About the Wellbeing Hub and frequently asked questions

Welcome to the FAQ section on the Wellbeing Hub.  

The Wellbeing Hub is a directory of mental health and wellbeing services and training opportunities provided by community groups, the NHS, Westminster City Council, and private organisations. It is built for residents, health professionals, voluntary community, and faith sector organisations. 

The Wellbeing Hub is not a complete guide to mental and emotional wellbeing and does not provide direct help for mental health crises or emergencies. 

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is about how we think and feel, and it is natural for everyone to experience moments of worry, confusion, or sadness.

Various factors, such as family, relationships, and school, can influence our overall wellbeing. By addressing mental health and emotional wellbeing proactively, we can often prevent challenges before they arise. Taking steps to improve your wellbeing not only supports your mental and emotional health but also positively impacts your physical health and other areas of your life.

Find more information about mental health conditions by visiting the NHS website.   

What are the challenges to wellbeing?

Many factors can influence your wellbeing, such as:

• life experiences
• financial concerns
• loneliness
• managing health conditions
• neurodiversity
• bereavement
• substance use
• adjusting to a new country
• housing instability
• parenting
• exploring your identity

Your wellbeing may also be impacted if you're caring for someone else or if someone close to you is facing a mental health challenge. Engaging in activities that nurture your mental, physical, social, and spiritual health can be incredibly beneficial.

Explore the Wellbeing Hub to find the right help for you.  

What can you do to improve your wellbeing?

Research shows that there are five steps you can take to boost your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these can help you feel more positive and get more out of life. 

The five steps to your mental health and wellbeing are:  

1. Connecting with other people 
2. Being physically active 
3. Learning new skills 
4. Giving to others 
5. Paying attention to the present moment (mindfulness) 

Find out more about the five ways to wellbeing by visiting the NHS website.  

What might my wellbeing support look like?

Services to support your wellbeing are available through the NHS, voluntary community and faith sector organizations, the private sector, and council services. Some of these services offer peer support groups led by mentors with lived experience or professionals specialising in specific areas. Others provide urgent assistance through phone calls, online chats, or text messages, often available 24/7. Remember that not all services are available immediately, and there may be a waiting period. It's important to check the waiting times with your chosen service. If the wait becomes difficult, crisis lines are available for immediate help.

You can also access one-to-one support tailored to your specific needs.

You can find out about different mental wellbeing topics, such as meditation and mindfulness techniques, by searching websites and NHS-approved apps. These can also offer you advice on how to help others struggling with their wellbeing. Find apps and resources on the Apps and Other Supportive Resources page.  

How will wellbeing support be provided?

There are many ways to take care of your wellbeing, but you might benefit from the help of others. Here are some possible ways that your mental and emotional wellbeing support journey could look like: 

• Appointment with your General Practitioner (GP): During the visit, you can talk to your GP about your worries. Your doctor may want to know about how you feel, your physical health, and your social and living situation. 

 Find out more about talking to your GP about your mental health. 

• Diagnosis and treatment plan: Based on the assessment, your GP may diagnose you, suggest treatment options, and create a plan that suits your needs. This could include medication, therapy referrals like NHS Talking Therapies, lifestyle changes, or connecting you with community organisations. It might also involve further referrals to specialists if needed. Mental health services are free on the NHS.    

• Follow-up and support: Your GP can check on your improvement, change your treatment if necessary, and offer continuous support and advice. 

• Referral to specialist care: Your GP may recommend you see mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health services if they think you need more specialised support. 

• Other ways to support your mental health and emotional wellbeing: GPs are important for mental health support but are not the only option. In our borough, many voluntary community and faith sector organisations can also help you. Use the Wellbeing Hub to find the different types of support available to you, including NHS services, self-care activities, local community and faith support, and mental wellbeing training.  

• Continuous maintenance of your wellbeing: You can keep taking care of your mental health in the long run by using a mix of professional help, self-care, and community resources to enhance your wellbeing and that of your loved ones. 

What might the wait times look like, and is there a cost?

Services have different wait times based on the number of referrals they receive and their capacity. Some services may take a few days to a few weeks to offer support.

There are activities that you can drop into without having to refer yourself. Check waiting times with your chosen service. If you find the wait challenging, crisis lines are available for immediate assistance. 

Service costs can also vary. While some services offer free assistance, others may request a small fee for their support. 

How to cope with a mental health crisis?

In an emergency or if you need urgent help: 

• If you or someone else is in danger, including risks of self-harm or suicide, call 999  
• For urgent mental health support, such as feeling suicidal or unable to cope, visit NHS 111 online or call 111  
• For mental health crisis, you can also contact Single Point of Access 0800 0234 650 or email [email protected] (available 24/7).  
• Samaritans also offer 24-hour support by phone (116 123) or email. 
• For physical health emergencies, go directly to A&E.