New online mental health service launches in Newcastle and Gateshead
Thursday 26 May 2022
A new free, safe and anonymous online mental health service is now available for people living in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Togetherall is a place where you can safely voice your feelings and connect with others for your wellbeing. The service is available 24/7 and moderated by mental health professionals and led by an on-duty clinical team to ensure users are safe and supported.
Dr Mark Dornan, a local GP and a Chair of NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The last couple of years have been tough for us all and many of us are now needing a helping hand with our mental health.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to open up to friends and family. Togetherall means we can share our feelings safely and anonymously, while there are also courses and resources to help you manage their own mental health.
“It’s a safe place to connect with like-minded people, with tools to help with anxiety, depression, low mood or stress. We want to make sure that whatever your needs, there is a range of options so you can get the right support.”
Togetherall is the latest in a series of new mental health services commissioned for local people by NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). It follows the recent launch of a mental health support line operated by Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, as well as the Qwell online counselling and emotional wellbeing service.
The new initiative is also working alongside established services like talking therapies and mental health crisis support.
Henry Jones, Chief Executive of Togetherall said: “Sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences with other people is a vital part of the support we all need, but especially in these difficult times. Not everyone has someone they can speak to, and some people don’t feel comfortable talking openly. We’re delighted that with Togetherall, everyone in Newcastle and Gateshead now has a safe, free and anonymous community to join for support, night or day.”
The new service is part of a range of support on offer in Newcastle and Gateshead:
Need urgent help now?
- Adults – call 0800 652 2863 for the CNTW crisis and home treatment team
- Children and young people – call 0800 652 2864, CNTW children and young persons crisis team
- Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07919 228 548
Numbers are free and available 24 hours a day. If you or another person have been harmed or are at immediate risk, you may require an emergency response – call 999.
Local mental health services
- Free online support and counselling are available at www.qwell.io (age 18+) or www.Kooth.com (now 18 and under – but existing users can choose to stay until 25).
- Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s support line – every day 8am to 10pm (age 16+) on 0330 174 3174 (charged at local rate)
- Togetherall – a free, anonymous online mental health community where you can safely voice your feelings and connect with others. Moderated by professionals for your safety – visit www.togetherall.com.
- If you’re feeling low, anxious or stressed, you can contact Gateshead Talking Therapies on 0191 283 2541 or Talking Helps Newcastle on 0191 282 6600
- Visit 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111 – open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any non-emergency medical problems
- If you are feeling suicidal, phone the Samaritans on 116 123
- And of course, you can contact your GP if these options are not suitable