Helplines & support services

If you need urgent support:

You can contact the following organisations on the helpline numbers given below:

Samaritans

116 123

Saneline (every day 6pm - 11pm)

0845 767 8000

If you need urgent medical help:

Please contact your General Practice Doctor

Alternatively, phone or visit one of the websites below:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Age UK (Amalgamation of Age Concern and Help the Aged)
Aims to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research.
Phone: 0800 169 6565
AL-Anon & Alateen Helpline
Fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience in order to solve their common problems. Alateen is for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics.
Helpline: 0207 403 0888 (10.00-22.00)
Alcoholics Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
National Helpline: 0845 769 7555
Alzheimer's Society
Provides information on dementia, including factsheets and helplines.
Phone: 0845 300 0336
Anti-Bullying Campaign Helpline for Parents (or Children or Bully)
Provides support and advice.
Phone: 0207 378 1446 (Term time: Mon-Fri: 10.00-16.00; Holidays: Mon, Wed & Fri: 10.00-16.00)
Anxiety UK
Phone: 08444 775 774
Charity providing support if you've been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Association for Post Natal Illness
Provides a telephone helpline, information leaflets for sufferers and healthcare professionals as well as a network of volunteers (telephone and postal), who have themselves experienced postnatal illness.
Phone: 020 7386 0868 (Mon – Fri: 10.00 – 14.00)
Association of Separated and Divorced Catholics
Gives spiritual, social and mutual support to members within the framework of the Church.
National Enquiry Line Phone: 01132 640638
B
Beat
A charity which offers information on eating disorders and treatments and supports a network of self-help groups.
Phone: 0845 634 1414
Beginning Experience
Facilitates the grief resolution process for adults and children who have suffered a loss through death, divorce or separation, thereby enabling them to again love themselves, others and God. Several dioceses have Beginning Experience Groups. For contact details go to:
Being Alongside
is the operational name for the ‘Association for Pastoral Care in Mental Health, a Christian based, voluntary association of individual members and affiliated groups who recognise the importance of spiritual values and support in mental health.
Phone: 02033 972 497
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Provides advice on a range of services to help meet the needs of anyone seeking a therapist or information about counselling and psychotherapy.
Phone: 01455 883316
British Psychological Society
The representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK.
Phone: 0116 254 9568
C
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Raises awareness of depression among young men aged between 15-35 years old.
Freephone: 0800 585858 (17.00- 3.00), 0800 027 2982 (minicom)
Care for the Family
Promotes strong family life and helps those hurting because of family breakdown. Does this through events, resources, training and networks of befrienders.
Phone: 02920 810800
Carers Direct
Provides free, confidential information and advice for carers.
Phone: 0808 802 0202. (Mon – Fri: 8.00 – 21.00 and Sat – Sun: 11.00 – 16.00)
Carers in the Community
Provides friendship and spiritual support for those who are living with and caring for people with mental illness. A Catholic organisation, but open to all those of faith and those without.
Phone: 01642 818332
Carers Together
For people who are looking after or concerned about another person. This may be because they are old and frail, have a disability, have a long or short term health condition, or are isolated or struggling to cope.
Phone: 01794 519495 (Mon-Fri: 9.30-15.30). Carers Active Listening Line: 08000 323456 (9.00-23.00)
Carers UK
Provide information and advice on all aspects of caring both to carers and professionals.
Helpline for carers 0808 808 7777 (England), 0141 221 9141 (Scotland), 029 2081 1370 (Wales)
Caritas-Social Action Network
Umbrella organisation of charities with a Catholic ethos, providing professional social care within the UK. Members provide services to marginalised and vulnerable children, adults and families of all faiths and none. See also their Dementia and Spirituality project.
Phone: 0207 901 4875
Catholic Blind Services
Enabling the blind or visually impaired to share fully in the life of the Church.
Phone: 0121 441 5577. Email: office@catholicblindservices.com
Catholic Deaf Association
An association of deaf and hearing people who support each other and promote services for deaf people, offering support to existing Diocesan services.
Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS)
Responsible for driving and supporting improvements in practice. Its primary role is one of co-ordination, advice and support in respect of the wider job of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. On its ‘resources’ page it lists contact details for support organisations.
Phone: 0121 237 3740 (Mon-Fri: 9.00-17.00). Fax: 0121 237 3741
Catholics Experiencing Domestic Abuse Resources
A range of resources to help parishes, deaneries, dioceses, school and organisations in the Catholic Church in England and Wales grow in awareness of issues surrounding domestic abuse.
Catholics in Healthcare…
…is a web-based resource designed to help Catholics working in health and social care fields in England and Wales to network with others, access resources and support, and live out their vocation as skilled, effective and committed care workers.
Centre for Mental Health
Two major strategic objectives: improving the lives, mental health and wellbeing of offenders; and enhancing the lives of people with mental health problems through employment.
Phone: 020 7827 8300
Charity Search
Helping older people in real financial need to tap into the multiple sources of help available.
Phone: 0117 982 4060. Email: info@charitysearch.org.uk
Child Death Helpline
For anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from before birth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago.
Phone: 0800 282986. Additional Freephone number for ALL mobiles: 0808 800 6019 (Mon-Fri: 10.00-1300, Tues & Wed: 13.00-16.00 also & every evening 19.00-22.00)
Childline
ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people who are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone.
Phone: 0800 1111
Church of England - Promoting Mental Health: A Resource for Spiritual and Pastoral Care
Developed with the Church of England and the National Institute of Mental Health in England this resource focuses on how faith communities can be welcoming to people with mental or emotional distress, as well as learning from their experiences and benefiting from their contributions. It is a flexible tool for use in parishes, in a range of different groups and situations, to trigger discussion and debate. Among much helpful information it includes outline programmes for different activities and workshop sessions. There are information sheets about mental health and a section on contacts and resources relevant to the themes of mental health and spirituality. It can be downloaded from:
Combat Stress
UK's military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health. Provides specialist treatment and welfare services for men and women of any rank who have served in the British armed forces and who are suffering from a psychological condition related to their Service career. This might be depression, anxiety, a phobia or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Services are free of charge to the Veteran.
Phone: 01372 587000. Services are free of charge to the Veteran
Compassionate Friends Helpline (The)
Charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child/children. Also offers support indirectly by fostering understanding and good practice amongst professionals concerned with child death and by increasing public awareness.
Phone: 0845 123 2304 (10.00-16.00 & 19.00-22.00)
Cruse Bereavement Care
Exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. Services are free to bereaved people.
Helpline Phone: 0844 477 9400
D
Depression Alliance
Charity for sufferers of depression. Has a network of self-help groups.
Phone: 0845 123 2320
Disability Alliance
Charity which works to relieve the poverty and improve the living standards of disabled people. Eventual aim is to break the link between poverty and disability.
Phone: 0207 247 8776 Fax: 0207 247 8765
Domestic Violence Helpline
National service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
Phone: 0808 200 0247
Drinkline
Provides information and self-help materials, help to callers worried about their own drinking, support to the family and friends of people who are drinking, advice to callers on where to go for help.
Phone: 0800 917 8282
Drugs Helpline
A 24 hour, 7 days a week free and confidential telephone service which provides support and information about local and national services that can provide counselling and treatment.
Phone: 0800 776600 Text: 82111
E
Everybody’s Welcome
What is life like if you or someone in your family has mental health problems? And what can your parish do to make a difference?
F
Familias (Catholic Marriage & Family Life)
Sources of help and support for anyone affected by the credit crunch.
Families Anonymous
Support for families and friends concerned about drug abuse or related behavioural problems. When drug addiction enters a family via one of its members, the effect can be devastating. This is an anonymous programme. No fees are required. Weekly meetings. Newcomers are welcome without prior arrangements. You will not be urged to participate in the group discussions, but may join in and ask questions if you wish.
Phone: 0845 1200 660
G
Gamblers Anonymous (UK) Helpline
Fellowship of men and women who have joined together to do something about their own gambling problem and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
Phone: 0207 384 3040
Get Connected
Free confidential help for young people under 25 years.
Phone: 0808 808 4994 (13.00-23.00) - WebHelp 24/7
Gingerbread Advice Line
Works nationally and locally, for and with single parent families, to improve their lives. Achieves change by championing their voices and needs and providing support services.
Single Parent Helpline: 0808 802 0925 (Mon-Fri: 9.00-17.00, Wed: 17.00-20.00 also)
H
Harmless
Provides support, information, training and consultancy to people who self harm, their friends and families and professionals.
Headway
A charity offering help and support to people affected by brain injury. A wide range of services, including rehabilitation programmes, carer support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care. The services available will vary, depending on local needs and resources.
Freephone: 0808 800 2244
Hearing Voices Network
A network of voice hearers, allies, mental health professionals and other interested parties. A network of over 80 self-help groups throughout the UK.
Phone: 0114 271 8210
Home-Start UK
Through a network of trained parent volunteers supports parents who are struggling, to help build a family's confidence and ability to cope.
Freephone: 0800 068 6368
I
J
K
L
Life Care
Offers free, confidential information, counselling and support for women contemplating abortion, suffering after pregnancy loss or struggling to cope after abortion.
National Helpline Phone: 0800 915 4600. Text-2-Talk: 07786 200330
Listening Service – same-sex attraction
Support through challenging times; someone to talk to in confidence; exploring possible ways forward. The Roman Catholic Churches of Soho and the West End invite the gay and lesbian community, their families and friends to a 'Listening Service'.
Phone: 075 3201 0924
M
Marriage Care
Helps people prepare for, achieve and sustain successful marriages and supports them should they experience marital breakdown by providing relationship counselling services.
National Helpline: 0845 660 6000 (Mon-Fri: 10.00-16.00)
MDF: The Bipolar Organisation
