NATIONAL SUPPORT
YOU ARE HERE
It can be quite daunting trying to find the right resource for certain mental health issues online. That is why we have created the below list, so that you can find the right information for YOU.
In the special help section below, advice about everything from ADHD to Over 50s to Violence, Abuse and Rape
general help
Helplines
National list of helplines
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Good page on all the different conditions and more.
MentalHealth.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Mind
MIND - 0300 1233393 (9.00 am – 6 pm Mon – Fri) or text 86463. Email: [email protected]
Side by Side (formerly Elefriends)
https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk
An online community, a place to be yourself, someone to talk to whenever, a safe and trusted place to be.
Rethink Mental Illness
Call 0300 5000 927
(9.30 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday)
Email [email protected]
Mental Health UK
Mental Health UK supports people affected by mental health problems including friends, family and carers.
“Working across the UK, we bring together experts from four national mental health charities to improve understanding and provide vital care.”
SANE
SANE provides emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers.
Usually provides SANELINE but see Coronavirus page.
Staying Safe
Website for people at risk of suicide and those supporting them.
Mental Health Supports
Mental Health Supports Facebook Group
Together UK
Services in parts of the UK (not locally) but involved in research, peer support and advocacy.
Self Management UK
Support for people with long term medical conditions (mental and physical)
National Institute Of Mental Health
National Institute Of Mental Health
Clic
Mental Health UK has launched Clic, an online peer support service. Free, friendly online community. Features an online forum allowing users to connect with others, chat about how they are feeling and hosts a wealth of information, advice, tools, tips and resources. There are also Q&A live video with mental health experts. Monitored 24 hours a day to ensure it is secure and confidential.
Health Talk
Experiences on film of people talking about their health conditions including mental health.
The Brain Charity
The Brain Charity offers emotional support, practical help and social activities to anyone with a neurological condition and to their family, friends and carers.
Our A-Z of neurological conditions lists over a hundred individual conditions, with basic medical information about them and links to support groups.
Our A-Z of conditions includes information about Autism, Dementia, Fibromyalgia, and Migraine and Cluster Headaches, as well as many other neurological conditions.
Miscellaneous
The British Institute of Human Rights
Help on how to prepare to see your GP or another doctor about a mental health issue.
Free Human Rights advice service. Part time helplines.
POhWER – National Advocacy Organisation.
Information on different types and where to find more help.
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
Extra for young people and children
Childline
A confidential line for children if they need help or advice.
0800 1111 – 24 hours a day
Papyrus
HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141
[email protected]
Suicide prevention charity
YoungMinds
YoungMinds
Support for children and teens, plus a helpline for parents and guardians.
0808 802 5544
Kooth
A free, confidential online service for ages 11 to 18 (up to their 19th birthday)
Kooth can be accessed on any mobile, desktop or tablet device and offers a range of services such as unlimited free counselling sessions with trained professionals, moderated forums, self-help materials and a mood journal where they can record their thoughts and feelings.
The Mix
The Mix
Age 13 – 25
0808 808 4994 11am to 11pm (free)
Crisis support – text ‘THE MIX’ to 85258
On Your Mind
We are the Wiltshire Early Mental Health Service, run by Barnardo’s. This website has lots of practical tips and advice about supporting children and young people’s mental health focusing on a range of different subjects.
Fixers
“Young People Using Their Past to Fix the Future”
Get Connected
Under 25 helpline
0808 808 4994
1 pm to 11 pm
Free text support 80849
Brook Advisory Service
Free and confidential sexual health and well-being experts.
“Healthy Lives for Young People”
Bullying UK
Part of Family Lives
www.familylives.org.uk
Helpline 0808 800 2222
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Information and short films on mental health services.
Reading Hack
Books recommended by young people and health experts for self-help.
Charlie Waller
Lots of information, support and training for parents, educators and clinicians helping young people too.
Students Against Depression
A website by students for students.
Specific Help
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For adults with ADHD:
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www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous – 0800 9177 650
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Al-Anon “…there for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.”
