Sunday 3 February 2013

Depression / Suicide / Other Helplines / Websites etc UK

Depression

Depression is very common and everyone feels fed up, sad, unhappy, miserable at times. Sometimes we know that there is a cause for our depression - maybe we have just broken up from a relationship, maybe someone we were close to has died, we may have failed exams, we may be ill - but other times there doesn't seem to be one cause - it may be a build up of problems, feeling unable to cope with life and we are not really sure why.
When depression is very severe some people can feel that life isn't worth living, they want to die. When depression doesn't go away it is important to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help but a sign of strength to recognise that you have these feelings and are unable to cope. Many people find at some stage in their life that it is hard to cope as well as they used to. You don't have to be strong all the time - recognise when you are finding it difficult to cope and need support.
People can get a variety of symptoms when they feel very depressed.
  • General feelings of unhappiness which don't go away.
  • Having no interest in life.
  • Finding it difficult to concentrate and make even easy decisions.
  • Having no feeling of enjoyment in life.
  • Not wanting to go out or mix with people but spending a lot of time on your own.
  • Feeling very tired and having no energy.
  • Finding it difficult to sleep and waking up frequently during the night.
  • Having no appetite and eating very little
  • Losing self confidence and feeling worthless.
  • Being very irritable, anxious, impatient.
  • Feeling very negative about life.
  • Having suicidal thoughts.
If you are depressed don't bottle it up - it is important you talk to someone - family, friend, teacher, youth leader, GP, organisation, helpline etc. - anyone you feel you can trust If you don't share how you are feeling you may find yourself using unhealthy coping strategies which will in the long run only add to your problems and make you feel worse - some people may start drinking alcohol more, may take drugs, may start self harming and cutting themselves, may stop eating or binge eating and making themselves sick.
You may find that counselling will help you as this will give you a safe space to talk to someone who is especially trained. This will help you to say how you really feel inside and the counselor will work with you to help you find solutions and healthy coping strategies and to look at the reasons behind your depression. This will give you a better understanding of your feelings and some support in working through anything which is troubling you. If you find that counselling doesn't work for you then it would be an idea to see your GP and discuss with him other ways of helping you with your depression.
Talking to others and counselling and therapy can help but to pull yourself out of a depression you need to do a lot of work yourself. When you are depressed you may feel you have no control over your life but you do still have choices. You can choose to stay depressed and not eat properly, not exercise, stay in bed all day, etc. or you can choose to try and help yourself to get out of the depression . If you take care of yourself physically it will help you to feel stronger emotionally and to cope more easily with life. Just as a car needs petrol to work properly so does your body need nutrients from food so although you may not feel like eating please try and eat healthily and drink plenty of water.
Sometimes when we are depressed life can seem very negative and black - it can be easy to forget that there are beautiful things in the world surrounding us. Try and get out each day into an open space, park, forest, lake etc. and just take in the beauty of your surroundings, and try and be at one with nature. This can help keep things in perspective and lift your mood.
Set yourself small goals - maybe each day try and write down something you want to do the following day and try and follow this through. The more active you are the less time you will have to focus on your depression. Try and interact with other people when you can as if you totally isolate yourself and cut yourself off from the outside world you could find your depression gets more severe.

What Can I do to Help Myself

  • Don't bottle things up - find someone to talk to about how you are feeling.
  • Make sure you get plenty of exercise and plenty of fresh air. You will find that even if you do a quick walk every day and a short period of other exercise each day you will start to feel physically and emotionally stronger and more able to cope.
  • Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet - eat little and often and don't skip meals. If you are not eating properly you will feel more depressed and listless.
  • Try and keep busy - to keep your mind occupied.
  • Do things you enjoy to relax, treat yourself and take care of yourself.
  • Try and get to bed at a regular time. If you find it difficult to sleep listen to the radio/TV/read and you may find you drop off to sleep more easily.
  • Don't resort to unhealthy ways of dealing with your problems like drinking, taking drugs, cutting, eating disorders.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Try to stop thinking in a negative way - when you think a negative thought try and replace it with a positive one.
  • If you need a hug ask someone you trust - this can make you feel that someone really does care how you are feeling.
Remember depression is very common - you will not always feel like this - you will come out of it and be able to enjoy life.
If your depression is severe and you are having thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life it is important you talk to someone immediately about how you are feeling. If you are a child or young person speak to your parents about how you are feeling. They would want to know how you feel and to support you and look at ways of helping. Talk to your GP and make him aware of what is going on for you. It is very difficult to deal with severe depression on your own - you need help and support and in some cases your GP may advise medication.

ENDING YOUR LIFE AND HARMING YOURSELF IS NEVER THE ANSWER. YOU HAVE YOUR WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF YOU AND WILL NOT ALWAYS FEEL LIKE THIS.

