Useful Contacts
The key word here is ‘useful’. We do not want to provide a never-ending A-to-Z list of organisations here that, because of its length, becomes largely meaningless. We would rather offer a shorter list of organisations, grouped under key headings, that we have dealt with in some way and are therefore happy to introduce to readers.
GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH
MIND
0300 123 3393
SMS: 86463
Mind Infoline, Unit 9, Cefn Coed Parc, Nantgarw, Cardiff CF15 7QQ
Mind offers advice on all types of mental health problems, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments, etc. It’s a good place to go for any mental illness issues.
RETHINK MENTAL ILLNESS
0300 5000 927
15th–17th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London SE1 7TP
For general help on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment.
SAMARITANS
116 123 – it’s free
Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, Stirling FK8 2SA
Many services operate on a limited-hours basis; not so the Samaritans. They’re there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You don’t have to be suicidal to make that call.
SANE
0300 304 7000
St Mark’s Studios, 14 Chillingworth Road, London N7 8QJ
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity that works to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
CHILDLINE
0800 1111 – it’s free
Email via the website
Childline is a service provided by NSPCC, Weston House, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH
Children can call free on 0800 1111 to speak in confidence to a counsellor. You can also log in online for a one-to-one counsellor chat.
STEM4
Connect House, 133–137 Alexandra Road, London SW19 7JY
This teen mental health charity offers how-to material on depression and anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and addiction. Their free, easy-to-download app Calm Harm is hugely popular, providing tasks that help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. We are proud to be ambassadors of this wonderful charity.
YOUNG MINDS
020 7089 5050
Email via the website
Baden Place, London SE1 1YW
A useful website full of information and where to go for more advice. Note that Young Minds has a Parents Helpline – call 0808 802 5544.
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
ANXIETY UK
08444 775 774
SMS: 07537 416905
Zion Community Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 4ZY
Anxiety UK can provide help and support for those with an anxiety condition. They can also help you deal with specific phobias such as fear of spiders, blushing, vomiting, being alone, public speaking, heights – ‘any fear that’s stopped you from getting on with your life’.
BIPOLAR UK
0333 323 3880
11 Belgrave Road, London SW1V 1RB
If you or a loved one suffer from bipolar disorder – what used to be known as manic depression – you can get help and support from Bipolar UK.
OTHER ISSUES
BEAT
0808 801 0677
0808 801 0711 – youth line
help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
fyp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk – youth email
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Unit 1 Chalk Hill House, 19 Rosary Road, Norwich NR1 1SZ
Beat offers help and information on eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and related eating disorders. There is also a network of local self-help groups.
MEN GET EATING DISORDERS TOO!
Phone and email – contact via the website
Men Get Eating Disorders Too, c/o Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Charity supporting men with eating disorders as carers and their families. Check this out.
NO PANIC
0844 967 4848
0330 606 1174 – youth helpline for 13- to 20-year-olds
Jubilee House, 74 High Street, Madeley Telford, Shropshire TF7 5AH
No Panic helps people suffering with panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and other related anxiety disorders. It also provides support for the carers of people who suffer from anxiety disorders.