It’s estimated that 90,000 people in Suffolk are experiencing anxiety, depression or other common mental health issues at the moment – that’s more than twice the population of a town like Bury St Edmunds.*
We also know that it can be hard to talk about worries or concerns, usually for fear of what others may think, so asking for help can be difficult. But people no longer have to suffer alone. Big White Wall (BWW) provides safe, anonymous online support, for people to share what’s on their mind without fear of stigma.
Big White Wall is a digital mental health and wellbeing service that has been designated a High Impact Innovation by the NHS. It has no waiting lists and is available 24/7. Big White Wall is professionally staffed at all times, providing help and support to its members at whatever time that suits them.
BWW is a partner of the Suffolk NHS Wellbeing Service, provided by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and is available free via them to Suffolk residents aged 16+. BWW has helped more than 500 local people since 2012.
Nesta Reeve, consultant clinical psychologist and lead clinician for the NHS Wellbeing service said: “This World Mental Health Day, we’d like to remind the people of Suffolk that there is help for emotional wellbeing issues available, whenever they need it through the Suffolk Wellbeing service www.readytochange.org.uk. The fact that Big White Wall has now supported over 500 local residents shows that it really makes a difference.”
As an anonymous service, BWW removes the barrier of stigma, helping people who may not normally seek help for their mental health issues to get the support they need. BWW supports many people who are unable, for whatever reason, to find support elsewhere, and helping them find their voice. 73% share something for the first time on BWW. 95% of members report feeling better as a result of using BWW.
This World Mental Health Day, BWW would like to remind all Suffolk residents who may be struggling silently with a wellbeing issue, or keeping quiet about their distress, that the Suffolk NHS Wellbeing Service are there to support them.
When a new member joins www.bigwhitewall.com they create a username, which does not identify them in any way. The service is completely anonymous.
* Source: ONS, Census 2011, population 41,113.
Big White Wall’s services include:
Talkabouts: Members can talk to others in the Big White Wall community who share similar experiences. They can also engage with Wall Guides (counsellors), who are online at all times to ensure all members are safe.
Useful Stuff: Members can take ‘distress tests’; find out more about topics ranging from anxiety and depression, to coping with redundancy and alcohol problems. They can also find out more to help them understand their worries and concerns and how to move forward.
Creative art and writing therapies: It can sometimes be difficult putting feelings into words. Members can vent and express how they feel in images by making ‘Bricks’ on The Wall.
Big White Wall also offers a service called LiveTherapy, (available from the local Wellbeing Service) which is therapy delivered online by a choice of webcam, audio and instant messaging. This is a very convenient way for people to access therapy, especially those who would find it hard to regularly access other face-to-face services. LiveTherapy is perfect for people in full-time employment, or who have restricted transport options or mobility. What’s more, there are no waiting lists, and patients can chose their own therapist and book sessions at their convenience – even during evenings and weekends – and then attend them from the comfort of their own home.
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