Agencies which offer support and information

  • SupportLine Telephone Helpline: 01708 765200 (Helpline)
    email info@supportline.org.uk
    Confidential emotional support to Children, Young People and Adults. Also keeps details of agencies, support groups and counsellors throughout UK. (hours vary so ring for details.)
  • Mind (National Association for Mental Health): 0300 123 3393www.mind.org.uk
    Publish booklets relating to Depression.

  • Action on Depression (Scotland): 0808 802 2020
    www.actionondepression.org
    Telephone information and other support for people affected by depression. Information about symptoms and treatment, listening support and signposting to other
  • Aware Defeat Depression: 08451 202961 (area served N.Ireland)
    www.aware-ni.org.uk
    Support, information or a listening ear for all those affected by depressive illnesses.

  • Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (Area served SCOTLAND)
    www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
    Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone line for people in Scotland who are experiencing low mood or depression. Breathing Space is available to the public every day of the year, 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday–6am Monday) and 6pm-2am (Monday-Thursday).

  • CALL Community Advice and Listening Line (Wales): 0800 132737
    www.callhelpline.org.uk
    Offers emotional support and information/literature on Mental Health and related matters to the people of Wales.
    Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service. The C.A.L.L. Helpline offers a confidential listening and support service.
    Tel: 0800 132 737 (24/7)
    Txt:81066
  • Calm: 0800 585858
     www.thecalmzone.net
    Campaign Against Living Miserably. Help and support for young men aged 15-35 on issues which include depression and suicide. Our national helpline is open 7 days a week, 5pm to midnight.
    Callers can talk through any issue, we’ll listen and offer information and signposting.
    Calls are anonymous & confidential and won’t show up on your phone bill.
    Calls are     free from payphones and from mobiles on 3, Virgin, Orange and Vodaphone networks. Translation facilities are available on request, to use the Text Relay, dial 18001 + 0800 585858.

  • DABS Mail-Order Book Catalogue: 01709 860023
    Wide range of books including those on depression, self esteem assertiveness, self harm, child abuse.

  • Depression Alliance: 0845 123 2320
    email information@depressionalliance.org
    www.depressionalliance.org
    Confidential listening and support service. Also offer a range of information on depression and treatment options. National network of self help groups for people experiencing depression. National pen friend scheme offering support and fellowship to people with depression and their carers. Quarterly newsletter, booklets and leaflets on depression.
  • Depression UK:
    Self Help Nottingham, Ormiston House, 32-36 Pelham Street, Nottingham NG1 2EG UK
    email info@depressionuk.org
    www.depressionuk.org
    Wide self help organisation made up of individual members and groups which meet locally on a regular basis for mutual support. £10 yearly membership (reductions for those who cannot afford that amount).

  • Get Connected: 0808 808 4994
    www.getconnected.org.uk
    Free telephone and email helpline finding young people (under 25's) the best help whatever the problem. Can connect a child or young person to any UK helpline where appropriate. (1pm - 11pm every day)

  • Health in Mind (Scotland)
    0131 225 8508
    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.      ***THIS NUMBER IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE -I WISH THEY'D UPDATE SITES!!!!***

  • 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.
    (Run by Contact N.Ireland www.contactni.com independent counselling service employing professional qualified counsellors who have extensive experience of working with people facing a wide range of problems, free to all users. )

  • MDF/The Bipolar Association: 020 7931 6480
    email mdf@mdf.org.uk
    www.mdf.org.uk
    Advice and information for people with manic depression and their families, carers and mental health professionals. Supply a range of information leaflets, books and tapes. Network of self help groups for people with manic depression, relatives and friends. Self management training programme.

  • The Maytree: 020 7263 7070
    www.maytree.org.uk
    Sanctuary for the suicidal offering befriending and support (based in N.London).

  • The Mental Health Foundation:
    www.mhf.org.uk
    Publish a booklet 'Understanding Depression'.

  • Mood Swings:
    Helpline: 0845 123 6050
    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.

  • Muslim Youth Helpline: 0808 808 2008 (Area served London)
    email help@myh.org.uk
    www.myh.org.uk
    Helpline providing culturally sensitive support to Muslim youth under the age of 25. Outreach services including family mediation, face to face counselling and befriending.

  • National Youth Advocacy Service: 0300 330 3131
    help@nyas.net
    www.nyas.net
    Provides information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to young people up to the age of 25 through a network of advocates throughout England and Wales.

  • SAD Association:
    www.sada.org.uk
    To inform the public about seasonal affective disorder. To support and advise sufferers of the illness. Limited light box hire scheme. Supply contacts list for members.