020 7403 0888
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FRANK – “Honest information about drugs” Helpline 0300 123 6600
Text 82111 and Live Chat (offline) 2 – 6pm 7 days a week or email [email protected]
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Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212
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Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)
Turning Point 0300 303 8788
Anxiety UK – text 07537416905, tel. 08444 775 774, Youth (13-20) 0330 606 1174
Anxiety Alliance
National Autistic Society
Autism Helpline – 0808 800 4104
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www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Support for children and young people
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A conference by and for autistic people once a year.
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https://thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk/
“The Curly Hair Project is a social enterprise which supports people on the autistic spectrum and the people around them, founded by autistic author Alis Rowe. We use cool things like animated films, comic strips and diagrams to make our work interesting and easy to understand!”
CRUSE – Bereavement Counselling, 0808 808 1677
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The Bereavement Trust
0800 435 455
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http://childdeathhelpline.org.uk/
Child Death Helpline: 0800 282986
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Compassionate Friends, supporting bereaved parents and their families. Helpline 0345 123 2304
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SANDS (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society) 020 7436 5881
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www.ataloss.org – helping the bereaved find support. Specialist help for men, young adults etc.
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Sue Ryder – palliative, neurological and bereavement support. 0808 164 4572
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www.facingthefuturegroups.org/
Facing the Future – A local group service for people bereaved by suicide run by Cruse Bereavement Care and Samaritans.
Helpline: 0844 477 9400 – Mon and Fri 9.30 – 5 pm, Tues, Wed, Thurs – 9.30 – 8 pm. Email: [email protected]
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www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk
Support after Suicide Partnership (SASP)
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Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
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Supporting families affected by Suicide If U Care Share Foundation – Helpline 0191 3875661,
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The Matthew Elvidge Trust.
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National Suicide Prevention Alliance
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Suicide Bereavement UK
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Baby Loss
Provides specialist counselling
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Cot death 24 hour helpline 0207 235 1721
Bipolar UK – 0333 323 3880
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Equilibrium – The Bipolar Foundation.
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A Blog – living with Bipolar
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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Website
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
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International Bipolar Foundation
TRACTOR FACTS to save a life…. From YANA (www.yanahelp.org)
T ell the person you’re worried about them.
R eaching out to someone in distress could save a life – listen in a non-judgemental way
A sking if they are thinking of suicide or ending their life is not easy, but if a person has a plan and the means to take their own life, they need urgent help.
C are – stay with them.
T ry to stay calm and supportive
O ffer to help them: to call their GP or Mental Health Professional, take them to A&E or contact the police.
R emove the means – drugs and medication, keys to chemical cupboards, drugs, knives, firearms….
Warning Signs – Suicide
(WITH THANKS TO YANA, yanahelp.org)
- Appearing ‘recovered’ after a period of depression.
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- A sense of hopelessness or no hope for the future.
- Social isolation or feeling alone
- Aggressive or irritable behaviour
- Dramatic changes in mood and behaviour
- Alcohol and drug misuse
- Possessing lethal means
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Frequently talking about death
- Giving things away
- Feelings of not belonging
- A history of self-harm
- Engaging in risky behaviours.
Not everyone who thinks about suicide will tell someone or give any indication at all of their intention. However, these are some warning signs that we can all look out for and ACT to save a life.
Supporting someone who is suicidal can be distressing. Be mindful of your own well-being – talk to someone you trust or contact one of the helplines in ‘National Help’ or ‘Local Help’.
Send A Text To Save A Life
“Send a Text Save a Life is a practical and powerful way for people to take action when they are concerned about the welfare of someone they know or care about. A text is a comforting reminder that a person is not alone – and it can prevent problems from escalating. Send a Text supports a central message of the Black Dog Campaign – encouraging people to seek help early rather than suffering alone in silence.”
My Family Our Needs
Care Choices
Carers Trust
Offers practical help and assistance to carers. You can search on their website for local carers services in your area. Tel. 0300 772 9600
Carers UK:
provides information and support for carers, including information about benefits.
Helpline 0808 808 7777
Carers Direct
Help and support if you want to talk to someone about your caring role and the options available to you. Tel. 0300 123 1053, Textphone: 0300 123 1004
Marie Curie
Offers information, advice and practical support to people living with any terminal illness and families. Tel. 0800 090 23 09
Independent Age
Provides advice and information for older people, their families and carers. Tel. 0800 319 6789
Revitalise
A UK wide charity providing short breaks and holidays (respite care) for disabled people and carers.
