Problems

Mental Health

The following information may be helpful to anyone suffering from mental illness or for anyone caring for someone with mental illness. At the end we list agencies, websites which can offer information, support and practical advice which you may find useful.

If you feel you may be suffering from a mental illness it is important to talk to your GP about this and for any issues around medication and treatments speak to your GP/community mental health team. Do not come off any medication without consulting your GP/medical professional.

IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE IN DANGER OF HARMING YOURSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON PLEASE SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY. IF THE PERSON YOU TELL DOES NOT UNDERSTAND AND FIND YOU HELP YOU MUST FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO WILL HELP YOU TO GET THE HELP YOU NEED.

From our experience in supporting people with mental illness it is apparent that in many areas resources are very limited, community mental health teams are often overstretched and under funded and key workers may not always be able to spend quality time with each individual in his/her care. Government funding is not put into mental health in the way it is put into agencies and help for those with physical illnesses. Not only do those with mental illness have to cope with the illness itself, in many cases they are having to cope with the stigma of mental health which still exists, the lack of help and resources and support and often being rejected by their families and friends leading to chronic isolation.

Those with mental illness often feel that they are not given adequate say in their care and treatments and in many cases have had treatments forced upon them without any explanation as to the reasons for the treatment, the possible side effects, etc. Many people with mental illness are not made aware of their rights, and indeed are not aware that they have any rights at all. Many who are discharged from the mental health system are given no after care support to help them rebuild their lives in the community. It is vital that ongoing support is given to anyone who is recovering or working towards recovery in order that they can integrate into society and lead fulfilling and happy lives.

As a result it is very common for people with mental illness to have much anger and bitterness towards the mental health system but they may be offered no counselling or emotional support to deal with these feelings. This is important as often these feelings can hinder their recovery and healing. Instead of having the necessary help and ongoing support many people in the system or recently discharged from the system retreat into themselves and lead a lonely life with feelings of isolation, despair, helplessness, and a general feeling that nobody really cares. There are exceptions, of course, where in some areas improvements are being made for mental health users to be really listened to and a higher quality of care and support is given but we can only speak for the majority of our callers with mental illness that universally much more needs to be done to help anyone suffering with mental illness.

One in four people suffer from some kind of mental illness which can often be as a result of neglect, emotional, physical, sexual abuse in childhood and/or considerable trauma in adulthood. It is important for anyone with mental illness to try and regain some feeling of control in their own lives in order to move towards recovery, to really be listened to as to what helps them and works for them and what doesn't - they normally know best (except in the most severe cases). They know how to go at their own pace towards recovery, how far to push themselves, and when it would impede their recovery to be pushed too far when they are in a highly anxious state.

To work towards recovery and integration into the community those with mental illness need to be given the opportunities to make their own choices and decisions wherever possible in order to start regaining some control over their own lives and to help build up their confidence and self esteem. They may need reassurance and encouragement with this but they find it extremely patronising and disabling to be continually told what is good for them without any consultation with the individual person as to what he/she feels would help in his/her recovery, and to have their feelings and thoughts devalued and/or ignored. A person with mental illness can feel hurt, pain, frustration, anger, just like anyone else and wants to be treated as an individual in his/her own right - not as a 'number' in the system.

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The following may be helpful to anyone with mental illness

• Get as much support for yourself as you can.

• Ask for help when you need it - recognising when you are not coping and need support is a sign of strength - not weakness.

• Keep a list of helplines and other useful numbers so you have these ready should your feelings become overwhelming and you are unable to cope.

• Deal with one thing at a time - don't overload your head with too many things to deal with at once. It may help to write a list of the things you need to think about or things you need to do and work through the list at your own pace.

• Try to keep your home as tidy and uncluttered as you can as this will help your mind to feel less cluttered.

• Do your housework at your own pace, if you are not up to tidying up one room, then tidy part of the room one day and the rest of it the next day.

• Try and get some fresh air and exercise each day and build this into your routine. It can be therapeutic to try and spend time in the park, countryside, where you can be at one with nature.