  • Voice for the Child In Care: 0808 800 5792
    www.voiceyp.org
    Telephone advice, information and advocacy services for children in care. Helpline for care leavers - 0808 100 3224. Visiting advocacy service for children in secure units and other residential homes.

Alcohol

Children and young people

  • Gingerbread - Helpline 0808 802 0925 – Mondays: 10am to 6pm , Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays: 10am to 4pm & Wednesdays: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. www.gingerbread.org.uk - advice and information
  • Childline - 0800 1111 - www.childline.org.uk - comfort, advice and protection for any child or young person with any problem
  • NSPCC Child protection helpline - 0808 800 5000, or +44 203 222 4100 - www.nspcc.org.uk- advice and protection for children and young people

Disability

  • Equality & Human Rights Commission, Disability Helpline - England 0845 604 6610, Scotland 0845 604 5510, Wales 0845 604 8810 - www.equalityhumanrights.com - advice and information
  • Mencap - Helpline 0808 808 1111 - www.mencap.org.uk - charity working for people with learning difficulties
  • SANE - SANELINE telephone 0845 767 8000 0845 767 8000 6pm-11pm - www.sane.org.uk - one of the UK's leading charities concerned with improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness
  • MIND - Infoline telephone 0300 123 3393, Legal Advice Line 0300 466 6463 9.00am - 6.00pm. - www.mind.org.uk - the leading mental health charity in England and Wales
  • WISH - www.womenatwish.org.uk - WISH is a UK based charity that provides long-term, gender-sensitive support services in England and Wales to women who have mental health needs
  • DIAL UK Disability Information and Advice Line - 01302 310123, textphone - (01302) 310 123 please use voice announcer) - www.dialuk.info - information and advice

Discrimination

  • Equality & Human Rights Commission, Disability Helpline - www.equalityhumanrights.com - England 0845 604 6610, Scotland 0845 604 5510, Wales 0845 604 8810

Divorce and Relationship Breakdown

  • Relate - 0300 1001234 - www.relate.org.uk - couples counselling, support and information for adults with relationship issues
  • National Family Mediation - 01392 271 610 - www.nfm.org.uk - network of over 60 local not-for-profit Family Mediation Services in England and Wales offering help to couples
  • Gingerbread - Helpline 0808 802 0925 – Mondays: 10am to 6pm , Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays: 10am to 4pm & Wednesdays: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. www.gingerbread.org.uk - advice and information

Domestic Violence

  • The Hideout - www.thehideout.org.uk - website for children and young people to inform them about domestic violence and to help them identify whether it is happening in their home
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247 - www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk - National service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf
  • Women's Aid - 0808 2000 247, domestic violence helpline - www.womensaid.org.uk - counselling, support, legal advice, information, campaigning and research
  • Welsh Women's Aid - www.welshwomensaid.org - counselling, support, legal advice, information, campaigning and research in Wales. Their helpline website is www.wdah.org . Their helpline number is 0808 8010800 and is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day
  • Jewish Women's Aid - 0808 801 0500. www.jwa.org.uk The helpline offers legal, housing benefits information, befriending and counselling to Jewish women. For Jewish women who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse they have a refuge in Barnet.
  • IMKAAN - 020 7250 3933 - www.imkaan.org.uk - supports and researches Asian women's refuges
  • Broken Rainbow - 0300 999 5428 Monday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 2pm-8pm - www.broken-rainbow.org.uk - a helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survivors of domestic violence

Drugs

  • Frank - 0800 77 66 00 - www.talktofrank.com - information and advice for people who misuse drugs, their friends, families and colleagues
  • Release - 0845 450 0215 - www.release.org.uk - drugs and legal advice for users, families and friends

Free legal advice

  • Community Legal Advice - 0845 345 4345 - www.justask.org.uk - free confidential legal advice
  • Citizen's Advice Bureau - helpline phone numbers are regional and on the website - www.nacab.org.uk - free legal advice, you can get details of your local Bureau from the telephone directory
  • Equality & Human Rights Commission, Disability Helpline - www.equalityhumanrights.com - Disability Helpline – 0845 762 2633, or Textphone 0845 762 2644
  • Race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion and belief and human rights helpline – 0845 604 6610, or textphone 0845 604 6620
  • Law Centres Federation - 020 7428 4400 - www.lawcentres.org.uk - can refer you to your local law centre for free legal advice

Housing

Human Right Organisations

  • INQUEST - www.inquest.org.uk - campaigns against deaths in custody and changes to the Coroner's court system, advice for families
  • JUSTICE - 020 7329 5100 - www.justice.org.uk - one of the UK's leading human rights organisations
  • Liberty - Advice Lines 0845 123 2307 & 020 3145 0461, Monday & Wednesday 12.30pm-2.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm- 8.30pm - www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk - free legal advice, protects civil liberties and promotes human rights

