Aspirations Care provide support to clients with mental health problems, learning and physical disabilities, drug & alcohol abuse and dementia. Aspirations Care provide daytime respite for carers, benefits advice and support to access entitlement and can help with shopping and accessing local resources.

Address: Unit 9, Aylesham & District Community Workshop Trust, Ackholt Rd, Aylesham, Canterbury CT3 3AJ

Telephone: 01304 849 020 or email: [email protected]

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

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.

The British Heart Foundation run a number of shops across Kent and Medway which provide volunteering opportunities for those looking to work towards getting back into employment.

• Volunteer work placements
• Wide range of ages – work closely with employment agencies such as the Shaw Trust
• Range of tasks, from shop display and retail to lifting boxes, cleaning items, ironing or steaming
• Solitary (backroom) or social (retail) available

Contact: Mrs Ann Terry, address: 82, Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 2AA. To see the location of this service on a map click here. Telephone: 01303-223794

Carers Support offer information, advocacy, emotional and practical support as well as drop in groups and the Kent Carers Emergency Card for carers in Ashford, Shepway and Swale. They understand that carers often experience a sense of isolation, stress, guilt and anger and our staff are available to help either over the telephone or face to face.

They offer a range of support that includes:

• Meet & Talk Groups
• Drop-In Points
• Information Desks
• 1-2-1 Support
• Telephone Support
• Well-Being Check
• Carers Assessments
• Respite Opportunities
• Advocacy
• Training and Education

Carers Support, Norman House, Beaver Business Park, Beaver Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7SH. To see the location on a google map click here.

Tel: 01233 664393 or email: [email protected]

To go to their website click here, or go to the following link: www.carers-ashford.org.uk

Catch 22 supports care leavers with the transition from the care system to adulthood and independent living, including accessing suitable and secure accommodation. Kent 16+ operates a supported lodging scheme for young people whereby they can live within a family-type environment whilst acquiring the independent living skills and emotional resilience necessary to enable them to live independently. The carers within this scheme are approved and receive comprehensive training and on-going support and supervision from the dedicated supported accommodation officers within the service.

Catch 22 services is committed to ensuring young people have the best possible chance to succeed in life, with support including:

• a dedicated worker to help each young person achieve the things that are important them
• a plan to keep track of the important things (a Pathway Plan)
• assistance in accessing and sustaining college and university
• help with gaining employability skills
• help with finances
• volunteering opportunities
• help in having their opinions heard
• referring to other specialist teams or workers
• accessing their care files.

Catch 22 services are all over and Kent and Medway to search for your local service click here.

To go to their website follow the link: www.catch-22.org.uk

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

Combat Stress is helping more than 5,400 UK Veterans get their lives back. If you are suffering mental ill-health caused by military service, combat stress may be able to help you too. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or where you Served - Combat Stress may be able to help. And although they are called Combat Stress, you don’t have to have been in combat to use our services. As long as you are an ex-Service man or women, they are here for you.
And if you are the loved one or carer of an ex-Service man or woman, you can get in touch too.

People react to traumatic experiences in different ways, go to the Live It Well Post Traumatic Stress Information Page for more information.

Telephone: 01372 587000. 24 Hour Helpline 0800 1381619 you can also text 07537 404 719 (standard charges apply for texts) or email them at: [email protected]

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

Kent Police have Community Liaison Officers working in Kent and Medway who are committed to tackling hate crime. The Community Liaison Officers can give you advice, discuss what has happened or put you in touch with other organisations that may be able to offer you support.

What is hate crime?

Hate incident - the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) defines a hate incident as:
‘any incident, which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.’
Hate crime - ACPO defines a hate crime as:
‘any hate incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.’ Prejudice or hate may be based on characteristics including:

• disability
• race
• religion
• sexual orientation
• transgender

Are you, or is someone you know, being bullied, harassed or verbally abused? Is this because of your race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender identity?
If so, this is a hate incident and should be reported.

How can I report it?

• Call 101 to report a crime. Call 999 if life is in immediate danger or the crime is in progress.
• If deaf or speech impaired, text ‘police’ and the details to 60066. How to use our text service.
• Visit your local police station.
• Contact your local officer to discuss non-urgent concerns, Kent Police Community Liaison Officers are based all over Kent and you can find their details at the Kent Police website by following the link: http://www.kent.police.uk/about_us/diversity/pages/comm_liaison.html
• When you call Kent Police, ask for the incident reference number. A police officer will come to speak to you as soon as possible. (Make sure you get the police officer’s name and number.) An investigating officer will always be assigned to you and you will be advised who that person is.