• Try and interact socially with someone each day and get used to being around people for some part of the day - this could be going to the shop to get groceries, going to the library, a day centre, - somewhere you can be around people so you are not on your own all the time. However, if there are days you are not up to going out or talking to anyone that is fine - do things at your own pace.

• Keep yourself as physically well as you can and eat a healthy diet.

• Try to do something which you enjoy each day and something which you look forward to doing.

• Try not to get frustrated if you have setbacks. This is natural and don't give yourself a hard time if you have days when you simply can't cope with anything. Spend that day relaxing, pamper yourself and do whatever you need to care for yourself. Don't put any added pressure onto yourself and if not answering the phone or the door helps then don't answer it - just give yourself peace and quiet.You should find in recovery that the bad days get less and you are able to recover more quickly from a bad day.

• Try not to get frustrated if you feel you are not making progress as quickly as you would like. Focus on what you are able to do today as compared with what you were able to do six months ago, a year ago.

• When you have a good day it may help to keep a journal where you can list the things you have been able to do and look back at this if you feel depressed or frustrated as it will help to focus your mind on the improvements you are making, the things you are able to do on your well days.

• If something doesn't work out how you would like don't blame yourself and feel you are a failure. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Tell yourself you will deal with things differently the next time.

• Talk to yourself in the same way you would talk to a friend - if a friend made a mistake you would not call your friend a loser and a failure - you would say something like don't worry about it - you did your best. Say that to yourself instead of negative comments.

• Don't assume that other people are looking at you or talking about you - most people are too busy and worried about their own lives and what they are doing to focus on other people. If someone is talking about you they may be saying something good and positive about you.

• Think always in a positive way - when you have a negative thought try and give yourself a positive thought.

• If you have suffered a lot of abuse in your life your perception of reality may be distorted. It is important to remember that there are people in life who are trustworthy, good, kind and caring people who would never dream of doing anything to hurt you or abuse your trust in any way.

• If you feel you don't know how to trust it may mean you are not at a stage in your recovery yet when you can trust but in time you should know when you feel ready to take the risk of trying to trust again. By ringing a helpline you are taking a step to trusting someone with your feelings and emotions.

• Try to focus on the solution to a problem - not the problem itself.

• Look for healthy ways of getting out your feelings.

• Try not to over-react to other people and what they say. Some people find difficulty in expressing themselves clearly and you may feel that someone is 'getting at you' when in fact they are not.

• Try to learn to be assertive - not aggressive. You have rights the same as anyone else and should not allow other people to use you, abuse you in any way, take advantage of you. If this is a problem for you maybe look into getting some emotional support to help you with this from a helpline or think about whether face to face counselling may help you to build up your confidence and learn ways in which you can be assertive. Some local colleges also run assertiveness classes. If you are having real problems in getting the help and services you need try and find an advocate who will help you with this.

• Try to see the positive things about yourself and not focus on what you feel are the negative things about yourself. It is not uncommon for someone with mental illness to say they hate themselves, are bad and there is nothing good about them so they cannot possibly see why anyone would like them or want to know them. If you ask them the question what would they do if a friendrang up in a distressed state they would invariably say they would comfort thefriend, listen to them, give them time and try and be there for them. That shows qualities of being a good listener, being caring, showing empathy, showing sensitivity and being a good friend - these are all qualities which not everyone possesses.

• If you have habits or things about you which you think are 'bad' remember it is the habits which you think are bad - not you as a person. It doesn't mean you are a bad person - just a person who may have bad habits.

• Try to remember that if someone is unkind or unhelpful about your mental illness it is because they lack understanding. Anyone who suffers with mental illness deserves as much respect and compassion as someone who suffers from physical illness.

• Remember that recovery and healing can be a slow process, be patient with yourself and give yourself time - take one step at a time.

• If you are unhappy or confused about your treatment in any way discuss this with your mental health community team. You can also seek advice from one of the helplines below.

• Please believe that there are people who will support you and try and help you with your recovery but to get help you have to ask for it. If the first person you ask for help is unable to give you the help you need, don't be disheartened but keep trying all the resources you can until you do get the help you need.

 

Concerned about someone else's mental health?

