Mental health and wellbeing

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through to adulthood.

Mental health problems are very common and there is lots of support available. Most conditions do get better with treatment and many people recover completely.

Compass Recovery College

Compass Recovery College is a mental health and wellbeing organisation commissioned by Reading Borough Council. They organise free workshops and social groups for adults who may be affected directly or indirectly by mental health and wellbeing challenges.

There are different locations across the borough.

Contact: 0118 937 3945 or compass.opportunities@reading.gov.uk.

Take notice of your mental health

If you are experiencing one or more of the following it could be an early sign that you need to speak to your GP:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities you usually enjoy
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Constantly feeling tired or like you have no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, emotional, angry or scared
• Experiencing severe mood swings
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others
• Struggling with normal tasks, like getting to work or school

Help and support is available to help manage this stress and pressure:

Mind (Mental health advice and support)
0300 123 3393 | info@mind.org.uk

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Mind also campaigns to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding of mental health.

Talking Therapies

Talking Therapies is a friendly and approachable NHS service. They treat common issues like depression, stress, anxiety, or phobias. If you’re aged 17 and over and living in Berkshire, it can help you overcome the mental health and emotional wellbeing problems you’re facing.

Find out more about Talking Therapies in Berkshire.

The service is available for contact 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 5pm on Fridays.