Mental Health week 2023 - support services
This week is Mental Health week and we wanted to provide ways that people can find support. This list includes a range of services, mainly in Hackney, that can offer support and advice on a wide range of issues relating to mental health either for you, a family member or someone you know.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, you should contact your GP first - they can refer you for social care support or call the NHS on 111. Even so, we know that at times this can be difficult, which is why we wanted to provide the below information.
A charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men in London. Their professional therapists get quickly to the heart of a man’s suicidal crisis and help him solve it. Their services are quick to access and delivered in a safe, friendly, non-clinical environment by trained, professional therapists. Call 020 3488 8404 or email info@jamesplace.org.uk.
CITY AND HACKNEY 24 HOUR MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing thoughts they cannot control, is in danger of harming themselves or someone else, is seeing or hearing things that are not there, or any other urgent mental health crisis, call 0800 073 0006
WALK IN CRISIS CAFÉ
Safe and supportive place for anyone struggling and not coping with life.
Mon-Fri 18.00-21.00; Sat 12.00-16.00. Ring first to check if open 073937 62366
MIND IN HACKNEY
As well as helping you with mental health issues, can offer advice on welfare benefits, housing and employment. Services include: Safe Connections – support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts 0300 561 0115;
FIRST STEPS
An NHS psychology service for children and young people aged 0–18 years and their families. It offers support for mild to moderate mental health difficulties relating to emotional wellbeing, relationships and behaviour with the aim of giving support before problems become complicated to address. Young people over 16, and parents and carers of younger children can call 020 7014 7135, Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00
TALK CHANGES
Confidential NHS advice service for adults living in Hackney and registered with a GP. Can help with depression, anxiety, a wide range of worries, mental health problems and emotional difficulties. You can refer yourself online.
IRIE MIND
Mental health services for Black and minority ethnic adults and young people in Hackney.
Call 07554 451296 or 07515 575664, Mon/Thurs/Fri 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00
SUN USER NETWORK (SUN)
For people who experience emotional and psychological distress, frequent mood changes, emotional instability, self-harm and/or have thoughts of suicide. Offers a supportive and therapeutic group to develop self-help management strategies to prevent future crises. Offers support to family, friends and those who support someone with mental health issues.
To book onto a meeting, please email: sun.admin@sabp.nhs.uk
GROWING MINDS
Provides culturally aware counselling, emotional and practical support for African, Caribbean and mixed heritage children, young people (aged 9-25) and their families. You can self-refer or be referred by CAMHS, Children and Adult Social Care, a GP, education providers or a voluntary or community organisation. The website has a range of online videos on issues such as moving to secondary school, and managing anxiety and emotions. Email info@growingminds.org.uk
TURNING POINT CITY AND HACKNEY RECOVERY SERVICE
Support for people who would like help with their drug and alcohol use. You can refer yourself online. 0345 144 0050
YOUNG HACKNEY SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICE
Confidential advice and referral line for young people aged under 25. Call 020 8356 7377 Monday-Friday 09.00 – 21.00 or you can self-refer online
OFF CENTRE
Offers a counselling, art therapy, advice and information service for young people aged 16-25 in City & Hackney. Currently no face-to-face services but for general advice and information; to arrange a telephone drop-in support session; or to access their LGBTQI youth group and counselling service (Project Indigo) call 020 8986 4016
YOUNG MINDS
Support for children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing – including suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying and relationship issues and issues arising from the impact of coronavirus. The website has loads of information, but for urgent help, 24/7, Text YM to 85258. Parent’s helpline 0808 802 5544 Mon-Fri, 09.30-16.00
SSAFA (THE ARMED FORCES CHARITY)
Housing, mental health and welfare advice and social support for veterans, service personnel and their families. Forces Line 0800 260 6767. General enquiries 020 7463 9200
MAYTREE
For people who are feeling suicidal. Also offer respite residential care. Call 020 7263 7070 10.00-18.00 or email maytree@maytree.org.uk
LONDON FRIEND
Support, information and advice on health and wellbeing, including domestic abuse, addictions, sexual health, and help for asylum seekers. Call 0207 833 1674 or email office@londonfriend.org.uk
Free courses and 1-2-1 therapeutic support to boost mental wellbeing and build emotional strength – designed specifically for LGBTQ+ community members. Email: rainbowmind@mindchwf.org.uk
ALBERT KENNEDY TRUST
Supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. Email contact@akt.org.uk or call 020 7831 6562
Free youth group and counselling service for young LGBTQ people (aged 13-25) or for people who are questioning their sexual or gender identity. Meets Thurs 17.30-19.30. Just turn up or email indigo@family-action.org.uk
LONDON IRISH LGBT NETWORK
Provides a link between the LGBT community in London and Ireland and between the Irish LGBT community in London and the wider Irish community. Email londonirishlgbtnetwork@gmail.com
Support for LGBTQI+ Muslims, their family and friends to resolve challenges linked to sexuality, gender identity, religion and culture. Website also has links for other faiths and support networks. Email support@nazandmattfoundation.org
MICRO RAINBOW
Provides safe temporary housing for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. Also gives support in obtaining a National Insurance number, registering with Universal Credit and opening a bank account. 0800 358 5851 Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00. For information on housing email housing@microrainbow.org
AFRICAN RAINBOW NETWORK
Support for LGBTIQ people of African Heritage including refugees and wider Black and Asian Minority ethnic groups who are seeking asylum. Email info@africanrainbowfamily.org Call 07711285567 Mon-Fri 09.30-17.00
RAINBOW MIGRATION
Practical and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum to help improve their confidence and self-esteem and reduce isolation. Offers specialist legal information and advice, including to people who want to live in the UK with their partners. Helpline 0207 922 7811 or email hello@rainbowmigration.org.uk
GALOP
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse.
HELPLINES
ANXIETY UK: Helpline 03444 775 774; Monday - Friday 09.30 – 17.30
HOPELINE UK: Confidential support for people under the age of 35 struggling with thoughts of suicide and anyone worried about them. Open 365 days a year, 09.00-24.00; Call 0800 068 4141; Text 07860 039 967
BEAT: Help and support for people with eating disorders. Helpline 0808 801 0677
NO PANIC: Advice and support for people living with phobias, OCD and any other anxiety-based disorders. Open 365 days a year, 10.00-22.00 Call 0300 772 9844
SHOUT: Free confidential 24/7 text messaging service for anyone struggling with issues such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, abuse, bullying, relationship problems. Text 85258
SILVER LINE: For older people, offering friendship, support and someone to listen. 0800 470 8090
CHILDLINE (24 hours a day): 0800 1111
SAMARITANS (24 hours a day): 116 123
NATIONAL LGBT AND DOMESTIC ABUSE: 0800 999 5428
LGBT+ HATE CRIME: 0207 704 2040