Report it to others…

• If you’re not sure about contacting the police, you might prefer to:
• call 0800 138 1624 - this service is run by trained, non-police staff and is available 24/7.
• visit the True Vision online reporting website.

To find out more about the service or to download a leaflet in a variety of languages go to the Kent Police website by clicking here or following the link: www.kent.police.uk

CXK delivers a range of services across Kent to support young people and families to maximise their potential. In particular by providing them with advice, guidance, skills and the confidence that will help them to progress into education, employment and training. Services include:

• careers guidance, advice and work related learning for vulnerable young people and adults (including the National Careers Service);
• mental health & wellbeing services (Young Healthy Minds);
• Leadership & Development programmes for young people including the National Citizen Service and the Prince’s Trust team programme;
• Management of youth centres and a mobile youth service (Community Activity teams);
• Training Programmes for those not in employment, education and training (European Social Fund);
• Accredited training for adults and professionals working with young people
• Parenting programmes and family workshops

Telephone: 01795 439397, email: [email protected]. For their website follow the link: www.cxk.org

Deal Pathfinders is a club for people with mental health and learning disabilities. Social and recreational facility for people with mental health and learning disabilities (age 18+). Activities include table tennis, snooker, cards, board games - plus an opportunity to chat and make friends.

They meet on Tuesdays 6pm-8pm

Contact: Pat Winder. Address: The Godric Centre, St Richards Road, Deal, CT14 9LD, to see the location on a google map click here. Telephone: 07779945830

Take Off is running a Deal Wellbeing Group to support positive mental wellbeing. Members shape the group and can take part in peer support, activities and meet guest speakers.

For more information on the group see the poster here.

The group runs every Wednesday from 1pm-3pm at the Royal Marines Association Club, Deal, CT14 7DX.

For any further information, please feel free to get in contact using the details here or use the contact form the Take Off website: www.takeoff.works

Take Off: 34 Military Road, Canterbury CT1 1LT
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01227 788 211
Website: www.takeoff.works

Domestic Abuse Support Services covers Kent and Medway providing advice and information on services for victims, friends & family, and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse and domestic violence.

Find local help to you if:

• You are in an abusive relationship
• A friend of yours is being abused
• If you are a young person
• If you are an abuser
• Or if you are a professional

The Domestic Abuse Support Service means you can search for services to help you in your local area. In addition they have further advice and help on their website: www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

Domestic abuse is an unacceptable crime which affects people from all social and economic backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. It includes any action involving abuse between adult family members (including current and former partners). The abuse occurs when a person causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause emotional, sexual or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family member.

Initial response to serious incidents dial 999

• Kent Police DVU enquiries and non-urgent crime reports dial 101 or visit your local police station to speak with an officer in confidence
• Medway Police DVU enquiries and non-urgent crime reports: 01634 792308 or email [email protected] or visit your local police station to speak with an officer in confidence
• Hearing impaired text ‘Police’ and message to 60066
• freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or the Mens’ Advice Line on 0808 801 0327
• Kent and Medway Domestic Violence website for information and advice click here.
• National Centre for DV (NCDV) 0844 8044 999 for legal help and civil injunctions
• Mankind (for male victims of DV) 01823 334 244
• Karma Nirvana (for honour based violence and forced marriage) 0800 5999 247
• Forced Marriage Unit 0207 008 0151

www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk

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

Coleman House, Brookfield Avenue, Dover, CT16 2AH. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01304 216666, 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

Have you seen your GP or Doctor and they have recommended you see a counsellor and get some therapy? Dover Counselling Centre is one of the free NHS funded talking therapy and counselling services available in Kent and Medway. These services are open to everyone aged from 17+.

Are you feeling stressed or depressed or anxious?

Or struggling with a phobia, eating disorder or addiction?

Or if you are looking for someone to help you through a difficult time in life, maybe a friend or relative has died or you’re struggling with fertility of if you have lost your job?

Talking therapies can help all sorts of people in many different situations. Talking therapy is for anyone who’s going through a bad time or who has emotional problems they can’t sort out on their own.

