Friends in Need
Friends in Need is a supportive community for people living with depression. It is a place where you can connect with others online, through this website, and in your local area.
It only takes a minute to register through the secure and confidential site and then you will have full access to the Friends in Need community. Visit https://friendsinneed.co.uk/ to find out more.
Self-help groups
The Depression Alliance support a national network of self help groups across England. The groups are open to anyone affected by depression and they provide a safe and welcoming space for sharing friendship, support and ideas in living with depression. Most groups are facilitated by volunteers with personal experience of depression.
Find your nearest self-help group: http://www.depressionalliance.org/how-we-can-help/self-help-groups
Well-being Networks
The Depression Alliance wellbeing networks are about fun and uplifting social activities to end the loneliness and isolation of depression. Whether you want to learn new skills, get back in to work, build your confidence or just meet new people, you’ll find friendly meet ups and groups led by members themselves to boost your mood and lift your spirits.
Well-being networks are funded by local Clinical Commissioning Groups and are based within local NHS IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services.
Find your nearest well-being network: http://www.depressionalliance.org/how-we-can-help/wellbeing-networks
Helplines
Mind offers two confidential mental health information services, the Mind Infoline and the Legal advice service.
Infoline
Provides information on a range of topics including:
- types of mental health problem
- where to get help
- medication and alternative treatments
- advocacy.
Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
Tel – 0300 123 3393
Email – info@mind.org.uk
Text – 86463
Mind Infoline
PO Box 277
Manchester
M60 3XN
Legal advice line
Provide legal information and general advice on mental health related law covering:
- mental health
- mental capacity
- community care
- human rights and discrimination/equality related to mental health issues.
Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
Tel – 0300 466 6463
Email – legal@mind.org.uk
Mind LAS
PO Box 277
Manchester
M60 3XN
Local Mind branches
Mind has a network of independent local Minds are run by local people, for local people. They provide support like counselling, advocacy, housing and more.
Find your nearest local Mind http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/local-minds/
Elefriends
Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. A safe place to listen, share and be heard.
http://elefriends.org.uk/
Helpline:
National, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. Open every day of the year from 6pm to 11pm.
Support Forum:
A free space where mutual support is given and received by anyone affected by mental illness. Visit Sane’s website to access the forum.
Sane also offers caller care and textcare services.
Support Helpline & Email
Child Bereavement UK support families and educate professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Their helpline provides confidential support, information and guidance to families and professionals. Professionally trained bereavement support workers are available to take calls 9am – 5pm Monday-Friday.
Tel – 0800 02 888 40.
Email – support@childbereavementuk.org
Family Forum
Provides a space for bereaved families to make contact, share experiences and concerns, and to offer support to one another.
http://www.childbereavementuk.org/support/family-forum/
Other support services
Child Bereavement UK offer a range of other support services, including support groups and booked telephone sessions.
You can find out more on their website http://www.childbereavementuk.org/support/
Helpline
For men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
Open 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year.
Nationwide – 0800 58 58 58
London – 0808 802 58 58
Webchat
Opening hours are 5pm-midnight every day
Suicide bereavement support forum
A private and anonymous online forum for those bereaved by suicide. This is a place to get practical information and support from others who have gone through such a painful loss.
For access: email niamh@thecalmzone.net
Ways to contact ChildLine:
Speak to a ChildLine counsellor via the 24 hour helpline – 0800 1111
Email or chat online to a ChildLine counsellor via their website.