Emotional and Practical Support Services
Listed below are some charities and organisations that can offer emotional and practical support. You can also contact your local hospital to see what services they may have available, such as Family Support Workers, Social Workers and Psychologists. Most of these services will be limited to certain hours of the day, or certain days of the week. If you’re struggling to cope, you can access the below services at any time:
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Call Samaritans on 116 123
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Access the Shout Text Support Service by texting ‘Shout’ to 85258
If your life is at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 999. If you need urgent help but it’s not an emergency, you can get help from NHS 111 online, or by selecting the mental health option when you call 111.
Contact: Listening Ear service
Contact run a ‘Listening Ear’ service, where parent carers can book a one-to-one 45-60minute telephone appointment with a Family Support Advisor, for emotional support.
The Mix
The Mix offers support to people aged between 13 to 25, including information on a variety of topics, free counselling sessions (you can self-refer) and online support groups.
Rainbow Trust: Family Support
Rainbow Trust Family Support Workers support families of children with life-threatening conditions or terminal illnesses, with practical & emotional support.
Professionals can refer families (with consent), or families can self-refer to access support from the Rainbow Trust’s Family Support Workers.
Carers Trust: Local services
The Carers Trust have a search tool where you can find a local Carers Trust network partner. Many local Carers organisations have events, activities and support groups which carers can join.
WellChild:
Family Tree
WellChild run a network ‘Family Tree’ of families who have children with complex and serious health needs. The WellChild Family Tree offers newsletters, events, activities and a closed Facebook group (monitored by WellChild) to connect with other families.
Together for Short Lives
Together for Short Lives have a Listening Support Service for families and professionals of children and young people (up to the age of 25). The service can be accessed via telephone or email.Together for Short Lives also have lots of information on emotional and listening support on their support hub.
Mind
The charity Mind have lots of online resources for people experiencing mental problems, or supporting someone who is, including resources for 11-18 year olds, legal rights, and supporting others. You can also contact the Mind helpline for support, or contact your local branch of Mind.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds have lots of information on their website, tailored to young people. They also have a helpline and online for parents, and resources for professionals.
Family Action: FamilyLine
Family Action offer emotional support, information and guidance on family issues, such as parenting, relationships, caring and financial issues via FamilyLine.
You can access the service by calling, texting, emailing or WebChat.
NHS
The NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of useful information and tips on mental health, anxiety and managing stress.
Samaritans
You can contact the Samaritans helpline 24/7 by calling 116 123. Samaritans also offer support via email, LiveChat or post, and face-to-face (in some areas).
If you have a Roald Dahl Nurse
If your family is cared for by a Roald Dahl Nurse, you can access the Emotional Support Service provided by Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.