Live It Well and NHS Kent and Medway wants to make sure that anyone experiencing negative thoughts knows how to stay safe, and how to look after themselves, their friends and family. There is help and support there for you 24 hours per day – please use it.

If you are experiencing negative thoughts a film called U Can Cope has been launched by Connecting with People, who also have some additional resources that may help, you can access their website by clicking here.

Anyone feeling despair is encouraged to speak to someone - whether a friend, their family, their doctor or Samaritans (available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90, and at [email protected]).

The free Mental Health Matters helpline offers confidential emotional support and advice, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for people in Kent and Medway, on 0800 107 0160. Helpline staff are trained in counselling skills and have details of local services.

People in severe distress who are already being treated by a specialist mental health team are advised to call their care co-ordinator.

Anyone experiencing severe distress for the first time should see their GP who will be able to refer them to appropriate services.

Support is also available for people who have been bereaved, whether by suicide or other causes. Contact Cruse on 0844 477 9400 or at [email protected] Young people who are grieving can call the Cruse young people’s helpline free on 0808 808 1677 or email [email protected].