A Hertfordshire health service trust has reminded residents of the support available to sufferers of depression and anxiety during a national awareness week.

Depression Awareness Week, which runs to Sunday, April 26, focuses on breaking down the stigma associated with the most common mental health conditions.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust said nearly 230,000 people experience depression and anxiety in Hertfordshire, yet the majority don’t speak about it or seek help.

The trust's wellbeing service provides support for people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, including support for people who experience stress, loneliness, being fed up and tearful, physical pain, sleep problems and worry.

There are lots of different ways in which this support and treatment can be provided including group workshops via a computer programme, one-on-one sessions over the telephone or face-to-face.

People can be referred into the service by speaking to their GP, by ringing Single Point of Access on 0300 777 0707 or via self-referral.

To self-refer online, visit http://www.hpft.nhs.uk/our-services/community-services/enhanced-primary-mental-health-services/ and fill in the referral form.

Hertfordshire is also committed to an on-going county-wide suicide prevention campaign, Spot The Signs & Save a Life.

For information, visit http://www.hpft.nhs.uk/spot-the-signs/ and sign the Positive Action Pledge to make a commitment to yourself and to members of your community, to talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention.