Age UK aims to improve later life for everyone with information and advice, services, campaigns, products, training and research. They also provide information and advice for the elderly about benefits, care, age discrimination and computer courses.

Chatham: 92-94 Hopewell Drive, Chatham, ME5 7PY. To see this AGE UK location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01634 40605.

Gillingham: The MacKenny Centre, Woodlands Road, Gillingham, ME7 2BX. To see this AGE UK location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01634 380195.

Rochester: Chris Ellis Day Centre, 130 Brompton Lane, Rochester, ME2 3BA. To see this AGE UK location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01634 724745.

For the national Age UK website click here.

• Comprehensive care for the elderly
• Finance, health, housing, community access, isolation etc.
• Social activities
• IT classes
• Benefits, money

www.ageuk.org.uk

Getting stressed by work, family or friends? Dealing with big issues? Share what’s troubling you anonymously on the Big White Wall.

The Big White Wall is a web based Support Network which is moderated and enables safe anonymous support through talking therapies and creative self-expression.

Guided Support: A range of self-managed and facilitated programmes for individuals and groups. Programmes include anxiety, depression, sleep, smoking and alcohol use.

Free for armed and ex armed services and their families.

Click here to go to their website go to: www.bigwhitewall.com or email : [email protected]

Bipolar UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with bipolar, their families and carers. Bipolar UK offer practical information, advice and support by phone and email, as well as through information on their website.

Services include:

• Telephone & email support and information
• Factsheets
• Online e Community
• National network of peer support groups
• Telephone mentoring
• Youth service for people under 26
• Employment support

You can find out more at their website www.bipolaruk.org or call them on 0333 323 3880.

You can find your nearest support group through this link: www.bipolaruk.org/find-a-support-group.

Childline offers a free confidential helpline and website for young people.

If you are worried about anything, it could be something big or something small - don’t bottle it up. It can really help if you talk to someone. If there is something on your mind, ChildLine is here for you.

Contact ChildLine anytime - calls are free and confidential 0800 1111

A ChildLine Counsellor is someone who:

• who you can trust
• who is genuine, open and friendly
• who won’t judge you or put you down
• who is not easily shocked
• who will listen to you and knows it takes courage to contact us
• who is aware of the sorts of problems you might be worried about
• who will let you take your time
• who wants you to get in touch

To find out more go to their website: www.childline.org.uk

The Depression Alliance provides help, information and support for those suffering from depression and their families and carers.

The Depression Alliance can help with:

• What is depression - Understand what it can feel like and how to spot the symptoms
• Living with depression - Discover how depression can affect our day-to-day lives
• Recovery and wellbeing - Learn the activities, techniques and resources for getting better and staying well
• Treatment - Explore and choose a treatment that’s right for you
• Useful contacts - Search other organisations and helplines for mental health support
• Family and friends - Find tips on supporting a friend or family member living with depression
• Self help groups - Find a friendly and supportive group in your local area
• Resources - Watch videos and download our Single Step magazine
• Wellbeing Networks - A supportive community of friends who understand depression can be life-saving

To go to their website follow the link: www.depressionalliance.org

Call 0845 123 23 20 for an information pack or email: [email protected]

Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, and this is a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Whether you’re feeling good right now, or really low, it’s a safe place to share experiences and listen to others.

Shared experiences and perspectives are valuable and powerful. In this way Elefriends don’t just get help, they give help too. In the good times and the bad.

• Post on the wall to say hello. New friends are always welcomed into the herd

• If you don’t feel up to writing something just now then that’s ok too – just take a look at what other people are saying and show your support by clicking one of the buttons to say, ‘I like this’, ‘I’m thinking of you’ or ‘I hear you’

• Perhaps there’s something you’re struggling with at the moment? With lots of supportive ele friends, you’re likely to get a fresh perspective on your situation

• Don’t forget to share good news – the Elephant wants to hear what you’re proud of too, even if it feels like a small thing. And pictures and videos always brighten up his day too

To go to the Elefriends website follow the link: www.elefriends.org.uk

Hands Gillingham Volunteer Centre helps people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances.