Immigration and Asylum

  • Asylum Aid - 020 7354 9264 - www.asylumaid.org.uk - free legal advice and representation to refugees and asylum-seekers seeking safety in the UK from persecution
  • Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants - www.jcwi.org.uk - free legal advice, casework, and campaigning
  • Refugee Council - 0808 808 2255 or 0808 808 2259 (text phone) follow the instructions to select the language required. Languages available: Kurdish Sorani, Farsi, Mandarin, Pashtu, Arabic, Tigrinya and English. Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 9.30am–1pm & 2-5pm & Wednesdays: 2-5pm - www.refugeecouncil.org.uk - advice, assistance and campaigning for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK

Money and Debt

  • Consumer Credit Counselling Service - www.cccs.co.uk - free counselling and advice for people with multiple debt problems
  • Gingerbread - Helpline 0808 802 0925 – Mondays: 10am to 6pm , Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays: 10am to 4pm & Wednesdays: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. www.gingerbread.org.uk - advice and information

Older people

  • Age Concern Information line - 0800 169 6565 - www.ageconcern.org.uk - advice and information for older people
  • Elder Abuse response - 0808 808 8141 - www.elderabuse.org.uk - information and support for anyone concerned about the abuse of older people

Parenting, Child Custody and Contact

  • Children's Legal Centre - 08088 020 008 - www.childrenslegalcentre.com - free and confidential legal advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people
  • Gingerbread - Helpline 0808 802 0925 – Mondays: 10am to 6pm , Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays: 10am to 4pm & Wednesdays: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. www.gingerbread.org.uk - advice and information
  • Independent Police Complaints Commission - 0845 3002 002 - www.ipcc.gov.uk - this is a service to ensure that police complaints are dealt with effectively

Sexuality

  • London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard - 0300 330 0630 (daily 10am - 11pm) - www.llgs.org.uk - advice
  • Pink Parents - Helpline: 0870 127 3274 - www.pinkparents.org.uk - UK wide organisation of lesbian, gay and bisexual parents, parents-to-be and their children
  • GALOP - Helpline: 020 7704 2040 - www.galop.org.uk - London's only lesbian, gay and bisexual anti-violence and police monitoring charity.

Sexual Violence

  • Rape Crisis Centres - Helpline: 0808 802 9999 - www.rapecrisis.org.uk - female run service for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Regional helpline numbers are listed on their website
  • Truth About Rape (TAR) - www.truthaboutrape.co.uk - This campaign was formed to end rape, and to challenge myths about rape.
  • Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) - www.roofie.com/sexual-assault-referral-centres - This site lists SARCS all over the UK. SARCS are centres for survivors of a Sexual Assault. You can receive advice, counselling and medical support
  • NAPAC - National Association for People Abused in Childhood - 0800 085 3330 - www.napac.org.uk - NAPAC are a national organisation that has an info-line that refers people to relevant help groups/support in their area
    • NAPAC provides the only national freephone support line for adults who have suffered any type of abuse in childhood. Because of the large volume of calls we are sorry that many people are unable to get through. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to call you back which also means that any answerphone messages cannot be answered. Confidentiality Disclaimer: We do not give information we hear from callers to the police unless it is about someone in serious danger.  An example would be if we are told about a child being abused now. 
    • Call 0800 085 3330 for free from landlines, 3, Orange and Virgin mobile phones.
    • Call 0808 801 0331 for free from O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone mobile phones.
    • Telephone support line opening hours:
    Monday 10:00am-9:00pm; Tuesday 10:00am--9:00pm; Wednesday  10.00am-9.00pm;
    Thursday 10:00am-9.00pm; Friday 10.00am-6.00pm

Solicitors

  • Legal Ombudsman - 0300 555 0333 - www.legalombudsman.org.uk - government organisation giving information on where and how to access legal help in England and Wales, available in several languages

Women's Organisations

  • Women in Prison - 0800 953 0125 - www.womeninprison.org.uk - organisation providing support and information to women prisoners
  • Women's Resource Centre - 020 7324 3030 - www.wrc.org.uk - supporting voluntary organisations working with and for women

Other Organisations


  • Trade Union Congress - 020 7636 4030 - www.tuc.org.uk - represents 70 member unions and campaigns on social justice issues
  • Victim Support Helpline - 0845 303 0900, and 020 7896 3776, 9am – 9pm Mondays to Fridays, 9am – 7pm weekends, 9am – 5pm bank holidays - www.victimsupport.org - counselling for victims of crime


Useful Websites

Self-Harm

Self Injury and Related Issues

 www.siari.co.uk
SIARI aims to raise awareness about self-injury, as well as offering hope, and enlightenment to those who self-injure, their kith and kin, and those who work alongside people who hurt themselves. The site will be of value to anyone wishing to gain insight into the complex and much-misunderstood phenomenon of self-injury, and the issues that surround it.  It is the largest self injury resource on the web.

