Mental Health Matters
Mental health is something that can affect all of us at different points in our lives. For disabled people, it can go hand in hand with the additional pressures of daily life. Many aspects of living with a physical disability, such as managing pain or fatigue, dealing with changes in independence, or facing barriers in everyday life can all have an impact on emotional wellbeing.
While Disability Assist does not offer support with mental health issues, we understand that mental and physical health should never be viewed in isolation. Many of our clients deal with mental health problems alongside their physical disability and we believe that looking after both equally is important for your overall wellbeing. There are some great resources in Kent and Medway that can help and we can refer to you to those organisations for support.
World Mental Health Day
To mark World Mental Health Day, Kent and Medway NHS Talking Therapies is bringing together local mental health organisations for a series of community events on Friday 9th October 2026. The events are an opportunity to meet local organisations, find out about the support that might be available to you and have conversations about mental health in a welcoming environment.
Open days and information events are taking place at locations including Canterbury, Dartford, Folkestone, Maidstone, Ramsgate and Tunbridge Wells Safe Havens, as well as venues in Rainham, Gillingham and Medway. Times vary by location so please check this before you attend.
These events are a great opportunity to find out what help is available locally, even if you are not sure whether you need support yet.
What support is available?
Sometimes asking for help can feel like the hardest step. You do not need to wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out to someone.
There are lots of ways to get help with your mental health if you feel that you would like some support. In Kent and Medway, options include:
Your GP can discuss your concerns and help you find appropriate support.
Kent and Medway NHS Talking Therapies provides free, confidential support for adults who are registered with a local GP. You can self-refer for support with issues including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood, without having to go through your GP.
Kent and Medway Safe Havens offers out-of-hours mental health support.
Release the Pressure is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline on 0800 107 0160. You can also text STAND to 85258 for support.
We have put together a downloadable guide to all of the local organisations above as well as national organisations that you can turn to for advice, information and practical help. You can find it here.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, call 999 or go to A&E. For an urgent mental health crisis, you can also call 111 and select the mental health option.
This World Mental Health Day, please remember that there is support available when you need it. If you would prefer that Disability Assist refers you to someone, please get in touch with us.
Comments