Volunteer centres help people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances. They provide support to existing volunteers and help organisations find volunteers to help them with their activities.

62 Watling Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 2YN, telephone: 01634 577984

or email: [email protected]

To go to their website follow the link: www.gillinghamvolunteercentre.com

Headway want to promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and to provide information, support and services to people with a brain injury, their families and carers.
Headway aim to:

• To increase awareness of brain injury and its consequences
• To provide information and support for people with brain injuries, their relatives and carers and concerned professional people
• To promote improved approaches to brain injury screening, acute care, assessment, rehabilitation and social re-integration
• To assist people with brain injuries to return to community living, including access to appropriate accommodation, social outlets, and productive activity

Helpline 0808 8002244. You can see their website by following the link: www.headway.org.uk

Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when their children are young. If you have at least one child under five then Home Start can help. Being a parent can be a tough job, and a lack of support from family or friends can lead to isolation.

The Home-Start volunteers are all parents themselves, and offer friendship, support and strategies to help families establish good bedtime routines, manage challenging behaviour, and even finances. They also help families with more complex needs including mental health, child protection or domestic violence issues. They work with the family over a number of weeks providing confidential friendly support to help families grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and widen their links with the local community.

Address: 46 Green Street, Gillingham, ME7 1XA. To see this location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01634 570717

Email: [email protected] or go to their website: www.home-startmedway.org.uk

• Provide support for parents
• Support and Friendship for families

Worried about making your internet safe for your family? There are a range of guides and help available to make your surfing safer!

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) www.ceop.police.uk) run the Think U Know website which has hints and tips for safe surfing for people of all ages as well as providing information for concerned parents. To go to the Think U Know website link here www.thinkuknow.co.uk.

The BBC have also produced some great online guides and information which you can access at the BBC website by following this link: Share Take Care pages.

Cyberstreetwise is a UK Government run website that is full of hints and tips to help you take control of your own cyber security. Advice includes using strong, memorable passwords, installing anti-virus software on new devices, checking privacy settings on social media, checking online retail sites are secure, and downloading software and application patches when prompted.

Follow the link: www.cyberstreetwise.com

The Cybersmile Foundation is an anti cyberbullying non-profit organization. Committed to tackling all forms of digital abuse and bullying online and promoting a safer, more positive digital community. Cybersmile can help with bullying, sexting and other onine issues: www.liveitwell.org.uk/recovery-resource/cybersmile/

Share Aware - NSPCC

The NSPCC have launched their Share Aware campaign to help parents talk to their children about how to stay safe on social networks. Keeping Children safe online can be a big concern for parents but the Share Aware guide provides straightforward no nonsense advice for parents of 8 – 12 year old children.

The Share Aware website has information on Online Safety as well as a guide of what to do if a child is being abused online which is often called cyberbullying and other forms of abuse.

To go to Share Aware follow the link: www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/

Safer Internet Centre

The UK Safer Internet Centre, where you can find e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.

Find out more and to see their resources follow the link: www.saferinternet.org.uk

Cybersmart have created a guide called So You Got Naked Online which can give you some advice if you have been involved in sexting.

Internet Fraud

If you are concerned about Internet Fraud and want to learn how to avoid i tor think you might have been a victim of internet fraud The Action Fraud cyber crime reporting centre should be able to help you. It has advice about cybercrime and fraud and how to avoid it. Find out more here: www.actionfraud.police.uk

The Kent and Medway Armed Forces Network (KMAFN) is a multi-organisational group which includes members from the NHS, MoD, Armed Forces Reservists, Mental and Physical Health Clinicians, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and other interested charities and organisations from across Kent and Medway

The members of the Kent and Medway Armed Forces Network work together to improve the lives of the armed forces community. The network will also include champions from a wide range of the organisations across Kent and Medway who are advocates for the armed forces community and have the skills and knowledge to support through direct service provision, linking with other organisations or signposting to where additional support could be received.