Tel. 0303 303 303 0145
Carer’s Allowance Unit
www.gov.uk/carers-allowance-unit
For information on Carer’s Allowance and how to make a claim.
Tel. 0345 608 4321, Textphone 0345 604 5312
Attendance Allowance helpline.
Tel. 0345 605 6055
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
National independent regulator of all health and social care services in England.
Tel. 03000 61 61 61
British Acupuncture Council – Find an acupuncturist.
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www.lifecoach-directory.org.uk
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Search for Complementary Therapists in your area:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy – 01455 883300
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British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists 01455 88 3300 –
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www.counselling-directory.org.uk
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www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk
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www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk
Find a nutritionist
Dementia Connect Support Line Website
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National Dementia Helpline
Telephone: 0300 222 1122
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Dementia Helpline for free on 0800 888 6678
or send an email to [email protected]
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www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint
Talking Point. Alzheimer’s Society online forum. The largest virtual support group for anyone affected by dementia. Open all hours, it is a growing community of over 7,000 people and is a safe place for people to ask advice, share information and join in discussions. Anyone can browse the information online but register to join the groups and ask questions.
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
Provides impartial advice, information and training on independent living.
Helpline 0300 999 0004, email: [email protected],
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Living with a long term condition.
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NHS Choices
Helps you to make the best choices about your health and lifestyle.
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A great range of factsheets on many aspects of living with a disability.
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Helps people living with long term health conditions to live better lives.
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https://britishsnoring.co.uk/sleep_apnoea/epworth_sleepiness_scale.php
A tool to help you to know if your sleepiness in the daytime is an issue you should talk to your GP about.
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Macmillan Cancer Support.
Find the physical, financial and emotional cancer support that’s right for you.
Support Line: 0808 808 00 00.
Online Community: www.community.macmillan.org.uk
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Asthma UK
Helpline 0300 222 5800
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Arthritis Care
Helpline 0808 800 4050
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Brain Tumours
HEADSMART
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British Heart Foundation
Helpline 0300 330 3311
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British Lung Foundation
Helpline 03000 030 555
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Diabetes UK
Helpline 0345 123 2399
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Hearing Loss
www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) is the largest UK charity helping people who are confronting deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss.
We give support and care develop technology and treatments, and campaign for equality. We rely on donations to continue our vital work.
Questions about deafness, tinnitus or hearing loss?
Contact free, confidential Information Line:
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
SMS 0780 000 0360 (standard text message rates apply)
Email [email protected]
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The IBS Network
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Pain UK
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Stroke Association
Helpline 0303 3033 100
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The British Tinnitus Association
PODS – Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors –01480 878409-0800181 4420, [email protected]
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International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation –
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www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Beat Eating Disorders (Beat)
Adult helpline: 0808 801 0677 [email protected]
Studentline: 0808 801 0811, [email protected]
Youthline: 0808 801 0711, [email protected]
Live 1-2-1 webchats are available
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www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care (ABC) –
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Overeaters Anonymous. 0700 078 4985
BPD World – Borderline/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder
Free and impartial advice about finances, 0800 138 7777
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Stepchange Debt Charity (advice and live chat available)
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Skills for care
www.employingpersonalassistants.co.uk
Tel. 0113 245 1716
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www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/
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0808 808 4000
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Information and financial support when times get tough.
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Debt charity
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Christians Against Poverty
Help to get out of debt
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Money and Housing links
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Stop Loan Sharks
24/7 confidential helpline.
Tel. 0300 555 2222
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Financial Ombudsman Service
Tel. 0800 023 4567
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Shelter England emergency helpline 0808 800 4444
NAPS – National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
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http://onlinemenopausecentre.com
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Society for Endocrinology
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Premature onset menopause (POI)
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Polycystic ovary syndrome.