LifeSIGNS
www.selfharm.org
Lifesigns is a voluntary organisation that raises awareness about the syndrome of self injury in the UK and beyond. LifeSIGNS provides much needed information and training to organisations and surfers; offering unique services not available from any other voluntary organisations. Their SI Awareness Booklet for 2005 is an excellent resource for concerned parents or health care workers, and a good read for people who self harm. Get it now for free from their website.

Bristol Crisis Service for Women
www.users.zetnet.co.uk/BCSW/
Bristol Crisis Service for Women is a national voluntary organisation that supports women in emotional distress.  They particularly help women who harm themselves (often called self-injury). They have carried out extensive research with women who self-injure. Through their work they have developed a deep understanding of the reasons individuals harm themselves and of the things they may need to help them overcome their self-injury. They also have wide experience of the concerns and needs of workers in different settings and disciplines, and in developing good working practice.
What they do:
  • They run a national helpline
  • They produce information and publications about self-injury
  • They offer talks and training courses to professionals
  • They run and support self-help groups

National Self Harm Network
www.nshn.co.uk
The National Self-Harm Network (UK based but available to everyone from ANY country) has been a survivor-led organisation since 1994. They are committed campaigners for the rights and understanding of people who self-harm.  Their priority is to support survivors and people who self-harm. They also support the people it indirectly affects, like family and friends; they can discuss the issue and gain effective support in our forums.

The Basement Project provides support groups for those who have been abused as children and people who self-harm.  These are free to individuals and funded by our work with professionals.  We also provide training, consultation and supervision for workers in community and mental health services.  We provide a range of publications offering practical guidance for workers.  Our books for service-users offer many creative ideas based on the experience of others who have journeyed through similar difficulties. All are written in an accessible style.
Our work is founded on respect for individuals and for their rights to determine their own needs and make choices for themselves.  We aim to facilitate professionals in supporting and empowering the people with whom they work, whilst also attending to their own difficulties and needs.

Samaritans
www.samaritans.org.uk
Tel: 0845 90 90 90
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.  The website also has information self harm. It also provides an e-mail service for those not wishing to talk over the phone.
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
If you would prefer you can access the local service in Glasgow for a face to face appointment with the Samaritans.
210 West George Street,                                                    
Glasgow                                                             
G2 2DQ
Tel: 0141 248 4488

British Red Cross - Skin Camouflage
The aim of the British Red Cross Skin Camouflage Service is to assist people with a Disfigurement to cope in their daily lives, with the aid of simple skin camouflage techniques.

The service is available to men, women and children through medical referral from a consultant or GP. Camouflage creams are effective in reducing the impact of scarring, rosacea, birthmarks, vitiligo, tattoos etc. on the face, limbs and torso.
The service is available nationally and is provided free of charge to the patient. The creams are normally available on prescription.
For more information or if you have concerns about talking to your GP contact the Glasgow Services Manager Jim Griffin on 0141-891-4000 or e-mail him at jimgriffin@redcross.org.uk

Suicide

Choose Life
www.chooselife.net
In 2002, the Scottish Executive launched Choose Life, a ten year strategy and  action plan to reduce suicide in Scotland.
Choose Life sets out a framework to ensure that action is taken nationally and locally to build skills, develop training, encourage people to seek help early, improve knowledge and awareness of 'what works' to prevent suicide, and to encourage partnership working and improved co-ordination between services.
This page is an information and education resourse only.

Tel: 0800 83 85 87
Open 7 days a week 6pm-2am
Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.
Their website also contains a wide variety of resourses and information

UK resources and support for those dealing with suicide, depression or distress – particularly teenagers and young adults.

PAPYRUS is a voluntary UK organisation committed to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Founded in 1997 by parents who had lost a son or daughter to suicide, PAPYRUS has three primary objectives:

  • To provide assistance and resources to the professional and public sectors who care for teens and young people battling suicidal tendencies.
  • To promote public awareness in the importance of emotional wellbeing and to campaign for improved mental health services in the UK for vulnerable young people.
  • To provide an easily accessible route to information on suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing; from basic self-help resources, to guidance on seeking counselling and therapy.

