Depression UK - Useful Links

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[MISSION] [DEPRESSION] [NEWSLETTER] [PEN and CHAT] [GROUPS] [INFORMATION] [SUPPORT US] [USEFUL LINKS]	Useful Links This section lists many of the main national organisations that Depression UK considers can be of help to anyone suffering from depression. Please refer to the Other Links page to see further organisations and services that may be of interest to people with depression. Alcohol AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. They believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Alateen is part of the Al-Anon fellowship and is for young people, aged twelve to seventeen (inclusive), who are affected by a problem drinker. Helpline: 020 7403 0888, every day, 10.00am-10.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Support is provided, confidentially and anonymously, through local self help group meetings. Telephone: 0845 769 7555, also see the website for local group helplines (lo-call rate) E-mail: help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Anxiety ANXIETY UK Formerly The National Phobics’ Society. Works to relieve and support those living with anxiety disorders by providing information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including 1:1 therapy services. Support and help are provided for people who are diagnosed with, or suspect they may have, an anxiety condition. Also helps with specific phobias, such as fear of spiders, blushing, vomiting, being alone, public speaking and fear of heights. Helpline: 0844 477 5774, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30am (lo-call rate) E-mail: info@anxietyuk.org.uk Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk FIRST STEPS TO FREEDOM Support for people who suffer from phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (excessive washing, checking, unwanted thoughts etc.), general anxiety, panic attacks, anorexia and bulimia, and those who wish to come off tranquillisers, together with help for their carers. Helpline: 0845 120 2916, Monday-Thursday, 10.00am-10.00pm and Friday-Sunday, 10.00am-12.00 midnight – 365 days a year (lo-call rate) E-mail: first.steps@btconnect.com Website: www.first-steps.org NO PANIC Helps people suffering from panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, other related anxiety disorders, including tranquilliser withdrawal, and provides support to sufferers and their families and carers. Helpline: 0808 808 0545, every day, 10.00am-10.00pm (freephone) E-mail: ceo@nopanic.org.uk Website: wwww.nopanic.org.uk Bereavement CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE Promotes the well-being of bereaved people and helps to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides counselling and support, information and advice. Helpline: 0844 477 9400, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: helpline@cruse.org.uk Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk SURVIVORS OF BEREAVEMENT BY SUICIDE Offers emotional and practical support to break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. Helpline: 0844 561 6855, every day, 9.00am-9.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: sobs.admin@care4free.net Website: www.uk-sobs.org.uk THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS (TCF) The Compassionate Friends is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child/children. Helpline: 0845 123 2304, every day, 10.00am-4.00pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: info@tcf.org.uk Website: www.tcf.org.uk Carers PRINCESS ROYAL TRUST FOR CARERS Provides a range of information, advice and support services for carers throughout the UK via a network of 129 independently managed Carers’ Centres and interactive websites. Telephone: 020 7480 7788 (London Office), Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm (national rate) - also has offices in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland E-mail: help@carers.org Website: www.carers.org Children and Young People HANDS ON SCOTLAND HandsOnScotland is an online resource for anybody working with children and young people. The website provides practical information and techniques on how to respond helpfully to children and young people’s troubling behaviour, build up their self-esteem and promote their positive mental wellbeing. Telephone: (no telephone service provided) E-mail: handson@nhs.net Website: www.handsonscotland.co.uk NSPCC - NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN - AND CHILDLINE The NSPCC runs around 180 services for children, young people and their families across the UK. These services carry out vital work to protect children in every area of their lives - at home, at school, and in the community. The NSPCC also provides support and advice via its listening services, which include the NSPCC Helpline for adults and ChildLine for children and young people. NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000, and Asian Helpline, every day, 24 hours a day (freephone) Childline: 0800 11 11, every day, 24 hours a day (freephone) NSPCC E-mail: help@nspcc.org.uk NSPCC Website: www.nspcc.org.uk Childline Website: www.childline.org.uk YOUNGMINDS The UK’s leading charity, committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people. Driven by the experiences of children, young people, parents and carers, YoungMinds raises awareness of children and young people’s mental health and provides expert knowledge through training, outreach work, publications and a telephone helpline for parents and carers. Helpline: 0808 802 5544, Monday-Friday, 10.00am-4.00pm and Wednesdays, 6.00pm-8.00pm (freephone) E-mail: (use the e-mail form on the YoungMinds website) Website: www.youngminds.org.uk Counselling BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (BACP) Information