don't know what help is available and where to turn for it. This leaflet has been produced by a group of people using the services to explain what there is and what each has to offer.

Often crises develop out of normal working hours - in the evening, at night or over weekends. This leaflet shows when different services are available.

Your GP, or your Care Co-Cordinator (if you have one), is able to refer you to Heatherwood if you feel that is necessary. Out of working hours when they are unavailable the only way to be referred to Heatherwood is via the out of hours GP or by going to the Minor Injuries unit at Heatherwood.

When you are not 'in crisis' it would be a good idea to fill in the numbers for your GP and Out of Hours GP. If you don't have your own telephone or means of transport it may be worth asking neighbours or friends if they would mind supporting you if at some later time you became unwell and in need of a phone or a lift.

If any of these services fail to give you the help that is stated on this sheet, please inform us (write to The Bell, c/o Jill Revans, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1JD) so we can investigate why this has happened.

Remember:


• These services are there to be used. If you think that you need help, use them.
  
  
• You don't need to have reached the end of your tether, decided that suicide is the onfy option or started to harm yourself (or others) before you are 'ill enough' to call them.
  
  
• Your needs are just as important as those of anybody else.
  
  
• Don't assume that doing nothing will make you feel better.
  
  
• Different services offer different things. It might be right to use more than one of them (possibly be listened to by the Samantans, get advice from Saneline, speak to a social worker on the Emergency Duty Team and decide that you may need to go into hospital so speak to the doctor covering for your GP).