Mental health awareness
Mental health matters on our rounds, and on yours.
If you are struggling, or worried about someone, you do not have to work it out alone.
If you need help now
- Call 999
Emergency
If someone's life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.
- Call 111
NHS 111
Call 111 and choose the mental health option (option 2), 24 hours a day in England.
- Call 116 123
- Text SHOUT to 85258
Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24/7.
Numbers checked against the NHS, Samaritans and Shout on .
Why our lorries carry the message
FJL lorries carry Men's Mental Health Awareness livery, so the message goes out wherever our rounds take us. Waste and logistics work means early starts, long shifts and a lot of time alone in a cab. Starting a conversation can make a difference, for our drivers and for anyone who sees the lorry go past.
Looking out for yourself and each other
Some general pointers, drawn from the NHS and Mind. They are not a diagnosis. If something does not feel right, talk to your GP or one of the services on this page.
Spotting the signs
In yourself or a colleague, look out for:
- Changes in mood, such as feeling low, flat, anxious or on edge more than usual.
- Sleeping much more or much less, or feeling tired all the time.
- Withdrawing, going quiet, or avoiding people and things they used to enjoy.
- Being irritable, short tempered or snapping at people.
- Drinking more, or leaning on other things to get through the day.
Starting the conversation
- Ask, then ask twice
- "How are you doing, really?" A lot of people say "fine" the first time. Asking again shows you mean it.
- Listen
- You do not need the right words. Give them time, and let them talk without rushing to fill the silence.
- Don't try to fix it
- Taking them seriously matters more than having answers. You are not their doctor, you are someone who noticed.
- Suggest support
- Their GP, NHS Talking Therapies, or the numbers at the top of this page. If you are worried about their safety, call 111 or 999.
Looking after yourself on long shifts
- Sleep
- Early starts make sleep harder to protect. A regular bedtime and a wind down away from screens can help.
- Breaks
- Take the breaks you are due, and get out of the cab for a few minutes when you can.
- Food and water
- Proper food and enough water through a long shift help with energy and mood.
- Talk to someone
- A mate, family, a colleague, or one of the helplines on this page. You do not have to wait until things are bad.
- Move
- A short walk or a stretch at the end of a round is good for body and mind.
For more, see NHS Every Mind Matters and Mind.
Finding a therapist
Talking to a trained professional can help. There are a few routes, and you can use more than one.
NHS Talking Therapies
Free on the NHS. In England you can refer yourself without seeing a GP. Find NHS Talking Therapies near you.
Your GP
Your GP can talk things through with you, explain the options and refer you on if that would help.
Support through work
Some employers offer an Employee Assistance Programme, a free and confidential service that can include counselling. If your employer has one, your manager or HR can tell you how to use it.
Private therapy
If you'd prefer to see someone privately in London, the London Counselling and Therapy Directory has a free questionnaire that matches you with therapists who suit what you're looking for.
Genius Digital, which runs this website, also works with the London Counselling and Therapy Directory.
Getting help, common questions
What should I do if someone's life is at risk?
If someone's life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.
Who can I call for urgent mental health help in England?
NHS 111. Call 111 and choose the mental health option (option 2), 24 hours a day in England. You can also use 111 online at 111.nhs.uk.
Is there a free helpline I can call any time?
Samaritans. Call 116 123, free, any time, day or night.
Can I text someone instead of calling?
Yes. Text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24/7. Shout is a text support service.
How do I find a therapist?
In England you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP. You can also speak to your GP, use an Employee Assistance Programme if your employer has one, or see a private therapist.