A NEW guide is offering definitive advice for people looking for help for mental health and wellbeing issues in York.

Healthwatch York has compiled the guide to help people look after their mental health, to find help quickly and to find organisations that can provide advice, help, support and social activities.

It has compiled the information after learning how people struggled to know where to go to find help.

Sian Balsom, Healthwatch York manager, said: “One of the key messages we hear from people is how hard it is to get information when you need it. We wanted to help people get straight to the right support.

“Our guide is unique because of the vision behind it, and how it was developed. It was led by Healthwatch York volunteer Louise Sangwine, who as a former mental health service user knows how vital good information is.

"She has shaped the directory to answer the questions she had, questions she knows people regularly ask.

"Louise received support and encouragement from John Brown, another Healthwatch York volunteer, and together they researched and compiled this guide. It has been inspiring to watch their dedication to creating an invaluable resource for us all.”

Louise said the guide is exactly what she would have needed when she had a mental health issue, and she said she has spoken to many other people who have found themselves in the same situation.

She said: “Now, no-one needs to wait or struggle to find the right help – they just need to look at the guide which gives comprehensive information in an accessible and easy to follow format. Producing it has been a real team effort and I am very proud to have been involved.”

John said about his work with Louise: “The guide is an essential resource for everyone in York and a testament to Louise - her inspirational idea, formidable research and dedication. It has been a privilege to work alongside her to create a resource I know will help make a big difference to people in York.”

Copies of the guide are available online to download at healthwatchyork.co.uk/about-us/hw-york-publications/

You can also collect a paper copy from the Healthwatch York office at 15 Priory Street in York.