about counselling and a comprehensive list of accredited counsellors in local areas in Britain. There is also a Scottish equivalent organisation called COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). Telephone: 0870 443 5219, Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm (up to 8p a minute) E-mail: bacp@bacp.co.uk Website: www.bacp.co.uk COUNSELLING DIRECTORY Provides a counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs. Offers a free and confidential service that will hopefully encourage those in distress to seek help. The website also contains information on emotional disorders and provides some useful statistics. Telephone: 01252 416334, General Enquiries, Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm (national rate) E-mail: info@counselling-directory.org.uk Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk Crisis NHS DIRECT Provides 24 hour access to nurse advice, information about healthcare and about local health services. Contact NHS Direct for help with a current health concern, to ask about out of hours doctors’ services and for emergency health advice. Helpline: 0845 46 47, every day, 24 hours a day (lo-call rate) E-mail: (no e-mail service is provided) Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk SAMARITANS Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Telephone: 0845 7 90 90 90, every day, 24 hours a day (lo-call rate) E-mail: jo@samaritans.org Website: www.samaritans.org SANE SANE is one of the UK’s leading charities concerned with improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, every day, 1.00pm-11.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: sanemail@sane.org.uk Website: www.sane.org.uk Debt CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Helps people to resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice. Local Citizen Advice Bureaux may be available through e-mail, telephone, home visits, surgeries and at community-based offices. Telephone: for local contact details go to the Get Advice pages on the Citizens Advice Bureau website E-mail: (there is no national or regional e-mail service) Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELLING SERVICE (CCCS) An independent charity that provides free debt and budgeting advice. Helpline: 0800 138 1111, Monday-Friday, 8.00am-8.00pm (freephone) E-mail: contactus@cccs.co.uk Website: www.cccs.co.uk Depression THE ASSOCIATION FOR POSTNATAL ILLNESS The Association provides a telephone helpline. information leaflets for sufferers and healthcare professionals as well as a network of volunteers, (telephone and postal), who have themselves experienced postnatal illness. Helpline: 020 7386 0868, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10.00am-2.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday, 10.00am-5.00pm (national rate) E-mail: info@apni.org Website: www.apni.org DEPRESSION ALLIANCE Supports people with experience of depression through a pen-friend scheme, membership and newsletter. Provides information and publications and campaigns to raise awareness of depression. Also operates a network of local self help groups throughout the UK, with support for new groups and information about existing groups (see the Self Help Groups page on the website). Telephone: (0845 123 23 20 - to request an information pack only) E-mail: information@depressionalliance.org Website: www.depressionalliance.org DEPRESSION ALLIANCE SCOTLAND Supports the running of self help support groups in various parts of Scotland which offer the opportunity for confidential local support and contact with others in a similar situation. Provides an information service offering support and information on depression to individuals, their families and friends and professionals working with people who have depression. Provides a quarterly members newsletter and has a range of publications. Telephone: 0845 123 23 20, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10.00am-2.00pm E-mail: info@dascot.org Website: www.dascot.org JOURNEYS Journeys (Towards Recovery from Depression) is the only organisation with the sole purpose of supporting people affected by depression in Wales, and their family and friends. Journeys takes a holistic approach to overcoming depression through guided self help, building the foundations for sustainable and long-term wellbeing. Journeys provides information, practical resources, services and training that promote the development of skills and strategies to help people find their own route to recovery. We also co-ordinate a network of self help groups. Telephone: 029 2069 2891 E-mail: info@journeysonline.org.uk Website: www.journeysonline.org.uk MDF THE BIPOLAR ORGANISATION A user-led charity that works to enable people affected by bipolar disorder (manic depression) to take control of their lives. Provides information, and a wide range of support services for members. Also helps people by supporting self-management, and with a national helpline and local self help groups throughout the UK. Helpline: 0845 6 340 540, Monday-Friday, 10.00am-4.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: mdf@mdf.org.uk Website: www.mdf.org.uk LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS An internet discussion forum for those suffering from depression and other mental illnesses. Helpline: 0845 120 3746, Monday-Friday, 7.00pm-10.