A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Phone: 020 7793 2600. Wales: 0845 634 0080
Mencap
Charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers.
Phone: 0808 808 1111
Mental Health Chaplains
Chaplains make a valuable contribution in the NHS, providing spiritual support for patients in difficult circumstances, bereaved relatives and staff. Chaplains working within mental health in-service units have an important role to play around spirituality and mental health. You could contact the local hospital chaplaincy department as a starting point for links with the NHS. For a list of all mental health trusts: see Mental Health Trusts link below. Many diocese websites have hospital chaplains listed. For a quick link to your diocese website go to:
Mental Health Foundation (The)
Provides information and support for everyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Mental Health Matters
is the web resource on mental health for the Church of England. The website contains information and resources for parishes, dioceses, chaplaincies and church community groups - and anyone else who's interested - to help improve our work with people experiencing mental illness.
Mental Health Trusts
Provide health and social care services for people with mental health problems and every Trust has chaplaincy services which are advertised on their individual websites. For a list of all mental health trusts look here:
Mental Healthcare
Up to date information about psychosis for family members and friends
Men’s Advice Line (The)
Confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner.
Freephone: 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri: 10.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00)
Methodist Church of Great Britain (The) …
…has developed a web-based resource called ‘Not Alone’. It is intended to raise awareness about mental health. Bible notes, drama, prayers and suggested songs are included in a worship resource designed for use on one of the Sundays close to World Mental Health Day (October 10), or at any other time a church wishes to focus on mental health. ‘Out of Solitary Places’ is a downloadable leaflet that explores these issues and offers practical ideas for how churches can respond.
Mind
Helps people take control of their mental health by providing high-quality information and advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone.
Phone: 0845 766 0163
Missing People
Offers a lifeline for the 250,000 people who run away and go missing each year. For those left behind, searches and provides specialised support to end the heartache and confusion.
Helpline: 0500 700700
N
Narcotics Anonymous
A non -profit society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. Recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
Phone: 0300 999 1212
National Debtline
For people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland - service is free, confidential and independent.
Phone: 0808 808 4000 (Mon-Fri: 9.00-21.00, Sat: 9.30-1300, 24-hour voicemail)
National Spirituality and Mental Health Forum (The)
Invites mental health service users, carers, workers, faith community leaders and representatives to learn from each other, develop working relationships and share good practice in spirituality and mental health care. We seek to do so in the spirit of gentle curiosity and with courage and compassion.
NHS Choices
Provides a Mental health ‘helplines’ page with useful links and a search facility to find addresses, phone numbers and websites for services near you.
No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and OCD. Offers a course to help overcome your phobia/OCD.
Helpline: 0808 808 0545
NSPCC
Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.
Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children. Phone: 0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child
O
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Action
Support for people with obsessive compulsive disorder. Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0845 390 6232
OCD UK
Charity website run by obsessive compulsives. Includes facts, news and treatments.
One Plus One
Gathers evidence about couple and family relationships - how they work, why and when they run into difficulties, and how to cope when they do. Their findings about what support benefits families at vulnerable times are used to develop user-friendly and effective services to support couples and families in their communities, and to support those professionals and practitioners working with them.
Phone: 020 7553 9530
P
PACT - Prison Advice and Care Trust
Charity which supports people affected by imprisonment. Provides practical support to prisoners' children and families, and to prisoners themselves.
Prisoners’ Families Helpline: 0808 808 2003
PAPYRUS
Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141
Parentline Plus Helpline (Now called Family Lives)
Provides help and support to anyone caring for children – parents, grandparents, step-parents, relatives – for families living together as well as apart.
Phone: 0808 800 2222
Pastoral Care Project
Pastoral and spiritual care of the frail elderly has produced a document, ‘Instructions for my Funeral Mass and Care of the Dying’, for individual, parish and care home use. Also provides training and support for parish based ministry for people with dementia.
Phone: 01675 434035
Positive Catholics
Mutual support group for Catholics living with HIV/AIDS.
Phone: 07505 608655. Email: positivecatholics@gmail.com
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R
Rainbows
Not-for-profit international organization, offering training and programmes for establishing peer support groups in communities, schools, churches, and social agencies. The programmes are available to children, young people and adults of all ages who are grieving a death, family change or any other significant loss.
National Office Phone: 0114 256 6462. 01933 355175
Rape Crisis
Provides a range of specialist services for women and girls who have been raped or experienced another form of sexual violence - whether as adults or as children.