The Kent and Medway Armed Forces Network is managed by the Armed Forces Director on behalf of both Sussex and Kent and Medway CCGs. Its aim is to facilitate the CCGs and community in the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant Commitment.

To find out more go to their website: www.kentandmedwayarmedforcesnetwork.nhs.uk

Or contact them by filling in their online form here: www.kentandmedwayarmedforcesnetwork.nhs.uk/about/contact-us

Kent Autistic Trust ensure that everyone with autism gets the right balance of support that they need to be as successful as possible in all areas of their life. Kent Autistic Trust provide opportunities that encourage people to grow, take risks and learn the skills they need. Kent Autistic Trust provide services for adults and young people:

• Adult: information, support and advice, support groups, multi-agency support, financial benefits, grants, entitlements applications
• Younger People: Carers support, multi-agency support for health, education etc. benefits, grants, entitlements applications

Head Office: 14 High Street Brompton, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5AE Telephone: 01634 405168 or email at: [email protected].

To their website by follow the link: www.kentautistic.com

M.A.P.S. is an Activity Programme Service for people who have physical and/or learning disabilities. They run a variety of activites all over Kent. They give people a positive outlook in life as they help individuals have new experiences and make new friends. They run activities and events all of which are listed on their website.

To go to their website follow the link: www.mapsactivityprogrammes.co.uk

MACLS (Medway Adult and Community Learning Service) is committed to providing a wide range of learning opportunities for adults in Medway. Whether you want to learn news skills for work, develop your creativity or participate in learning activities with your children, they will have a course for you.

• Courses for adults for work, recreation and leisure
• Literacy and Numeracy help and support
• crafts, arts, education

To go to their website click here Telephone: 01634 338400 or email at: [email protected]

http://www.medway.gov.uk/schoolsandeducation/adultlearning.aspx

Keep Learning is one of the Six Ways to Wellbeing, if you need more ideas about how you can Keep Learning follow the link.

Medway Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) provide services to adults people living in the community who are experiencing mental health problems.

Canada House, Barnsole Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 4JL. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Tel: 01634 583020

For their website click here or to find out more about Community Mental Health Teams click here.

• Referrals to the CMHTs are usually made directly through a GP
• The intake element of a CMHT acts as a single point of access for all referrals to mental health services that we provide.
• If you are referred to a team they will assess you, signpost and offer short-term treatment as close as possible to your home

www.kmpt.nhs.uk

Medway Council provides a range of services for the residents and businesses of Medway. Find out about local activities, leisure centres, groups, clubs and housing advice.

They have various contact points in the Medway area, to find your local contact point click here.

Telephone: 01634 333333. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.medway.gov.uk/

Find out about local activities, leisure centres, groups, clubs and housing advice.

Medway Men’s Health Project is a group for men who are feeling isolated or need some extra support.

When does it happen? Every Thursday

Where: The Sunlight Centre, 105 Richmond Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1LX. To see this location on a google map click here.

To find out more information call Steve Gill 07553 385 989 or email: [email protected] or just drop in - its free!

At Christmas 2014 BBC Radio Kent featured the project in one of their bulletins. To listen to Steve and some of the guys in the project follow the link here: Medway Mens Health Project on BBC Radio Kent.

Sure Start Children’s Centres are places that provide information and services for families with young children aged from birth to five years in the local community and are great places to meet new people.

• Extensive programmes and support for families
• Events, training, recreation etc.
• Professional advice and guidance for families

Medway run 19 Sure Start centres, please click on the relevant link below to see more information.

