Two new support services have been set up in Nottingham to help people with mental health issues.

The Primary Health, Wellbeing and Recovery College has opened in Mapperley and offers a range of courses designed to show people how they can take control of their mental health, develop skills and boost their confidence.

Meanwhile, Wellness In Mind has opened as a central point in Nottingham for mental health services, with advice and information available. It will bring people together in a city-wide support network, challenge stigma and improve access to help, including housing, debt and employment issues.

The announcement comes ahead of national Mental Health Awareness Week, which started yesterday (Monday) and runs until Sunday 22 May.

An interactive event will take place to promote Wellness In Mind during the week at The Polish Centre, in Sherwood Rise. It will run from 12.30pm to 4pm on Friday 20 May. Call 0800 561 0073 for details.

The Primary Health, Wellbeing and Recovery College, operated by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, runs out of Duncan Macmillan House, in Porchester Road, and courses will be available at community venues in Aspley, Bulwell, Clifton and Hyson Green. For more information, call 0115 956 0827.

Councillor Alex Norris, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re really pleased that these two services are available to people in Nottingham. It’s really important that we help banish the stigma of mental health and, especially, offer dedicated support to people who need it.

“Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time in their life, and often when problems first come to light it can be extremely concerning for the person involved. It is common for people to feel isolated, confused and unsure where to go for help.

“Together with the support offered by GPs and health professionals, we hope these additional services will provide people will the support and guidance they need.”

Nottingham City Council and NHS Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have also commissioned a mental health training programme aimed at frontline workers and volunteers across the city. It is designed for those who may need extra knowledge and skills in order to support people at risk of developing or already experiencing mental health problems.

There are a range of free sessions available to choose from. For further information, contact Sophie Allen on 0115 934 8445 or email training@harmless.org.uk

Dr Safiy Karim, Clinical Lead for Mental Health at NHS Nottingham City CCG and a locum GP at The Forest Practice, in Hyson Green, said “Mental health should no longer be a topic we feel embarrassed to talk about. I like to encourage the patients I see to open up and talk about it.

“Mental health is every bit as important as physical health, and it’s important that people do start address any concerns they have with their GP, so that we can support and signpost them to the help they need.”

Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, has been running since 2000 and each year focuses on a particular subject. For 2016, that subject is relationships and discussing how important they are in terms of promoting health and wellbeing.