National freephone: 0808 802 9999 (Every day 12.00 – 14.30 and 19.00 – 21.30)
Refugee Action
We help refugees who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes. We get them the basic support they need to live again with dignity.
Refugee Council
People seeking safety in the UK from war and violence are often deeply traumatised by what has happened in their lives. The Refugee Council Therapeutic Services works with clients to empower them to manage their situation, supporting them with crisis interventions and offering them weekly counselling sessions for up to 12 weeks.
Rethink…
…works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. To see their Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health National factsheet go to: > https://www.rethink.org/resources/s A mental health recovery model identifies 100 ways in which people working across the mental health sector can support the recovery of people with mental health problems. It highlights four key tasks: developing a positive identity, framing the ‘mental illness’, self managing the mental illness and developing valued social roles. To download click here:
Phone: 020 7840 3188/ 0845 456 0455 (Mon-Fri: 10.00-14.00)
Retrouvaille England and Wales
A Lifeline for Troubled Marriages: Retrouvaille is the name of a programme designed to help heal and renew marriages. The programme offers the chance to rediscover yourself, your partner, and a loving relationship in your marriage. Help is Available! If you are thinking of separation, divorce or you are already separated, but want to try again, then Retrouvaille would like to help.
Phone: 07973 380443
Royal College of Psychiatrists (The)
This website provides information about mental health, policy, publications and NICE guidelines. There is a Spirituality and Mental Health Leaflet which describes how spirituality, mental health and mental healthcare can connect, how to make a place for spiritual needs within a mental health service and how spirituality can help mental health. It is available on the following link:
Phone: 020 7235 2351
S
Samaritans
Confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123
SANDS: Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society
Provides support for anyone affected by the death of a baby.
Phone: 0207 436 5881 (Mon-Fri: 9.30-17.30, Tues & Thurs: also 18.00-22.00)
Sane
Provides help and information to those experiencing mental health problems, their families and carers.
Phone: SANEline 0845 767 8000 (18.00-23.00 daily)
Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (The)
Charity which informs the public and health professions about SAD and supports and advises sufferers of the illness.
Seasons for Growth
Helps 6-18 yr olds and adults to cope with loss and grief through peer-support programmes.
Phone: 020 7823 3311
Shelter
A national organisation providing telephone housing advice and information. Issues include finding accommodation, hostel referrals, housing benefit/rights, illegal eviction, domestic violence and emergency accommodation. Call the shelterline for urgent housing advice.
Phone Shelterline: 0808 800 444 (Mon-Fri: 8.00 – 20.00, Sat & Sun 8.00 - 17.00)
SignHealth
A healthcare charity for deaf people. Counselling service available.
Phone: Voice 01925 652520 Minicom 01925 652529
SOBS: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Meets the needs and breaks the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
Phone: 0844 561 6855 (9.00-21.00)
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP)
Dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need.
National Phone: 0207 407 4644
SupportLine
Provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual of any age on any issue. It is particularly aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse. Details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK available.
Phone: 01708 765200
T
The Art of Dying Well
As a Catholic approaches death, there are a series of comforting rites and rituals that can help a person spiritually prepare for the final journey. These rites and special Prayers for the Dying are illustrated in the Catholic Art of Dying Well animation which features the fictional story of the Ferguson family. It is narrated by the English actress Vanessa Redgrave.
The Farming Community Network
There are far too many cases of farmers who feel that they cannot see a future and find themselves driven to considering suicide. Please don’t struggle – let us help you NOW, before you reach that point.
Please call our Helpline 03000 111 999 – we may be able to help. All calls to the Helpline are treated confidentially and whatever difficulties you face, the first step is to talk to someone.
Time to Change
England’s ambitious programme to end discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems.
Together-UK
A lively web-based resource for young people who are under stress or worried about their thoughts and feelings. The site is run by Rethink, the national mental health charity.
Phone: 020 7780 7300
U
UK Council for Psychotherapy (The) (UKCP)
A membership organisation, with over 75 training and listing organisations, and over 6,600 individual practitioners. UKCP holds the national register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors, listing those practitioner members who meet exacting standards and training requirements.
Phone: 020 7014 9955
V
Victim Support
National charity giving free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected across England and Wales.
Phone: 0845 30 30 900
W
Women’s Aid
Works to end domestic violence against women and children, and supports a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the country.
Phone: 0808 2000 247
X
Y
Young Minds (Parents Information Service)
Committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of all children and young people. Confidential support for anyone worried about the emotional problems or behaviour of a child or young person.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri: 9.30-16.00)
Z
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