Samaritans
www.samaritans.org.uk
Tel: 0845 90 90 90
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.  The website also has information self harm. It also provides an e-mail service for those not wishing to talk over the phone.
E-mail: jo@samaritans.org
If you would prefer you can access the local service in Glasgow for a face to face appointment with the Samaritans.
210 West George Street,                                                    
Glasgow                                                             
G2 2DQ
Tel: 0141 248 4488

Younger Folk

Young People and Self Harm
www.selfharm.org.uk
This site is a key information resource for young people who self-harm, their friends and families, and for professionals working with them.

National Inquiry into Self-Harm among Young people
www.selfharmuk.org
The UK's first major investigation of self-harm was launched on 30th March 2004 at the House of Commons. Reports are available on the website and the final report will be published in Autumn 2005. Contact them if you have any information to share regarding self-harm.

Heads Up Scotland
www.headsupscotland.co.uk
The purpose of Heads Up Scotland is to make a major contribution to the activity already underway in Scotland to improve the mental health and well-being of children and young people.

The Place offers simple advice and help for young people. The Place is somewhere you can come whether you want to pick up free condoms or just have a private and confidential chat with a friendly health advisor or counsellor – about anything to do with sex or relationships or things you might be worried about

Youth Stress Centre
www.youthstress.co.uk
Unit E3
145 Charles Street
Glasgow
G21 2QA
Part of Royston Stress Centre, the Youth Stress Centre offers an outreach service to 11-18 year olds in North Glasgow. We work with young people to help them recognise and develop the emotional tools and capabilities to deal with life.
They have teamed up with local schools to promote emotional and intellectual growth in tandem. Since its inception in 2000 over 2,500 young people from three local secondary schools and the community have been involved in Emotional Literacy programmes.

Phone: 0141 552 3693
Fax: 0141 553 2049
Email: mail@youthstress.co.uk  
Office hours:
Monday - Friday,
9.30am - 1.30pm


Penumbra provides a range of support services for young people experiencing problems affecting their mental health. We also offer training and consultancy for agencies and young people on mental health issues.

The word ‘Penumbra’ means the partial shadow around the sun during an eclipse.  Penumbra’s work aims to bring mental health out of the shadow and into the light.

ChildLine
www.childline.org.uk
Tel: 0800 1111
ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 to talk about any problem – their counsellors are always here to help you sort it out. Children and young people can call at any time of the night or day. That’s because ChildLine’s helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. But without help, that might change. ChildLine is in urgent needs of funds so that they can continue to stay open overnight, which is when some of the most desperate children need us most.  Click on the website to see how you can help.

0808 808 4994
help@getconnected.org.uk
Get Connected provides a free, confidential helpline that gives young people in difficult situations the support and information you need to decide what you want to happen next. It could be anything from a listening ear to somewhere safe to stay for the night.
We’re free: calls to Get Connected are free from all landlines and mobile phones. Any connection we give you to another helpline is also free.
We’ll find you the best help whatever the problem: we can help you decide what sort of help you’re looking for and put you in touch with it, whether it’s by connecting you to another helpline, emailing you a link to an online service, texting you details of a service or giving you the address of somewhere local.

Young Minds is the national charity committed to improving the mental health of all children and young people. The YoungMinds website has been redesigned to provide detailed information in a clear, concise and attractive way. The info centre gathers together all of YoungMinds information resources on key topics. In addition, all YoungMinds activities are comprehensively explained. The YoungMinds Parents’ Information Service (0800 018 2138) provides information and advice for anyone with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person. YoungMinds produce leaflets and booklets to help young people, parents and professionals to understand when a young person feels troubled and where to find help. YoungMinds Magazine is a leading source of up to date news and features on a wide range of issues affecting children’s lives.

Bully Online
www.bullying.co.uk

Bulling Online provides extensive advice on dealing with school bulling.  They provide information for both pupils and parents, legal advice and a e-mail support service which offers responses within 24 hours.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth Link
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
LGBT Youth Scotland is working towards the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in the life of Scotland. We provide a range of services and opportunities for young people, families and professionals which aim to increase awareness and confidence; as well as reducing isolation and intolerance.

Tel: 0845 113 0005
Tuesday 7:30-9pm

Based in 14 of the most disadvantaged urban areas in the country, Fairbridge supports 13-25 year olds who are not in education, training or employment or who have been identified as being at risk of dropping out. They are referred to us by over 1,400 different organisations. These young people often face a range of problems and may have been excluded from school, endured long-term unemployment, faced homelessness or become involved in criminal activity. Many are without the support of their family and on the margins of their local community.
Through a combination of personal support and challenging activities, we provide young people with a route back into mainstream society.
The Provision Division
www.theprovisiondivision.info
This is information put together by young people in Glasgow for young people in Glasgow. Check out and search our directory for youth activities near you!
 