• Kingfisher Children’s Centre
• Oaklands Children’s Centre
• Lordswood Children’s Centre
• Brompton Children’s Centre
• Burnt Oak Children’s Centre
• Saxon Way Children’s Centre
• Woodlands Children’s Centre
• Hand In Hand Children’s Centre
• Riverside Children’s Centre
• Miers Court Children’s Centre
• Deanwood Children’s Centre
• Delce Children’s Centre
• All Saints Children’s Centre
• Wayfield Children’s Centre
• St Margaret’s at Troy Town Children’s Centre
• Bligh Children’s Centre
• Temple Mill Children’s Centre
• Gun Lane Children’s Centre
• St James’ Children Centre

The Mental Health Forum website offers a friendly open place for discussion, help and support with mental health issues. They have service user forums which provide the opportunity to meet and socialise with people who have experienced mental health issues as well as a way of getting involved in what is happening in Mental Health Services.

To find out more click here or go to the website here: www.mentalhealthforum.net

Porchlight support vulnerable and homeless people in Kent. They have supported accommodation services in Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Ramsgate, Sittingbourne and Tonbridge, a homelessness prevention service and a dedicated rough sleeper team. They provide a range of services supporting people with complex needs, with specialist services for young people, ex-offenders and people with enduring mental health issues. Our focus is on long-term solutions, breaking the cycle of homelessness and ensuring that people can live independently in the future.

The services Porchlight offer include:

• 24-hour helpline - If you are homeless, in housing difficulty or know someone who is, call their 24-hour helpline 0800 567 76 99
• Landlords - Are you looking for a tenant? Porchlight can help take the risk out of letting, making your job easier.
• Porchlight Adolescent Support Service (PASS) - Intensive support to young people aged 10-18.
• Supported Accommodation - Find out abou Porchlights’ adult supported accommodation projects in Kent.
• Rough Sleeper Service - This service works across Kent helping people sleeping on the streets to access emergency accommodation and incorporates Porchlights’ Private Landlord Liaison Service.
• Homelessness Prevention - Porchlight work to prevent homelessness through their floating support service. This service works with people in their own homes who are vulnerable to homelessness. Porchlight also have a Youth Homelessness Education Programme which works to prevent the next generation from becoming homeless or in housing need.
• Young Person’s Services - Porchlight have supported accommodation for 16-24 yr olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Community Support - Porchlight offer practical and accessible support to people in their own communities. Porchlight have specialist services supporting individuals with mental health issues as well as those who have become isolated, overwhelmed or unable to cope with day-to-day living.

Head Office, 2nd Floor Watling Chambers, 18-19 Watling Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2AU Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01227 760078.

Free Helpline: 0800 5677699 or follow the link to go to their website: www.porchlight.org.uk

Royal British Legion Industries provides a work programme designed to:

• CV Building
• Interview Preparation
• Job Searching and Application
• Confidence building

They also provide welfare, healthcare and housing services for veterans and ex armed services personnel and their families
Extensive support including residential nursing, supported accommodation and rehabilitation

Address: RBLI, Hall Rd, Aylesford, Nr. Maidstone, ME20 7NL

Telephone Nos: 01622 795954/795900 or email at: [email protected].

For the website follow the link: www.rbli.co.uk

SANE provides emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. Their mental health support services are completely confidential. Whatever your problems or concerns, you will receive non-judgemental emotional support. Their professional staff and trained volunteers have specialist mental health knowledge; they can help you consider options for support that address your individual circumstances.

Telephone on 0845 7678000

• Helpline offers emotional support and information for individuals affected by mental health problems
• Helpline open daily 18.00-23.00

For their website follow the link: www.sane.org.uk

A community owned and managed charitable organisation that works with partners across all sectors. They combine a mix of services aimed at everyone within the community; nobody is excluded. The overriding aim is to improve health inequity and well-being by providing an improved range of social, medical and community activities and can help you with a healthier lifestyle with their Health Trainers.