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https://switchboard.lgbt/about-us/
Switchboard – for LGBT+ support – helpline – 0300 330 0630
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Stonewall- Find Information and support near you. LBGT+
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LGBT Help and Support community help, information and support in the South West. Tel. 0800 612 3010, text 07934 2517 29, [email protected]
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Help for Employers and their employees
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Help for employers for employing people with autism spectrum disorders.
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Articles to show what some employers have done:
https://www.bhliving.co.uk/2019/12/10/hall-woodhouse-mental-health/
A great range of things.
Surf therapy!
The Silver Line – for those aged over 55 – 0800 4708 090 – 24 hour a day helpline
No Panic – 0844 967 4848
YoungMinds – a free parents’ helpline with trained advisors who can talk to you about any aspect of your child’s mental health. 0808 802 5544, Mon-Fri 9.30 am to 4 pm
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Gingerbread, charity supporting single parent families. 0808 8020925
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Missing Persons:
Message Home 0800 700740, [email protected]
National Missing Persons Helpline: 116 000
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Salvation Army Family Tracing Service: 020 7367 4747
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www.prisonersfamilies.org/prison/
Offenders’ Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003
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www.prisonadvice.org.uk/families-helpline
Prisoners’ Families Helpline 0808 808 3444
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https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/
Action for Children Parent Talk
“Ask your question in the chat box and one of our parenting coaches will reply as soon as they are free.
We’re here to talk to parents and carers: 12:00-19:30 Monday & Thursday, 09:30-16:30 Tuesday & Wednesday, 09:30-16:00 Friday. We can talk about anything that supports family life, caring for children or managing your own wellbeing. Some parents get in touch to chat about their day or talk about things they can’t tell anyone else. Remember, we’re hard to shock. Between us, we’ve seen and heard every kind of parenting question, concern or worry – nothing fazes us.”
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https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/confidential-helpline/
“Family Lives offers a confidential and free* helpline service for families in England and Wales (previously known as Parentline). Please call us on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Our helpline service is open 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday.”
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https://www.dad.info/about-us
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Support for families with disabled children.
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http://beyondocd.org/uploads/pdf/parents-guide.pdf
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Abused Children’s Trauma Support, Family Advice and Strategy Team (help for non-abusive parents, carers and their families)
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https://mindedforfamilies.org.uk
For parents and carers, a free learning resource about the mental health of children, young people and older adults.
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www.grandparents-association.or.uk
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Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMS)
National Family Mediation. Tel. 0300 4000 636
Offers high-quality family mediation and support services to all families affected by relationship breakdown, divorce or separation.
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NSPCC – A practical guide to parenting
http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/sites/default/files/documents/1360.pdf
www.maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
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PANDAS Foundation – supporting people affected by pre and postnatal depression.
Helpline: 0843 28 98 401
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Association for Post Natal Illness: 020 7386 0868
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National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
Postnatal Help Line: 0300 330 0773
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APP – Action Postpartum Psychosis
PTSD UK – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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ASSIST Trauma Care – Offers support for people and families affected by a wide range of traumatic events. 01788560800,
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment –
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
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Provides private outpatient and inpatient treatment. The website has good information on conditions etc. too. Nearest inpatient hospitals are Southampton and Bristol.
YANA: Help for those in farming who may be affected by stress and depression.
“provides fast track access to appropriate counselling, mental health first aid training and promotes a suicide prevention campaign TRACTOR FACTS (see urgent page) Runs a Helpline 0300 3230400 and has a directory of other rural support organisations available to download.”
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Rural Mental Health Support. Confidential Helpline: 0300 323 0400, email: [email protected]
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The Addington Fund
Main aim is to provide homes for farming families who have to leave the industry, through no fault of their own, and by doing so will lose their home. Also might be able to assist with a grant towards certain business costs in times of emergency and where hardship prevails.
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The Farm Safety Foundation
Tackling the stigma around risk-taking and poor mental health, ensuring that farmers are resilient and equipped with smart strategies and specific skills to live well and farm well.
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The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust
www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com
Helpline 0300 123 3088. Office 01677 470180
Helpline with information and support on a wide variety of issues. Financial help in times of hardship and educational grants for young people.
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The Maytree Centre
A Suicide Respite Centre – in London, but available to all. Supporting people in suicidal crisis in a non-medical setting. Provides a stay in a safe and confidential space.