It can be very worrying when you see someone is clearly suffering with their mental health but they are not able to see they need help and support, or unwilling to get help and support. There are some things you can do, and some useful advice here, courtesy of Rethink.

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/advice-for-loved-ones-and-carers/worried-about-someones-mental-health/

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Some agencies which give support and information

ABLEize Directory of Mental Health Advice & Support during Coronavirus (Covid-19)
https://www.ableize.com/support-groups/mental-health-support-groups/

Andy's Man Club
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
Men's Mental Health Support Groups running throughout the UK
Talking Groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm or have a storm brewing in life. 

Anxiety UK (formerly the National Phobics Society):
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Support and help with anxiety conditions and phobias including panic attacks, ocds, body dysmorphic disorder, social phobia. Information, factsheets, tapes, self help guides. Extra services for members include therapy services at reduced rates, helpline, member contact list, discounts on products, chatroom.

Bipolar UK
www.bipolaruk.org
National user led organisation working to enable people with manic depression to take control of their lives. Information on anything to do with the condition including medication. Network of self help groups for people with depression, their relatives and friends. Self management training programme. Employment advice.

Borderline Support UK
https://borderlinesupport.org.uk/
Borderline Support UK exists to provide information and support to anyone affected by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which is sometimes also called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
Their UK Support Directory provides information on mental health services in counties and regions across the whole of the UK.

BPD Helpline,
www.bpdworld.org
Information, advice, support for anyone with borderline personality disorder, family and friends.

British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies:
0330 3200 851,
www.babcp.com - Behavioural and cognitive therapy can be very successful in treating a wide range of mental health and emotional issues.

Campaign to Protect Rural England: The Countryside Charity
https://www.cpre.org.uk/
The countryside and nature can have a very beneficial effect on our mental health.
Find your local Branch of the charity and find out local news on what is happening in your area
https://www.cpre.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/local-groups/

Carers UK
CarersLine - on 0808 808 7777
www.carersuk.org
Carers UK is the voice of carers and the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation for carers. For information and advice on all aspects of caring visit their website or call their helpline.

Cause Helpline:
0800 103 2833 (Area served NORTHERN IRELAND)
www.cause.org.uk
Practical and emotional support for carers and families of those with serious mental illness.Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) 0800 132737 (Area served WALES)
www.callhelpline.org.uk
Helpline providing advice, information and emotional support for anyone concerned about their own or another's mental health

Directions for Men
07894 971 434
https://www.directionsformen.org.uk/
Directions For Men provides groups for men to come and talk about whatever it is that is affecting their mental health. They support each other through difficult times and they help each other by talking about what worked for us when we were going through difficult times. Directions For Men want to get men doing things they enjoy so they also get activities and events off the ground for you to attend and participate in and meet a new bunch of mates.What they do is called peer support. That is people with similar backgrounds and experiences looking out for each other.

Equality Advisory & Support (EASS)
0808 800 0082
www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
Advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales.

For Her
https://www.forher.org.uk/
For Her is an online platform created to help young women between the ages of 16 to 29 get acess to free emotional support services in the London area. It draws together services from free counselling options and mental health helplines, to specialist services provided by domestic and sexual violence charities. 

Guideposts
0800 048 7035
https://guideposts.org.uk/
Guideposts is a UK-based charity working with people in local communities to help them access the support, opportunities and skills they need to overcome social challenges, improve their wellbeing and change their lives.Many of the people they support come from the most disadvantaged groups in our society, including children and adults with additional needs and disabilities, people with mental health problems, older people with dementia and other neuro-degenerative conditions, and the families or carers of all these groups.

Health in Mind (Scotland)
0131 225 8508
www.health-in-mind.org.uk
Promotes positive mental health and well being in Scotland. Provides a wide range of services including support, respite, befriending, day services, counselling/talking therapies, face to face and on telephone.

Hearing Voices Network:
www.hearing-voices.org  
Information, support and understanding to those who hear voices and those who support them.

Hoarding Help Guides

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/hoarding-disorder-help-for-hoarders.htm
Help for hoarders

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/helping-someone-with-hoarding-disorder.htm
Helping someone with a hoarding disorder 

Hoarding.Support
https://hoarding.support/
Information, support and advice for those who hoard, and their loved ones.