North Glasgow Support Access North Glasgow Community Portal Directory
www.accessnorthglasgow.co.uk/directory.html
To find local agencies within the North Glasgow area the North Glasgow Community Portal is a useful website.  It provides up to date information and is continually expanding.
Social Work
North Area Social Work Services
North covers the following areas:
Springburn, Ruchill, Milton, Firhill, Sighthill, Royston, Germiston, Petershill, Balornock, Barmulloch, Provanmill, Port Dundas and Possil

Offices and Service Areas Covered:

Springburn
94 Red Road,
Glasgow
G21 4PH
Possil
7 Closeburn Street
Glasgow
G2 5JZ
Royston
15 Glenbarr Street
Glasgow
G21 2NW
Phone: 08453 303595
Fax: 0141 557 0310		 Phone: 0141 276 4570
Fax: 0141 276 4555		 Phone: 0141 276 7010
Fax: 0141 276 7113
Services
  • Community Care
  • Home Care
  • Occupational Therapy
Services
  • Criminal Justice
  • Addiction
  • Community Work
Services
Families and Children
Office Hours
Mon - Thurs 8.45 am - 4.45 pm
Friday 8.45 am - 3.55 pm
An emergency out of hour’s service is available from the Standby Service
Tel: 0800 811505
General Advice
Citizens Advice Bureau
www.cas.org.uk
Maryhill Citizens Advice Bureau
1145 Maryhill Road,
Glasgow
G20 9AZ
Tel: 0141 946 6373
Fax: 0141 576 5103
E-mail: bureau@maryhill.casonline.org.uk
Opening Times
Monday 10.00 - 13.00; 13.00 - 15.30 (from 13.00 appointments only)
Tuesday 10.00 - 15.30 (Debt clinic 17.00 - 19.00 appointments only)
Wednesday 10.00 - 15.30 (appointments & telephone only)
Thursday 10.00 - 13.00 (Debt clinic 17.00 - 19.00 appointments only)
Friday 10.00 - 15.30
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
North of Glasgow Citizens Advice Bureau
1169 Royston Road,
Glasgow
G33 1EY

Tel: 0141 770 7869
Drop-in sessions
Monday 14:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 10:00 - 12:00
Other times by appointment only (they also offer Legal Services).
Benefits
Benefits, Tax Credit and other Support
www.direct.gov.uk
This is a Government website giving basic advice on benefits, tax credits and other support.

Welfare Rights
www.glasgow.gov.uk
This web address gives a list of Glasgow specific Welfare Rights Fact sheets.

Getting Advice
 www.glasgow.gov.uk/
This web page gives information on how to get advice on a variety of benefits for people living in the Glasgow area.

Housing
Glasgow Housing Association
http://www.gha.org.uk
This is the official website of the GHA.  Two years ago tenants of Glasgow City Council voted for their homes to be transferred to GHA. The transfer took place on 7th March 2003. It was an historic moment affecting the future of 80,559 homes.  GHA is a not-for-profit housing association that’s committed to creating better homes, better lives. GHA is the largest registered social landlord in Britain.  They are an organisation designed to achieve community ownership through moving housing stock into the hands of locally controlled housing groups. Their goal is simple. They want to help regenerate disadvantaged communities by delivering better housing.

Fab Pad helps homeless young people turn their new tenancies into homes, by bringing them together with interior designers and artists who are sensitive to their needs. Our work centres on helping young people to unlock their own creative talents, and on showing them how to create maximum effect at minimum cost. The end result is a home that they have created themselves.

Royston Road Project
www.roystonroadproject.org
The Royston Road website provides local information for the Royston area featuring an extensive archive covering the designing and building of two new parks in the area, artists' residencies, a new internet network for businesses, organisations and schools, and a performance project by Eddie Ladd.

Homelessness
Glasgow Homeless Information Page
http://www.hipinglasgow.com/
This site is a great starting point for information on all matters related to homelessness in Glasgow.
Mental Health

Well? Mental Health and Well-being in Scotland
www.wellontheweb.net
'Well?' is dedicated to communicating the work of the Scottish Executive's National Programme for Improving the Mental Health and Well-Being of Scotland's Population, which was launched in October 2001.  Their aim is to highlight the initiatives and work already underway in addressing the issues of improving mental health and well-being in Scotland.

Research Autism
www.researchautism.net
Research Autism is a UK charity dedicated to research into interventions in autism.

We commission, carry out and support high quality, independent research into new and existing health, education, social and other interventions.
We have just launched our new website, which aims to be one of the biggest, most up-to-date, and most reliable websites in the world for information about autism interventions.