Alzheimer’s or Dementia support that includes the following:

• A regular programme of weekly and monthly activities such as ‘sing-along’ and ‘tai-chi’, outings and events
• Monthly ‘caring for carers’ support groups and coffee mornings
• Regular contact with and support calls to those in contact with the service
• Home visits to assist with the completion of welfare benefit forms, relevant entitlements and services
• Support to access other information relevant to Alzheimer’s and Dementia and the caring role
• A quarterly newsletter
• Onward referral and signposting as appropriate to the individual’s needs and circumstances.

105 Richmond Road, Gillingham, ME7 1LX. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01634 338600 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.sunlighttrust.org.uk

Support Line is a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach the point of crisis. Support Line is aimed at those who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any form of abuse. Support Line will enable the caller to talk over their feelings with a helpline worker who offers non-judgmental, caring, empathic support. The helpline worker will encourage greater understanding and awareness of the caller’s issues and help the caller develop more positive coping strategies.

Telephone: 01708 765 200 (hours vary so ring for details)

www.supportline.org.uk

The National Autistic Society provide a wide range of services for those affected by autism and their families. Click here to go to their website, and look for your local branch.

Their services include:

• Advice and Information
• Education and schools
• Residential Help
• Support for Carers
• Employment and Support

www.autism.org.uk

The Salvation Army work with people who are vulnerable and marginalised they offer practical help, unconditional assistance and support.

Gillingham: The Salvation Army, Gillingham Corps, 50 Green Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1XA

Tel: 01634 851224 Contact: Haris and Anna Giannaros. To go to their web page click here.

Chatham: The Salvation Army, Chatham Corps, Church Street, Chatham, ME4 4BT.

Tel: 01634 843689, contact: Andrea and Alec Still. To go to their web page click here.

Rochester: The Salvation Army, Strood Corps, Gun Lane, Strood, Rochester, ME2 4UH. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Tel: 01634 723310, contact Captain Jane - Marie Cook Email: [email protected]

• Clubs, support and night shelters for the vulnerable - please contact branch for details

The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The Silver Line staff can help with:

• Offer information, friendship and advice
• Link callers to local groups and services
• Offer regular befriending calls
• Protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect

Who is it for?
The Silver Line is a helpline for older people – the Silver Generation. We have no strict age limits but most people we speak to are over 65. So, if you think it’s for you, it’s for you.

Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90

To go to their website to find out more click here or follow the link below

www.thesilverline.org.uk

TheSite.org is an online guide to life for 16-25 year olds in the UK. It provides non-judgmental support and information on everything from sex and stress to debt and drugs.

Straight-talking emotional support is available 24 hours a day. There are options for:

• Chatting about anything on moderated discussion boards and live chat rooms
• Browsing over 2000 articles and videos full of trustworthy facts
• Reading about the experiences of other young people in the True Life section
• Asking questions about friends, dating, love or family life to trained advisors – free and confidential

They have information and advice on:

• Sex & Relationships
• Your Body
• Mental Health
• Drink & Drugs
• Housing
• Money
• Work & Study
• Crime & Safety
• Travel & Lifestyle

www.thesite.org

Winfield promotes confidence through training. If you are interested in learning about computers and their uses and gaining I.T. qualifications (or just building your confidence and knowledge), then Winfield can offer you training, advice and support.

Winfield are based in West Kent and Medway.

To go to their web page go to the following link: winfieldcomputing.org.uk

Winfield are part of United Response.

YMCA Thames Gateway are a charity for young people and their communities, they provide help on:

• Accommodation with support - providing low cost accommodation to young people who would otherwise be homeless
• Skills training - A2B – A programme for 16-19 year olds that allows young people to gain qualifications and build skills and knowledge around their chosen interest or career search
• Projects for young people - offering young people meaningful and fun activities, Physical Activities, Creative Arts , Cookery and Music and Performing Arts
• Care for children - Dartford nurseries providing full and part-time day care. Free entitlement places available

The Roundhouse, Overy Street, Dartford, DA1 1UP. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01332 220521 or email: [email protected]

To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.ymcathamesgateway.org.uk