You can refer yourself into this free service and see a NHS funded therapist.

Dover Counselling Centre: 01304 204123 or email [email protected].

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

Dover Counselling Centre provide counselling and support for common mental health problems; anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, phobias and anger, as well as problems with regards to relationships, work or debt.

There are several talking therapy providers in your area so if one has a waiting list why not try another therapy provider go to our list of local NHS Talking Therapy providers which you can find on our NHS Counselling and Therapy page.

This service was provided as part of the IAPT programme, to find out more about IAPT go to: www.iapt.nhs.uk.

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

White Cliffs Business Park, Dover CT16 3PJ. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01304 821199 or email [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: http://www.dover.gov.uk

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

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

The personal benefits of volunteering can range from:

• helping to meet people
• open your eyes to new opportunities
• develop and use new skills
• build up your confidence
• keep you active while unemployed
• help build your CV
• give you a good reference

Best of all, volunteering can:

• give you a feeling of satisfaction
• be very rewarding
• help to improve the lives of others within your community

Telephone: 01304367898 or email [email protected]. Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1pm

Address: 26 Victoria Rd, Deal. CT14 7BJ, click here to find this location on a google map. To go to their website follow the link: www.doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk

East Kent Carers Council (EKCC): A carer involvement group which enables carers to debate and campaign on mental health issues. EKCC provides members with the opportunity to represent carers’ views at meetings of health and social care organisations such as the Kent and Medway Partnership Trust, CCG’s and Kent County Council.

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01227 761427

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

Family Mosaic Home Improvement agencies help to promote independence at home by offering a wide range of services that include:

HomeSafe:

• Information and advice to help you maintain independent living in your own home.
• Professional service to help you adapt your home to meet your needs.
• Fully insured surveyors and register of trusted contractors

Homefixed

• Affordable Handyperson service covering a raft of minor repairs and DIY type work
• Competitive quotation service for larger works, decorating and galvanized handrails
• Supply and fit keysafe service

Care Navigator Service

• Free confidential help, advice and support for older people
• We can help you find out about services available in your community
• Improve your confidence in decision making and dealing with everyday problems
• Take charge and manage your situation
• Improve your sense of wellbeing
• Assess, and arrange the supply of equipment and minor aids to your home.

To find your local service go to their website by following the link: www.familymosaic.co.uk

Folkestone & District Mind provides support, information and advice to anyone resident in Shepway area, who has experienced or is experiencing mental distress. Mind in Folkestone run a range of activities to support people who have mental health needs and their families and carers.

Activities include:

• Peer support sessions and therapeutic groups - 10am - 1.30pm
• Person centred planning and counselling
• Relaxation, music jamming and individual lessons - 1.30pm -3pm
• Opportunities to enjoy horse-riding, walks, outings, gym etc.
• Social activities with peer support group, visiting places of interest
• Wednesday Evening ‘drop-in’ sessions - 7pm -9pm
• Community Support Group in Hythe on Monday afternoons
• Mental health resource library

Folkestone & District Mind also have a Wellbeing Programme which includes therapeutic groups i.e. arts/crafts and music in addition to person centred planning, photography, gardening, clay workshops and yoga.

Telephone: 01303 250090 or email [email protected] or visit www.folkestonemind.org.uk

Postal address: 3 Mill Bay/24-26 Dover Rd, Folkestone, CT20 1JQ

Folkestone & District Mind is funded by Porchlight and Big Lottery Fund.

Take Off is running a media group in Folkestone to support positive mental wellbeing.

Learn a new skill or rekindle an old one through photography and film.

For more information see the poster here.

The group runs fortnightly on Mondays from 4-6pm at ARRCC, 17-19 Tontine Street, Folkestone, CT20 2RQ.

For any further information, please feel free to get in contact at 07939 623 374 or use the contact form the Take Off website: www.takeoff.works

Metro are able to offer Free Counselling for LGBTQ Young People in Kent and Medway and their families. This counselling gives young people the chance to talk about issues that are troubling them.

The service covers many different things including being lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and / or questioning. If you would like to find out more just get in touch, details are below.

What does Chat include?

• Counselling
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Online Counselling

Chat supports young lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning people aged 11-25 and can also support their families.

Contact Fred Crossman: 020 8305 5009 or email [email protected]

For more information see the Chat Youth Counselling Information sheet or to see the work that Metro Centre are doing go to: www.metrocentreonline.org.

