This pandemic is taking it toll on a lot of us. None of us were prepared for the events of last year, and even now 10 months later it’s still a major challenge for a lot of us. But you’re not alone, there is help available if you know where to find it.
The Find A Helpline website has information for many helplines for varying causes, but here I’ve collated are a few which might be most useful. Find a helpline : www.helplines.org
Help for suicidal thoughts www.nhs.uk/conditions/suicide/
If you’re feeling like you want to die, it’s important to tell someone. Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
- Samaritans Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
www.Samaritans.org Tel: 116123 Email: Jo@samaritans.org
- Hopeline UK / PAPYRUS Young suicide prevention for under 35’s
www.papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/
Tel: 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860039967 Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org – 9am-midnight 365 days a year
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Helpline for men
www.thecalmzone.net Tel: 0800 58 58 58 Open 5pm-midnight 365 days a year
Domestic violence and abuse www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help. If you are in immediate danger call the police on 999
- Refuge Victims of domestic abuse
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Live chat mon – fri 3pm-10pm, Tel: 08082000247 (24/7)
- Black Country Women’s Aid Local support for victims of domestic abuse
www.blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
Advice and support Tel: 01215530090 (9am-5pm), Advice or refuge Tel: 01215526448 (24 hr), Text/whatsapp 9am-9pm 07384466181
- Respect – Mens Advice Line For male victims of domestic violence
https://mensadviceline.org.uk Tel 08088010327 (Mon – fri 9am-8pm), Webchat wed, thur, fri 10-11am & 3-4pm, Email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
- Childline Free, private and confidential service for under 19’s where you can talk about anything.
www.childline.org.uk Tel 0800 1111 Webchat available
Feeling lonely www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/feeling-lonely/
Most people feel lonely sometimes, for many different reasons. If loneliness is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.
- The Silver Line Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
www.thesilverline.org.uk Tel 08004 708090, Open 24 hours a day every day of the year
- Cruse Bereavement UK Support after the death of a loved one.
www.cruse.org.uk 0808 808 1677, Web chat available
Get support for mental health www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these mental health charities, organisations and support groups can offer expert advice.
- Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
www.mind.org.uk Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
- Anxiety UK Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
www.anxietyuk.org.uk Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Substance Abuse / other
If you are turning to substances to help you cope, or if you feel you may be suffering an addiction, there are people ready to help.
- Alcoholics Anonymous A free self-help group. Its “12 step” programme involves getting sober with the help of regular face-to-face and online support groups.
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Phone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
- FRANK Free, confidential information and advice about drugs, their effects and the law.
https://www.talktofrank.com/ Phone: 0300 1236600 (24-hour helpline), live chat service runs daily from 2pm to 6pm. Text a question to: 82111
- National Debt Line
www.nationaldebtline.org 0808 808 4000 Webchat available
Kate Dearn Beauty 