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.
- Kent and Medway Talking Therapies is an NHS psychological therapy service for people aged over 17.5 years. Young people can be referred by their GP or self-refer via the website: www.kmtalkingtherapies.co.uk
- Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub provides information about local mental health support: www.kmhealthandcare.uk/mental-wellbeing-information-hub
- 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 information specifically for young people. Visit: www.youngminds.org.uk
- Local Mind lists local mental health services in North Kent (www.northkentmind.co.uk), South Kent (www.southkentmind.org.uk) West Kent (www.westkentmind.org.uk), East Kent (www.eastkentmind.org.uk), and Mid Kent (www.midkentmind.org.uk).
- Release the Pressure provide a free, 24/7 support helpline for people aged 16+ in Kent and Medway struggling with their mental health. Call on 0800 107 0160 or connect on webchat: https://tinyurl.com/ycxea96m
Support in a crisis:
- For an urgent mental health crisis, call 111 and and select the option for mental health to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner.
- Safe Havens offer out of hours mental health support to adults aged 18+ in Kent and Medway in crisis or heading towards a crisis. No referral or appointment is required. For locations and opening hours see the website: www.mhm.org.uk/kent-safe-havens
- 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 imminent risk of seriously harming themselves or has already done so and requires urgent medical attention.
Other support:
- Medway Council 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.medway.gov.uk and go to the relevant section for further details.
- Drug and alcohol support services in Kent and Medway are detailed here: www.kmpt.nhs.uk/information-and-advice/alcohol-and-substance-misuse
- Beech House Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and support to people in Kent & Medway who have experienced sexual assault including rape. Call 24/7 for immediate support on 0330 223 0099 or visit www.beechhousesarc.org
- 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 Medway branch for details on telephone and face-to-face advice (www.medwayadvice.org.uk).