A free website providing mental health support to people across Fylde and Wyre has been redesigned as it celebrates its 10th birthday.
Big White Wall, which is available free of charge to all people with a Fylde and Wyre postcode, has launched a new improved look as part of efforts to enhance communications and improve user experience.
The online resource, available at www.bigwhitewall.com, is paid for locally by NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). It provides a supportive, online community of peers to give help to those who are feeling down.
Trained counsellors are available 24/7 and there is a choice of safe therapeutic services, including self-help courses, also accessible online so anyone who may be struggling can get support at a time that suits them, from the comfort of their own home.
Dr Kath Greenwood, a Poulton GP who is the clinical lead for mental health at the CCG, said: “We are delighted to offer this valuable service to people living across Fylde and Wyre. Mental health continues to be a priority area for the CCG and we are working hard to provide the appropriate services and making them accessible to all. By embracing online technologies such as Big White Wall we aim to support the growing number of people living in Fylde and Wyre with a mental health problem.”
Big White Wall has already helped more than 60,000 people, including thousands from the UK armed forces community, and is also supported by the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Health and Help for Heroes.
When a new member joins www.bigwhitewall.com they create a username, which does not identify them in any way. The service is completely anonymous.
Big White Wall also offers a service called LiveTherapy, which is available by prescription from a healthcare professional and delivers therapy online by a choice of webcam, audio and instant messaging.
LiveTherapy is a convenient way for people to access therapy, especially those who would find it hard to regularly access other face-to-face services. It is ideal for people in full-time employment, or who have restricted transport options or mobility. There are no waiting lists and patients can choose their own therapist and book sessions at their convenience, including evenings and weekends, and then attend them from the comfort of their own home.
