Every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The theme for 2023, set by the World Foundation of Mental Health, is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.

World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health. 

It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to get help if you are struggling. 

The Mental Health Foundation have shared some tips for talking to someone about their mental here.

Check out these local groups: 

South Wales Valleys Samaritans

Do you have a few hours to spare each week? Volunteer with us and, as a Samaritan volunteer, you’ll be there for people when it matters most. 

The South Wales Valleys hub of Samaritans is based in Merthyr for phone shifts, but carry out outreach activities, aimed at raising awareness, all over the South Wales Valleys. There are lots of ways you can volunteer for Samaritans, it all depends on your strengths, the areas you’re interested in, and how much time you’ve got to give. 

• Samaritans is a charity working in the UK and Ireland to reduce the number of people who die by suicide and help those struggling to cope. 
• Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. 
• Every day, Samaritans volunteers respond to around 10,000 calls for help. 

Do something you’re proud of – Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

Volunteer with us, click here to find out more and apply. 

If you need further support: 

If you need further support, there are a number of organisations in RCT and nationwide that can help. For our full list, click here.

Interlink RCT’s Wellbeing Coordinator Service 

Wellbeing Coordinators link adults to sources of support in the community to help with any social, emotional and practical needs. 

Our Wellbeing Coordinator Team work across Rhondda Cynon Taff. They will work with you to identify what matters most to you and link you to activities, groups and services in your community. 

Get in touch with a Wellbeing Coordinator by: 

• Phone: 07526 571340 / 01443 846200  
• Email: wellbeing@interlinkrct.org.uk 
• Facebook: Rhondda Wellbeing Coordinators 
• Facebook: Cynon Wellbeing Coordinators 
• Facebook: Taff Ely Wellbeing Coordinators 

Let’s Talk Men’s Mental Health 

Let’s Talk Men’s Mental Health firmly believe if we can break the stigma attached to Mental Health this will have a positive impact on the next generation. Healthier parents lead to healthier children, healthier children lead to healthier adults who are unafraid to speak up and be heard. 

LTMMH hold meetup groups in Aberdare and Tonyrefail with other locations looking to be added. 

Click Here for more information on the group times, dates and locations. 

Samaritans 24/7

FREE 116 123

Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.

They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For the Welsh Language line please call 0808 164 0123 (not 24 hour, check website). 

www.samaritans.org 

Community Advice & Listening Line

Text help to 81066 

CALL 24/7 FREE 0800 132 737 

Wales-based mental health information and support.

www.callhelpline.org.uk 

Childline 24/7

0800 1111 

Free and confidential information and advice for anyone under 19 years old. 

The Silver Line

24/7 FREE 0800 4 70 80 90 

Information, friendship & advice for older people. 

www.thesilverline.org.uk 

Beat

FREE 0808 801 0677 

Advice on eating disorders. Mon-Fri,12pm – 8pm 

Weekends & bank holidays, 4pm – 8pm. 

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk 

Cruse

FREE 0808 808 1677 

Bereavement Care and support for anyone grieving 

Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm, Tues, Wed & Thu until 8pm. 

For support, find your nearest branch. 

www.cruse.org.uk/wales 

Dan 24/7 24/7

FREE 0808 808 2234 

Support with drug and alcohol problems. 

Text DAN to: 81066 www.dan247.org.uk 

Family Lives

FREE 0800 800 2222 

Mon-Fri 9am – 9pm Sat /Sun 10am – 3pm 

Bullying UK

www.bullying.co.uk 

Advice & support on all forms of bullying. 

Parentline Plus

www.parentlineplus.org.uk 

Listening, support & non-judgemental help for families. 

HOPELine UK FREE 0800 068 4141 

Suicide prevention advice & support for anyone under 35. 

Weekdays 10am – 10pm, weekends & bank holidays 

2pm – 10pm. 

www.papyrus-uk.org 

LGBT Foundation 0345 3 30 30 30 

Support services for lesbian, gay, bi & trans people. 

Weekdays (excluding bank holidays) 10am – 10pm. 

www.lgbt.foundation