This is a document we post into the chat box during each peer support session. It is a list of services and organisations that may be able to help you if you are experiencing poor mental health or are in crisis.
Please reach out if you feel that you are finding coping difficult, need someone to speak to or are in danger of harming yourself or others.
It is difficult to ask for help, not just emotionally, but physically too if we find ourselves losing words when distressed for example (SHOUT is good for this- it is text message based, details below) , accessing health care triggers health setting trauma, we know this from experience.
Yet everytime one of us at Aupeer has asked for help, it has been worth it. You are worth it.
The list is not exhaustive and we'd always ask that if you have any recommendations for organisations we have missed, any local specific services too and any neurodivergent friendly services, please get in touch and let us know. We are also looking for recommmendations for advocacy services for our autistic peers.
We have this reminder too so that it is clear where we can help and where we can't:
The facilitator of your peer support group is a volunteer, is not a professional and cannot diagnose or treat health issues or offer professional advice. Aupeer is not a crisis service, and does not offer therapy or counselling, but exists to compliment professional support and provide peer to peer support. If a facilitator feels that they cannot offer you appropriate support, they may signpost you to a service that can help.
If you feel your mental health is deteriorating, or you are entering crisis below is a list of services that can help, please reach out.
NHS Advice:
Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
- you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline
- you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency
- you're not sure what to do
111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
Call 111.
You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Immediate action required:
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose.
- you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Call: 999
Action on Elder Abuse
A national organisation based in London. It aims to prevent the abuse of older people by raising awareness, encouraging education, promoting research and collecting and disseminating information.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Great Britain
AA supports the recovery and continued sobriety of individuals. Meetings are available online and in person.
Helpline: 0800 917 7650
Email helpline: help@aamail.org
Al-Anon
Al-Anon in the UK and Republic of Ireland offers support to families and friends affected by someone else’s drinking.
Helpline: 0800 008 6811
Breathing Space
Services for people in Scotland
Opening hours: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
DAN 24/7
Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Call DAN 24/7 on 0808 808 2234 anytime day or night
Drinkline
Free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.
Helpline: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
If you are in Scotland, you can also contact Drinkline Scotland on 0800 7314 314.
Gamcare
GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms
Men’s Advice Line
For male domestic abuse survivors
Tel: 0808 801 0327
MIND
Mental health crisis helplines:
National Debtline
If you're struggling with debt, call us today for free impartial, expert advice.
Call: 0808 808 4000
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline Tel: 0800 999 5428
National 24Hour Freephone Domestic Abuse
Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. You can call us, for free and in confidence, 24-hours a day.
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/en/How-can-we-support-you
NHS Local Urgent Mental Health Helpline - England
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline
NHS Mental Health Services at NHS 24- Scotland
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-support/mental-health-services-at-nhs-24#:~:text=Phone%20NHS%2024%20on%20111,in%20need%20of%20emotional%20support
Rape Crisis Federation of England and Wales
Rape Crisis was launched in 1996 and exists to provide a range of facilities and resources to enable the continuance and development of Rape Crisis Groups throughout Wales and England.
Samaritans
Call:116 123
Shout.
If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
Stop Hate Crime
Works to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
24 hours service:
· Telephone: 0800 138 1625
· Web Chat: www.stophateuk.org/talk-to-us/
· E mail: talk@stophateuk.org
· Text: 07717 989 025 Text relay: 18001 0800 138 1625 By post: PO Box 851, Leeds LS1 9QS
Suicide Prevention UK
Our lines are open every day from 6 pm until midnight,
https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/
0800 689 5652
Victim Support
Provides practical advice and help, emotional support and reassurance to those who have suffered the effects of a crime.
Tel: 0808 168 9111
Women’s Aid Federation of England and Wales
Women’s Aid is a national domestic violence charity. It also runs a domestic violence online help service.