Living Life To The Full
www.livinglifetothefull.com
The Living Life to The Full modules have been devised to help people develop key life skills to help them tackle common problems we all face from time to time in life. They are supported by a range of structured and clearly written self-help materials.

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales.

MDF - The BiPolar Organisation
www.mdf.org.uk
MDF The BiPolar Organisation works to enable people affected by bipolar disorder / manic depression to take control of their lives. We aim to fulfil this mission by:
  • Supporting and developing self-help opportunities for people affected by manic depression;
  • Expanding and developing the information services about manic depression;
  • Influencing the improvement of treatments and services to promote recovery;
  • Decreasing the discrimination against, and promoting the social inclusion and rights of people affected by manic depression;
  • Being an effective and efficient organisation with sufficient resources to sustain and develop our activities, thereby ensuring members receive a unique, high quality service.

Your Amazing Brain
www.youramazingbrain.org
Award winning interactive website to discover "your amazing brain".
Eating Disorders The National Centre for Eating Disorders
www.eating-disorders.org.uk
The National Centre For Eating Disorders, established in 1984, is an independent organisation set up to provide solutions for all eating problems, compulsive or "binge" eating, failed or "yo-yo" dieting, bulimia and anorexia.
Website provides information, self help online and useful links. 

Eating Disorder Association
www.edauk.com
At this website you will find information and help on all aspects of eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and related eating disorders.

The Mary Hart Centre for Eating Disorders
www.maryhart.co.uk
The Centre for Eating Disorders - Scotland, is a long established, independent, psychotherapy practice concentrating on helping sufferers of Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder.
This website contains useful information to help people suffering from these disorders, as well as their family.
Physical Health
Men's Health Forum Scotland

Here in Scotland we men don’t have a great reputation for looking after ourselves, what with the unhealthy diet and the love of a few too many drams. Attitudes towards men’s health and work in the field of improving it are moving ahead at a very encouraging rate.
This site is here to try and keep you abreast of these developments and enable you to tap into the experience of those already working to improve men’s health.

BBC Scotland Webguide - Health
A selection of Health related websites in Scoland.

Jog Scotland
Welcome to Scotland’s very own jogging network.
Our aim is to help people in their quest to improve their quality of life and to enjoy finding out how they can have a big impact on their long-term health and wellbeing.
People can discover a whole new world of increased energy, feeling better about themselves and eating things they enjoy - there can be gain without pain!

North Glasgow Health Living Community
www.healthynorthglasgow.co.uk
North Glasgow Healthy Living Community is working with partner organisations to improve health and wellbeing for the people of North Glasgow.
Lots of great information for people in the North Glasgow area

Men’s Health Forum
www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Too many men suffer unnecessarily poor health and die too young from preventable causes.
The Men’s Health Forum’s mission is to provide an independent and authoritative voice for male health and to tackle the issues affecting the health and well-being of boys and men in England and Wales.

Female Health Issues
www.femalehealthissues.co.uk
FemaleHealthIssues was formed to offer a unique reference point on women's health problems.
Many health issues are experienced only by women. From adolescence to retirement we discuss the female health concerns you might have.
Our concern was that there was no single UK resource for interesting features and practical advice on this subject.
Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area.
Sexual Health The Steve Retson Project
http://www.sandyford.org/srp/
The Steve Retson Project is a Sexual Health project especially geared to gay men's needs. It offers testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, HIV testing, free condoms and lube, plus counselling, advice and information on sexual health. What's more, all services (including treatments) are free of charge.
Sexuality Glasgow LGBT Centre
www.glgbt.org.uk
Celebrating equality and diversity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Open Monday-Sunday 11a.m.-12 midnight.
Abuse Thrive
http://www.sandyford.org/sandyford/pubpages/thrive/thrive.html
The Sandyford Initiative Thrive Clinic - for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Childhood sexual abuse exists in varying combinations, duration and intensity.
As a child you may have lost all rights to privacy, love, support and even control over you own body.
You have spent enough time feeling different, excluded and isolated.
Is it time for you to break the silence and talk to someone?

Thrive is a counselling service for adult male survivors of sexual abuse.
Thrive is a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated male and female counsellors.
Thrive is completely free and has appointments available Monday to Friday
Thrive is situated in a welcoming, relaxing and convenient city centre location.
Thrive is available to support you.

YOU HAVE SURVIVED,
NOW IT IS TIME TO THRIVE

Ring for appointments 0141 211 8133

SurvivorScotland
www.survivorscotland.org.uk
Our SurvivorScotland website has been developed by the Scottish Government to improve the lives of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
For the first time, people have access to a wide range of material about abuse, all in one place. It is a networking resource for a wide variety of interested people, and it gives useful links to other websites that may also be helpful.


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