Please look at the general, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Psychosis tabs for information about this.
https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/
TESS service offers emotional listening support for women and girls affected by self injury and a space where you can explore what is going on for you alongside a trained female volunteer with knowledge of self injury.
Open 7 pm – 9.30 pm, Tuesday – Thursday.
Text 07537 432 444, email [email protected] or start a webchat.
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Jewish Association for Mental Illness
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Muslim Women’s Helpline
Webchat 10-4 M-F, text 07415 206 936
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Premier Lifeline (Christian)
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www.nealsyardholidays.com/Holiday/view/yoga-and-mindfulness-retreats-in-dorset-england-uk
Stoke Wake, Dorset. (Neal’s Yard Holidays is closing but website open until Feb 2021)
https://mellulah.co.uk/online-yoga-retreat-days
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http://www.chilloutretreats.com/dorset-day-retreats/4593119413
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http://www.dorset-mindfulness.co.uk
Bournemouth, courses on-line.
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Hartridge Buddhist Monastery
http://hartridge.weebly.com/home.html
Near Honiton, Devon. Although the monastery is primarily a place of monastic training for monks, visitors and guests are also welcome, to share the lifestyle of the community. Accommodation for 4-5 guests.
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https://queenofretreats.com/retreats/the-sharpham-trust-england/
“A more mindful, compassionate and environmentally-sustainable world is the vision of The Sharpham Trust. And it is working towards that goal, one retreat at a time. The charity runs a variety of mindfulness and meditation retreats throughout the year in different venues on its inspirational 550-acre estate, which borders the River Dart near Totnes in Devon, UK. Sharpham’s retreats are aimed at people with a range of meditation experience – from meditation newbies to those with a deeper practice. Choose secular retreats in a gorgeous Palladian mansion, nature retreats under canvas in woodland or Buddhist retreats at The Barn.
There are many more – Google “Spiritual retreats Dorset” or insert a county of choice. The cost will vary a great deal so look at that first if it is a concern.
For more Yoga, massage, Tai Chi Qi-Gong, Mindfulness and meditation look at the “Clubs and Organisations” PDF at the foot of this page and keep an eye on the news pages.
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www.mindfulnessuk.com – virtual well-being service
Mindfulness and compassion courses online (Browser or on Zoom)
Live mindfulness and fitness sessions.
Voluntary donations to NHS/Mat Unit, Tibet
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https://curvygirlyoga.co.uk – in Bristol but also on Zoom
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Stress Management Society
For Survivors of a suicide attempt
They provide peer support based on the message that suicidal thoughts and attempts should not be hidden away or feared. Speak about your thoughts and attempts. All MaaD workers have survived a suicide attempt and still experience thoughts of wanting to kill themselves. Survivors; surviving surviving. Read about their own stories and find out more about Albert the Dog!
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Positive steps forward in suicide prevention
Veterans UK Contact Us Webpage
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Veterans Helpline
Telephone: 0808 1914 2 18
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0800 7314880
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Helpline: 0800 138 1619 24 hours a day
For over a century we’ve been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
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The PTSD Project UK
Veterans in Crisis Line 0300 365 0333, 10 am until Midnight, 7 days a week
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https://ptsdresolution.org
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https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/armed-forces/veterans-mental-health-services/
South Central and South West of England TIL service: call 0300 365 0300 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk, www.thehotline.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Freephone 24 hour Helpline – Run in partnership between Refuge and
Women’s Aid –– 0808 2000 247
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Victim Support 0808 168 9111
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Mankind (helpline for men suffering domestic violence): 01823 334244
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Live Chat Helpline
Isolated Communities Engagement Project – working together against domestic abuse with courage, change and hope. You First, 0800 032 5204, [email protected]
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One of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and Discrimination. 24 hour helpline -0800138 1625
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National Centre for Domestic Violence
Specialises in providing legal assistance to obtain injunctions.
24 hour emergency helpline 0844 8044 999
Text “NCDV” TO 60777, email: [email protected]
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Free national helpline for non-abusing parents and carers.
0800 980 1958
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Help for people abused in childhood.
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The Survivors Trust
Helpline 08088 010818