May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The United Way offers supports for people seeking mental health services.

Mass 2-1-1 is a free, statewide, information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Individuals or families can be connected to valuable resources, including mental health and substance abuse services within their community.  Massachusetts residents can search a statewide database or reach our call center by simply dialing 2-1-1 from any phone in Massachusetts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Visit the Mass 2-1-1 website at www.Mass211.org.

Now more than ever, our community is aware of the need for mental health services.  There is a social stigma associated with mental illness, and this stigma prevents the majority of people with mental illness from seeking help.  Mass 2-1-1, a service of Massachusetts United Ways and Call2Talk, a direct service of the United Way of Tri-County are here to help.

Call2Talk, the United Way of Tri-County’s newest direct service in the MetroWest/485 corridor, is a confidential mental health and emotional support helpline that assists individuals and families through stressful times in their lives.  Callers will speak to compassionate and nonjudgmental trained volunteer call takers who will help those experiencing feelings of hopelessness, isolation or suicidal ideation.  Lines are open 18 hours a day, from 8:00 am to 2:00 am, 7 days a week; with the intent to expand to 24 hour service shortly.  To reach Call2Talk dial 508-532-CALL (2255).

Telecheck is a service designed to connect isolated seniors in the community with a compassionate peer by phone. This service is a collaboration between the United Way of Tri-County, Bay Path Elder Services and Advocates, Inc. Each week, trained elder volunteers make calls to seniors who have been referred to the program due to isolation, bereavement, serious illness, psychological or other mental health concerns. Call2Talk volunteers who are seniors themselves receive additional, specialized training to make assessments and recognize behaviors that may lead to acute conditions. Volunteers also connect seniors to vital information and resources that they may not be able to access on their own.

The United Way of Tri-County is a community building organization that brings people together to care for one another. We provide programs and services, connect volunteers, strengthen agencies, teach social responsibility, and meet the critical needs of the community with the help of people like you in MetroWest, Norfolk and Worcester County.