Hoarding UK
www.hoardinguk.org
Hoarding UK is now the UK national charity supporting people impacted by hoarding behaviour.
Services include online support, support groups, advocacy, legal help, tips and more.   

Humen
https://www.wearehumen.org/
Mental health charity providing anonymous and non-clinical safe spaces for men to not only talk but to listen and connect on a regular basis. The HUMEN Space is preventative, practical and plain speaking. No lingo or prescriptive advice. Free one hour sessions where men get together to talk honestly, and actually be heard, in a confidential space without risk of judgment or ridicule. The right to talk should never be a privilege. Every Monday 6:30 PM for any man across the UK and online globally. See below for all HUMEN Space locations and The HUMEN Space Online.
https://www.wearehumen.org/the-humen-space/#second-text

Lifeline (N.Ireland)
0808 808 8000
www.lifelinehelpline.info
For anyone in N.Ireland who is in distress or despair. Immediate help on phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Face to face counselling can be arranged, also befriending, mentoring. Issues dealt with include suicide prevention, self harm, abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety.

Look Ahead
0333 010 4600
https://www.lookahead.org.uk/
Look Ahead works with vulnerable people throughout the UK, those with learning difficulties, mental health, young people and the homeless .

Mens Group
https://mensgroup.com/
Most men don't get to talk about whats on their minds which can lead to depression, anxiety, poor relationships. Find friendship, self development, online discussions, social events and more

MANUP
https://www.manup.how/
Men, talking to men. Change peoples thoughts, opinions and minds about men and mental health.
https://www.manup.how/mental-health-videos
Mental health videos. Educational and honest mental health podcasts that show real cases of mental illness or issues and their following success stories. Don't feel alone in your struggles with mental health or mental illness Therefore MANUP encourage you to watch their conversations for more information about how others have handled mental illness and achieved success by simply being aware of the flags. MANUP welcomes anyone who would like to join them in a mental health video or vlog, if this is you, please get in touch with MANUP

MenWalkTalk
https://menwalktalk.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/MenWalkTalk/
Matt started MenWalkTalk after realising the many benefits that come with getting outdoors and meeting new people, especially having other men you can speak to about the many things that Men go through. Currently MenWalkTalk groups meet across Sussex, Brighton, London, Devon and Bassetlaw, but new groups are starting regularly! The Charity wants to reduce the number of male suicides, and provide a community of support for guys to know they are not alone and they can speak up.

Mental Health Foundation:
www.mhf.org.uk
Publications and leaflets relating to mental health issues. Website includes information for sufferers/family/friends,including how to get help, how to complain if not getting adequate help you are entitled to, information on medication etc.

Mental Health UK
https://mentalhealth-uk.org/
Information, advice and support

MIND
0300 102 1234 Support line
0300 123 3393 Info line
www.mind.org.uk
Information service for users of mental health services, carers, professionals and the public. Information on types of mental distress, treatments, alternative therapies, mental health law, advocacy, where to get help, local Mind groups. Access to legal advice. Fact sheets and publications.

MIND: Side By Side
https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/
It's a powerful thing to connect with someone else over shared experiences. Side By Side is an online community where you can listen, share, and be heard. For anyone over the age of 18, the online community is open 24/7.

MindTheMen
https://mindthemen.co.uk/
MindTheMen are a suicide prevention peer support group where men (18+) can meet in a safe place to talk about their challenges, be listened to and feel supported. Support Groups are in the Glasgow area and also sporting and social activities are offered around the Glasgow area. Weekly zoom meetings also take place available to any man in Scotland.

Mood Swings:
Helpline: 0161 832 3736
www.moodswings.org.uk
National Helpline and online support providing free and confidential information, advice and support to people with mood disorders, family, friends and health and social care professionals. Also one to one, support groups, workshops at Centre in Manchester.

My Black Dog
https://www.myblackdog.co/
A community-focused platform offering peer-to-peer conversations for people who are struggling with mental health challenges and trauma. Use their chat box when you don't know who to talk to. Whether you are experiencing uncertainties, feeling trapped, or simply curious, they are there to support you. Free, online, and available every day.  

