Worcestershire residents are being urged to seek support for their mental health.

To mark World Mental Health Day on Thursday (October 10), NHS mental health services have encouraged people to act.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust said: "The day offers a chance for us to reflect on our mental health and explore ways to support ourselves and one another."

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Those feeling unsafe or distressed can contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24-hour urgent mental health helpline by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

Help is also available at hacw.nhs.uk/urgent-help.

For general wellbeing advice, residents can visit the NHS Every Mind Matters website at nhs.uk/every-mind-matters, which offers self-help CBT techniques, a quiz, tips, and support.

If feelings of low mood, stress, anxiety, or depression persist, the NHS Talking Therapies Service is available.

The service offers a range of free, confidential psychological therapies proven effective in treating anxiety and depression.

This includes online therapy, groups and courses, and 1:1 therapy.

Talking Therapies caters to individuals aged 16 or over, with a GP registered in Herefordshire or Worcestershire experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Self-referral can be made via the website talkingtherapies.hwhct.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 013 57 27.

The service also helps manage conditions such as phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, generalised anxiety, health anxiety, body dysmorphia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It also supports people in coping with the psychological impact of long-term health conditions like diabetes.

The trust said: "Left untreated, mental health issues can significantly impact your wellbeing and quality of life.

"The earlier you seek treatment, the sooner you can learn to manage symptoms, overcome challenges, and lead a productive and meaningful life."

The service works with other healthcare providers to offer holistic support to patients, including employment advice.

For more information, visit talkingtherapies.hwhct.nhs.uk.