No matter your ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation or age, most people will experience some form of mental health difficulty in their lives. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and if you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to call our safeguarding officer, Alex Flowers, on 01246 278931.
We at Apprentice Team Ltd are dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health. If you come to our office, you will see a physical Mind Matters board with helpful leaflets pinned to it, along with the logos of various mental health charities.
If you would like to visit the websites of these charities, please click on the logos below. We also have a list of trusted resources (click here) on all sorts of topics, such as anger management, depression, anxiety, and many more.
The Samaritans offer a listening service for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. If you aren’t sure who else to turn to, the Samaritans are always a good choice.
You can call them 24/7 on 116 123 (no charge), or email jo@samaritans.org if you prefer to write things down.
Mind provide helpful online articles on a range of mental health difficulties. They also offer an infoline in case you have further questions regarding mental health.
The infoline number is 0300 123 3393. It is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). You may also email info@mind.org.uk if you prefer.
The NSPCC focus on preventing child abuse, as well as helping those who have been abused to rebuild their lives. They have advice on spotting abuse on their website, as well as two helplines.
If you’re concerned about a child, or if you’re a parent or carer looking for advice, call 0808 800 5000, open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm, or 12pm – 4pm at the weekends.
If you are instead a young person who needs help and support, call Childline on 0800 1111, open 7:30am–midnight from Monday to Friday, or from 9am–midnight at weekends.
Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk if you prefer.
SANE are a general mental health charity who offer various resources on their website, as well as a helpline that offers support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness.
You can leave a message on 07984 967 708, giving your first name and a contact number, and one of their professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable. You can also email them at support@sane.org.uk, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for male victims of domestic abuse. They offer advice and emotional support to men who experience abuse, and signpost to other vital services that help men keep themselves (and their children) safe.
Call on 0808 8010327, available Monday–Friday 9am-8pm. You can also email them at info@mensadviceline.org.uk, available at the same times as the helpline, as well as Saturday: 10am–12pm & 4–6pm, Sunday: 10am–12pm & 4–6pm.
Finally, the webchat is available Wednesday: 10–11am & 3–4pm, Thursday: 10–11am & 3–4pm, and Friday: 10–11am & 3–4pm.
Anxiety UK is a charity which helps those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression. They offer helpful information regarding anxiety, as well as a helpline, email service and live chat.
You can call their helpline on 03444 775 774 between 9.30AM – 5.30PM, Monday – Friday (except bank holidays), or text 07537 416905 at the same times. Their email address is support@anxietyuk.org.uk, which will be answered in 24 hours maximum (excluding weekends and bank holidays).
YoungMinds are the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. They provide various resources on the subject, as well as a text service called the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger.
If you need urgent help, text YM to 85258. This service is available 24/7, and is free for many mobile networks.
Bipolar UK provide support to those affected by bipolar disorder. They provide information on their website, run peer support groups, and provide a telephone and email service for those in need.
If you would like a phone call, please email info@bipolaruk.org with your contact details and they will get back to you as soon as they can. Alternatively, if you would prefer to use the email service, just email the same address with your concerns.
Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They offer helpful information and advice on their website, as well as a telephone and email service.
Their helpline is on 0808 808 1677, with the following opening hours:
Monday: 9.30am-5pm
Tuesday: 9.30am-8pm
Wednesday: 9.30am-8pm
Thursday: 9.30am-8pm
Friday: 9.30am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am -2pm
You can also email them at helpline@cruse.org.uk.
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people with experience of mental health issues. They offer a number of helpful resources on their website, as well as an online support service.
The online support service is open most evenings from 5:30-7:30pm, and on Sundays from 2-4pm, with additional hours most days. It can be accessed through this webpage.
Beat is the UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf. They offer resources on their website, as well as a variety of support services, including helplines, web chat, online support groups, and many more.
Please visit this webpage for the full list of support options available.
Remember that you’re not alone
Mental health difficulties can isolate us, can make us think that there’s no one else that can help, but that’s not true. There are people out there from all walks of life who share your story, and there is always someone to offer a helping hand. Whether you contact us, or you instead contact one of the charities above, don’t hesitate to get the help you need.