NHS Where to get urgent help for mental health 
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

P3 Charity
0115 850 8190
www.p3charity.org
See website for local contacts - P3 run a variety of services all over the UK that aim to give everyone the chance to be part of the community they live in and feel connected to society. Aim to improve the lives and communities by delivering services for socially excluded and vulnerable people to unlock their potential and open up new possibilities. Linkworker provides support to troubled people in troubled times, one to one support to address issues such as debt, crime, housing, drugs, alcohol, employment help with CV writing, job searching, training, work placement and IT training.

Platform
01656 647722
https://platfform.org/
Leading Welsh mental health and wellbeing charity. Provides a wide range of services to people with mental health problems supporting their independence, recovery, health and wellbeing. Services include crisis intervention, home and family support, community wellbeing, skills, learning and employment.

PoetsIN
https://www.poetsin.com/
Provides mental health and well being support services through a variety of creative mental health programmes, designed specifically to help those struggling with mental illness by providing tools to reduce the symptoms of mental illness. A Charity for people struggling with their mental health by two Poets who have struggled too. 

'PostScript 360'
0117 9663629
https://postscript360.org.uk/
info@postscript360.org.uk
PostScript 360 is committed to supporting individuals to reduce the harm caused by prescribed drugs associated with dependence and withdrawal through a wrap-around service of one to one therapy, group therapy and a telephone support service.
They train health professions, promote awareness and prevention, as well as support people through advocacy.
Their Telephone Support /Advisors Are Here to Help You.
If you need help to withdraw or taper from Benzodiazepines and other similar drugs safely. PostScript 360 are at the end of the telephone to provide practical advice, tapering schedules, reassurance and support.. Sign up, they will listen and support you through your journey.

Rethink National Advice Line:
0808 801 0525
www.rethink.org
Specialist advice to anyone who needs support or information on any mental health issue. (Rethink is the operating name of National Schizophrenia Fellowship).

Rethink support groups
https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/groups-in-your-area/

Saneline:
0300 304 7000
www.sane.org.uk
Helpline providing information and advice on mental health. Emotional and crisis support for people experiencing mental illness and for their families, carers friends. Database of sources of help and support.

Scottish Association for Mental Health:
0344 800 0550 (Area served SCOTLAND)
www.samh.org.uk
Mental health information and signposting to local services.
This is not a 'listening' service or suitable for people in crisis. Hours 9am to 4pm.

Sport In Mind
https://www.sportinmind.org/
The UK’s leading mental health sports charity and deliver physical activity (sport, walking, dance and movement, gardening and exercise sessions) projects in partnership with the amazing NHS in order to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, combat social isolation and empower people to move their lives forward in a positive direction.
Taking part in sport or physical activity regularly really does have a positive impact on both our mental and physical health. Some of the many benefits include:

• Helps us to cope with the stresses of daily life more effectively
• Improves our physical health
• Helps us maintain a healthy weight
• Builds confidence and self-esteem
• Meet new people and make friends
• Improves concentration and sleeping patterns
• Give you a natural energy boost
• Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Releases chemicals in your brain that makes you feel happy
  
  Check out their Activity Map here to find sessions near you
  https://www.sportinmind.org/find-an-activity
  
  Check out the areas Sport In Mind currently cover, but they are expanding into other areas in the future
  https://www.sportinmind.org/pages/category/timetables
  
  Check out the Children, Young People and Families Programme
  https://www.sportinmind.org/Listing/Category/youth-project

The Care Quality Commission:
03000 616161
www.cqc.org.uk
Independent regulator of health and social care in England. Aim to make sure better care is provided for everyone whether its in hospital, in care homes, in peoples own homes or elsewhere. Regulates health and adult social care services and protects the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act.

The OLLIE Foundation
https://theolliefoundation.org/
A charity dedicated to delivering suicide awareness. Providing confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person. Helping others to prevent young suicide by delivering a number of training programmes. Delivering online weekly mental health support sessions open and free to all young people.

