With another nationwide lockdown in full force, it's more important than ever to be aware of the different resources that can help support yours or someone in needs health and well-being throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Below we have constructed a list of different helplines that you can either call, text or email that will provide with free and immediate assistance:
Samaritans
(Support for high levels of stress and suicidal thoughts)
Samaritans offer listening and support for anyone struggling to cope. Their mission is to save lives whether that's preventing suicide in the middle of a crisis or providing support for moments of distress and low mood to consequently prevent a crisis occurring in the future.
24/7 helpline
Telephone - 116123
Email - jo@samaritans.org
Write a letter - Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING FK8 2SA
Website - https://www.samaritans.org
Refuge
(Support and guidance for sufferers of domestic abuse)
This service offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence. The helpline can also "help you to access refuge accommodation, or other specialist domestic violence services, if you need them."
24/7 helpline
Telephone - 0808 200 0247
Email - info@refuge.org.uk
Website - www.refuge.org.uk
Shout
(Support for mental health)
This text service offers "immediate support for all types of mental health challenges" including abuse, anxiety, bullying, depression, loneliness, self-harm and suicide.
24/7 text service
Text - 'SHOUT' to 85258
Website - https://giveusashout.org
Mind
(Support for mental health)
An information and signposting service which can assist you with where to get help near you, treatment options, advocacy services and general mental health concerns.
Open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
Telephone - 0300 123 3393
Text - 86463
Email - info@mind.org
Website - https://www.mind.org.uk
Nightline
(Support for students)
A listening service for students run by students. The idea being that because the Nightline volunteers are fellow students they will hopefully be able to "directly empathise" with other students problems. "Nightlines offer university students a safe space to talk about their feelings or whatever’s troubling them with fear of being judged or ridiculed." If you're a student you can check out the 'want to talk' page on their website to see if your college or university offers support.
Website - https://www.nightline.ac.uk
Young Minds
(Support for young peoples mental health)
Young Minds offers support with urgent issues such as suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying or relationship issues via a crisis messenger text service.
24/7 text service
Text - YM to 85258
Website - https://youngminds.org.uk
50808
(Support for mental health)
This service provides "everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis - big or small"
24/7 text service
Text - 'HELLO' to 50808
Website - https://text50808.ie
Calm
(Support for mental health)
This service is described as for "people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support."
Open from 5pm - Midnight every day
Telephone - 0800 585 858
Website - https://www.thecalmzone.net
Childline
(Support for young peoples mental health)
Childline offer help to anyone in the UK under the age of 19 with any issue you may be facing, big or small. This is includes but is not limited to home and families, sex and relationships, school work, bullying, puberty and drug and alcohol abuse.
Open from 7.30am - 3.30am every day.
Telephone - 0800 1111
Website - https://www.childline.org.uk
COVID-19 is affecting people in numerous ways and many of us are experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety, finding it difficult to maintaining our well-being. It's important to note that this is completely normal especially given the current circumstances and that there should be no shame felt in reaching out for support if you need it.
Particularly for those who were already suffering with mental health related issues prior to the pandemic it's also important to keep in mind that they could be facing some extra challenges, making being kind to others and checking up on loved ones all the more important at the moment. It's also key to be well equipped with different places and people to turn to if you're ever in need of a helping hand and we hope the list above was able to provide you with some suggestions of where to turn if you or someone close to you are experiencing feelings of distress.
If you have any further recommendations please email contact@croydonfm.com
Be sure to keep an eye out across our blog channel as well as our live shows for further resources and information on maintaining your well-being and where to find support amidst these testing times.
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