Today is World Mental Health Day. If you are experiencing a mental health difficulty and you are worried about yourself or a loved one, talk to someone you trust; speak to your GP, who will be able to give you more information and refer you to appropriate services if needed; or you can contact a support service. Supports include: - Samaritans: Samaritans is a confidential, emotional support service for anyone in Ireland and the UK. The service is available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email the team at [email protected]. - Pieta: Pieta supports people and communities in crisis. Its helpline (1800 247 247) and text service (51444) operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. - Text 50808 (HSE): Text 50808 is a free text service, available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It provides everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis. If you need support, you can text HELLO to 50808, anytime day or night. - Emergency services can be contacted at any time by calling 999 or 112 in the Republic of Ireland or 112 in the rest of Europe. If you are at immediate risk of harm, you can go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department. You can find links to other resources and supports on the Walk in My Shoes website here. I am delighted to be working with the Walk in My Shoes campaign as their newest ambassador. To celebrate World Mental Health Day, Walk in My Shoes, the flagship awareness-raising and education campaign of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, is bringing back its award-winning WIMS Live campaign for its third year. WIMS Live focuses on learning more about mental health, exploring how we can support people and talking about ways in which we can help to end stigma and misunderstandings around mental health. I’ll be sharing my own mental health journey as part of the WIMS Live campaign this week. You can follow the campaign on the Walk in My Shoes website or via their Instagram @stpatricks_wims #worldmentalhealthday