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: lifewithoutlimits@officeliveusers.com Website: http://lifewithoutlimitsforum.co.uk MEET A MUM Aims to provide friendship and support to all mothers and mothers-to-be, especially those feeling lonely or isolated after the birth of a baby or moving to a new area. Also supports new self help groups and has information on its website about local self help groups. Helpline: 0845 120 3746, Monday-Friday, 7.00pm-10.00pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: jeanette@mama.co.uk Website: www.mama.co.uk SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER ASSOCIATION (SADA) Information and membership packs for people effected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (also generally known as winter depression). Telephone: (no telephone service provided) E-mail: (no e-mail service is provided but information and membership packs can be purchased through the website) Website: www.sada.org.uk Drugs FRANK Free and confidential, advice, support, counselling and information for anyone effected by drug misuse. Helpline: 0800 77 66 00 (120 languages spoken), every day, 24 hours a day (freephone) E-mail: (use the e-mail form on the FRANK website) Website: www.talktofrank.com Eating Disorders BEATING EATING DISORDERS (BEAT) Information and help on all aspects of eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating disorder and related eating disorders. Also operates a network of local self help groups and a membership scheme. Helpline: 0845 634 1414, Monday-Friday, 10.30am-8.30pm and Saturdays, 1.00pm-4.30pm; Bank Holidays, 11.30am-2.30pm (lo-call rate) Youthline: 0845 634 7650, Monday-Friday, 4.30am-8.30pm and Saturdays, 1.00pm-4.30pm; Bank Holidays, 11.30am-2.30pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: help@b-eat.co.uk Youth E-mail: fyp@b-eat.co.uk Website: www.b-eat.co.uk Medication Useful information concerning medication can be found on the websites of Mind and The Royal College of Psychiatrists. MIND The leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Mind has confidential help and advice on a range of mental health issues. Also has a diverse range of information, leaflets, factsheets and publications - including pharmaceutical and complementary treatments; mental health conditions; positive mental health and rights for service users. Provides information and support to people with experience of mental ill health and to carers. Mind InfoLine: 0845 766 0163, Monday-Friday, 9.15pm-5.15pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: info@mind.org.uk Website: www.mind.org.uk/Information THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS The College promotes mental health by setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care and by working with patients, carers and their organisations. Telephone: 020 7235 2351, Monday-Friday, 9.00pm-5.00pm (national rate) E-mail: rcpsych@rcpsych.ac.uk Website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation.aspx Mental Health MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION A UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live. The website has an online ‘Mental Health A-Z’, offering information on problems, issues and treatment options, including the latest news, upcoming events and relevant organisations. Telephone: no information or helpline service is provided E-mail: no e-mail service is provided Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk Mental Health A-Z: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/mental-health-a-z MIND Mind has confidential help and advice on a range of mental health issues. Also has a diverse range of information, leaflets, factsheets and publications - including pharmaceutical and complementary treatments; mental health conditions; positive mental health and rights for service users. Provides information and support to people with experience of mental ill health and to carers. Mind InfoLine: 0845 766 0163, Monday-Friday, 9.15pm-5.15pm (lo-call rate) E-mail: info@mind.org.uk Website: www.mind.org.uk RETHINK Works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. Operates a range of community based mental services (e.g. housing support projects) and local self help groups throughout the UK. Information Line: 020 8974 6814, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10.00am-3.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday, 10.00am-1.00pm (national rate) E-mail: advice@rethink.org Website: www.rethink.org THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS The College promotes mental health by setting standards and promoting excellence in mental health care and by working with patients, carers and their organisations. Telephone: 020 7235 2351, Monday-Friday, 9.00pm-5.00pm (national rate) E-mail: rcpsych@rcpsych.ac.uk Website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation.aspx SPEAKING UP Speaking Up is a national advocacy charity supporting people with learning difficulties, mental health issues and physical disabilities to find their voices, take action and create positive change. Office: 01223 566258, Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) Referral Line: 0845 650 0081 E-mail: info@speakingup.org Website: www.speakingup.org Self Harm BRISTOL CRISIS SERVICE FOR WOMEN Support to women in emotional distress, and particularly to those who self-injure. Range of leaflets about self-injury and issues relating to self-injury and sexual abuse (can be printed off from their website). Available in various languages. Newsletter for young women. Helpline: 0117 925 1119, Friday and Saturday, 9.30pm-12.30am and Sunday, 6.00pm-9.00pm (national rate) E-mail: bcsw@btconnect.com Website: www.users.zetnet.co.uk/bcsw NATIONAL SELF HARM NETWORK (NSHN) Provides information, contacts and workshops on matters relating to self harm. Operates a postal and e-mail network of members who self harm; write or e-mail for details. Address: NSHN, PO Box 7264, Nottingham, NG1 6WJ Telephone: (no telephone service provided) E-mail: info@nshn.co.uk Website: www.nshn.co.uk → Spotted an error on this page? Please report it and help us to keep the website up to date - e-mail: website@depressionuk.org. (Page updated: 7 July 2009)
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