The contact details listed below are just some of the services available for information, advice or support.
Support for your mental health and well-being:
- Speaking to the GP about any concerns or support needs is a good first step.
- NHS Direct provides 24-hour help and guidance on available services. Call on 111.
- Essex Talking Therapies is an NHS psychological therapy service for people aged 18+ (South East Essex) or 16+ (North East Essex). You can self-refer via the www.therapyforyou.co.uk website or by calling 01268 739128 (South East Essex) or 01206 334001 (North East Essex).
- Mind is a national charity providing information about mental health challenges and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm).
- Young Minds provides mental health information specifically for young people. Visit their website on www.youngminds.org.uk.
- Local Mind provides information about specific mental health services across South East and Central Essex (www.secemind.org.uk), Mid and North East Essex (www.mnessexmind.org), and West Essex (www.mindinwestessex.org.uk).
Support in a crisis:
- Call NHS Direct on 111 and select the mental health option to be connected to a 24/7 mental health crisis line. This is known locally as Sussex Mental Healthline.
- Papyrus Hopeline247 is a crisis helpline for young people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Call on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours), text 88247, or email [email protected].
- Saneline is an out-of-hours crisis helpline offering support to people with mental health issues. Call on 0300 304 7000 (4pm-10pm every day)
- Shout provide free, confidential, 24/7 text-based support for anyone struggling to cope. Text ‘shout’ to 85258.
- Go to A&E or call an ambulance on 999 if a young person is at immediate risk of seriously harming themselves or already has done so and requires urgent medical attention.
Other support:
- Essex County Council (ECC) provide information and support on local issues including housing, homelessness, benefits, and social care support for keeping children and adults safe. Visit the website on www.essex.gov.uk and go to the relevant section for further details.
- Essex Youth Service helps young people aged under 19, or under 25 if you have special educational needs or a disability, with youth groups, wellbeing, education, employment, and work experience. Visit their website at www.youth.essex.gov.uk
- Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service (EYPDAS) provides support and advice young people aged under 25 years in Essex on issues relating to drugs and alcohol. Visit their website for more information at www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/east/EYPDAS
- Oakwood Place provides free, confidential healthcare and support to people in Essex who have experienced sexual assault including rape. You can call between 9am – 9pm to access immediate support on 0330 223 0099 or visit their website on www.oakwoodplace.org.uk
- Citizen’s Advice provide free, confidential, and impartial advice on a range of issues. You can visit the national website on www.citizensadvice.org.uk or the local Essex branch on www.citizensadviceessex.org.uk for details on telephone and face-to-face advice.