The Proper Blokes Club
https://theproperblokesclub.co.uk/
A community project for men's mental health. the main aim is to break the stigma of men's mental health and start talking openly about it. 
Exercise has been a proven way to help people with any sort of mental health issues by releasing endorphins that make you feel good about yourself. Walking is free so makes a great way to start and gets you out in the fresh air. Currently Walk and Talk groups in London and some surrounding areas but hoping to expand.

Together UK (Working for Wellbeing):
020 7780 7300
www.together-uk.org
Provides services in the community and hospitals and prisons for people with mental health needs and their carers. Services include advocacy, assertive, outreach schemes, community support, employment schemes, helplines, information, respite for carers, social clubs, supported accommodation including 24 hour care.

togetherall
https://togetherall.com/en-gb/
Online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues.An anonymous community where members can support each other 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Check website to see if you can access free from NHS, also available to students

Trussell Trust
01722 580180
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help
Search on website for nearest foodbank - Everyday people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Trussell Foodbanks provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK. Vouchers can be obtained from care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and Citizen Advice Bureaux.

Unreal
https://www.unrealcharity.com/
Unreal reaches out to people of lived experience of DPRD and their carers and families. They seek to raise awareness of Depersonalisation and Derealisation Disorder, to provide support and to promote involvement through providing up to date information, signposting, networking, the sharing of experiences and by celebrating success. 

Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder (also known as DPD, DPRD, DPDR) is a defence mechanism that the mind employs to help it to cope with too much stress. Many people will experience feelings of Depersonalisation and/or Derealisation at some point in their lives. Feelings of Depersonalisation and Derealisation can be triggered by stress, a traumatic event or substance use.

For some people, these feelings may last minutes or hours but will they will eventually pass. For other people, feelings of Depersonalisation and Derealisation can be recurring or can last much longer. These people may be experiencing Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder. The organisation provides advice and information and online peer support groups. 

Voice Collective
020 7911 0822
https://www.voicecollective.co.uk/
Voice Collective is a UK wide, London based project that supports children and young people up to 25 years old, who hear voices, see visions, have 'unusual' sensory experiences or beliefs. They also support for families and parents. 

Vulnerability Registration Service
https://www.vulnerabilityregistrationservice.co.uk/
Free to register, the VRS is a database of vulnerable people that allows you to alert companies to the fact that you’re in vulnerable circumstances. It lets business identify your vulnerability and take it into account when they communicate with you. You can either opt to be declined for financial service applications or add a ‘referral flag’ to let organisations know about your circumstances – so that they can be taken into consideration.

Waythrough
https://www.waythrough.org.uk/find-support-near-me/
Specialists in mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. Their vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. Find support  in your local area on above link.

Young Minds:
0808 802 5544
www.youngminds.org.uk
Helpline and support services for parents concerned about the mental health of a baby, child or young person. Publications.

Wellbeing Glasgow
0141 232 2555
www.wellbeing-glasgow.org.uk
The South Glasgow Wellbeing Service consists of psychologists, cognitive behavioural therapists, counsellors and guided self help workers. They offer a variety of self help materials, groups and courses for all sorts of problems and brief individual talking therapies. Anyone can download the self hep materials. If you live within the South of Glasgow you can use any of their other services and book online for any of the courses.

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Useful websites

https://advicelocal.uk/
Just enter a postcode and choose an advice topic to find tailored information for your area, including details of independent advice organisations who can help you get the advice and support that you need. Advicelocal can help you with questions relating to: welfare benefits and tax credits; council tax, including exemptions and discounts; debt and money advice; housing and homelessness; employment and work issues; disability and social care; and asylum and immigration.

www.advicenow.org.uk
Information on the law and your rights.

www.april.org.uk
Information on Adverse Psychiatric Drug Reactions.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
Advice on claiming ESA support and other benefits.

www.benefitsguide.co.uk
A free to use resource which provides clear and comprehensive information on all available UK welfare benefits as well as guidance on benefit applications, appeals, emergency assistance & legal help.

www.benzo.org.uk
Information relating to Benzodiazepines.

www.bpdrecovery.com
Focuses on recovering from borderline personality disorder, tips, techniques, chat, safe place for those with BPD to share concerns, voice opinions, seek like-minded individuals, work towards recovery, discuss medications and therapy approaches, explore impact of their illness on their lives and those of their families/friends. Includes relaxation and grounding exercises

www.chipmunkapublishing.com
World’s first mental health publishing - includes details of Chipmunka Foundation which includes forum for people with mental health issues.

https://clic-uk.org/
Clic is a free online community to support everyone with their mental health.
Connect with others for mutual support, share your thoughts and find helpful information.

www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Information on finding  a local counsellor.

www.dailystrength.org
Online community support for anxiety, mental health and health related conditions.

www.docready.org
Helps young people get ready for the first time visiting a doctor to discuss mental health. Digital tools aimed at ensuring young people get the most out of their appointment with the doctor.

https://www.good-thinking.uk/
Digital Mental Well Being for London (NHS site)

https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information
This site enables you to search for charities which gives grants to individuals in need. Click Start now - On Classification section 'What the Charity Does' on dropdown menu select 'General Charitable Purposes', 'Who the Charity Helps' select from list on dropdown menu and 'How the Charity Operates' select 'Makes grants to Individuals'

www.happiful.com
Free online magazine focusing on mental health and well being with informative, inspiring and topical stories.

www.haveigotaproblem.com
Free resource for mental health and addiction issues created and run by the Tasha Foundation.

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/medications
Information to help you know more about mental health medication

www.healthyplace.com
A community of people providing mental health information, support and the opportunity to share experiences helpful to others. Information on psychological and psychiatric medication from both a consumer and expert point of view. Active chatrooms, hosted support groups, people who keep online journals, diaries, mental health news, mental health videos, online documentary films, mental health radio and more. (American site).

https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Hub of Hope is a first of its kind, national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.

https://www.iesohealth.com/en-gb
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven to be effective in treating anxiety, stress, depression and many other mental health problems. A course of online therapy treatment is free for many NHS patients in many areas of the UK.

https://www.havehope.online/
HOPE - supporting anyone who is struggling with their mental health, if you are anxious or depressed, don't suffer in silence.

https://www.just-me-mental-health.com/home
Online mental health support group providing a listening service and information on other agencies to anyone suffering with mentalhealth issues
 

www.intervoiceonline.org
Information and forum relating to hearing voices.

www.meandmymind.nhs.uk
Oasis, the NHS Community Mental Health Team in London have developed this site which is aimed at young people 14-35 years who are struggling with unusual experiences like hearing voices or feeling paranoid. Although some of the contact information is relevant to the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Croydon, or Lewisham, the general information provided would be helpful for anyone struggling with these issues.   

https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/
Clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.

www.mentalhealthmatters.com - Information on mental health, personality disorders etc.

www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/
Clear practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money 

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/#.WV0Pok2Wzcs
A site which explains how the foods we eat can affect our emotional well being and mental health. Gives advice on the best foods to eat to help with anxiety, depression, panic attacks and the foods to avoid.

www.mindingyourhead.info
Information relating to mental health, depression, stress and anxiety.

https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/get-help/
Money and mental health support

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPPnFhbu13E
Panic attacks and how to deal with them by Mental Health Awareness

www.powerofpositivity.com
A site full of positivity, inspiration and great advice for physical and mental health

https://www.poetryformentalhealth.org/
This website promotes the beneficial effects of writing poetry and may be of interest to those who already write or maybe want to give it a go.

https://www.poetryformentalhealth.org/courses
Free, open course is aimed at anyone, anywhere struggling with mental health issues and wanting to use words and poetic verse to help them express how they think and feel. You can also use this course if you already write poetry but want a little more information and guidance on how to compose and structure your poems, and to learn a few more poetic techniques to help you write even better poetry.

www.seroxatsecrets.wordpress.com
Information and support relating to the use of seroxat

www.stem4.org.uk
A mental health charity for teenagers with lots of advice and support on issues such as self harm, addictions, eating disorders, depression

https://turn2me.org/
Online mental health support includes thought catcher, online support groups, online counselling. 

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Useful books

The Quiet Room: Journey Out of the Torment of Madness by Lori Schiller, Amanda Bennett - Publishers Little Brown & Company: ISBN 0446671339
Click here to read more or buy this book