Get Connected are there for advice if you’re under 25, they are there for you, 365 days a year, for absolutely anything you’re going through. Get Connected are free, confidential, and you can contact them however you’d prefer - by phone, email, text or webchat.

They can help you with anything you are going through, and this includes:

• Abuse and violence
• Bullying, harassment and discrimination
• Citizenship and cultural issues
• Crime, the law and your rights
• Drink, drugs and addictions
• Families and care
• Feelings and mental health
• Gender and sexual identity
• Harming yourself
• Housing and homelessness
• Physical health
• Sex, relationships and pregnancy
• Work, education and money

To go to the Get Connected website click here, or follow the link: www.getconnected.org.uk

By phone - Call them free on 0808 808 4994 open from 1pm - 11pm every day

By text - Text them free on 80849 Texts will usually be answered within 24 hours

By Email - click here to go to the Get Connected contact page. Emails will usually be answered within 24 hours.

Harbour Lights provide low cost counselling the Ashford and Deal area. The offer counselling for:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Trauma
• Feeling Down
• Low Confidence
• Relationship Struggles
• Abuse
• Bereavement & Loss
• Cognitive & Integrative Approach

Address: Sycamores, Dover road, Walmer, Deal, Kent CT14 7NP or telephone 07517 224321 or 01304 363388

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, wherever you live or whatever the situation, is not easy. Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life. It is even more difficult if family or friends are unable to offer you support and breathing space when you most need it. Some parents lose confidence in their ability to cope and most can remember days when they would have liked someone to turn to.

A Home-Start volunteer will visit you regularly (usually once a week for a couple of hours) in your home and offer support through difficult times for as long as it is helpful or needed. You decide with your volunteer when visits will happen and how you spend the time. Home-Start volunteers are parents too and may have been supported by Home-Start themselves in the past. You can choose whether or not to accept Home-Start support. A volunteer will only visit at the invitation of the family.

They:

• Provide support for parents
• Support and Friendship for families

Address: The Ark, Noah’s Ark Road, Dover. Kent. CT17 0DD. Click here to see this location on a google map.

Telephone: 01304242314, or email [email protected]. To go to their website follow the link: www.home-startdoverdistrict.org.uk

Home Start Shepway: 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.

• Offers support and help for families
• Issues include isolation, post-natal depression, family illness, bereavement
• Groups and events
• Runs Freedom Programme for Domestic Violence

Contact: Sam Taylor (manager), address: 24 Cheriton Gardens, Folkestone, CT20 2AS. To see the location of this service on a google map click here. Telephone: 01303 244836 or email [email protected].

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

Have you seen your GP or Doctor and they have recommended you see a counsellor and get some therapy? Insight Healthcare is one of the free NHS funded talking therapy and counselling services available in Kent and Medway. These services are open to everyone aged from 17+.

Are you feeling stressed or depressed or anxious?

Or struggling with a phobia, eating disorder or addiction?

Or if you are looking for someone to help you through a difficult time in life, maybe a friend or relative has died or you’re struggling with fertility of if you have lost your job?

Talking therapies can help all sorts of people in many different situations. Talking therapy is for anyone who’s going through a bad time or who has emotional problems they can’t sort out on their own.

You can refer yourself into this free service and see a NHS funded therapist.

Contact: Insight Healthcare: Telephone: 0300 555 5555 or email [email protected]. To go to their website click here.

Insight Healthcare provide counselling and support for common mental health problems; anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, phobias and anger, as well as problems with regards to relationships, work or debt.

www.insighthealthcare.org

There are several talking therapy providers in your area so if one has a waiting list why not try another therapy provider go to our list of local NHS Talking Therapy providers which you can find on our NHS Counselling and Therapy page.

This service was provided as part of the IAPT programme, to find out more about IAPT go to: www.iapt.nhs.uk.

Kent Adult Education provide a range of courses and information in Kent. There are short courses or longer more involved courses as well as free taster sessions - all designed for you to Keep Learning.

Why not take up a new hobby, rediscover an old hobby or just get active? Find a course to suit you at Kent Adult Education.

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

Telephone: 0845 6065606 or email at: [email protected]

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

SureStart 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. SureStart Centres are designed to give children the best start in life and to support their parents and carers.

Each centre offers different services, including

• childcare
• early education
• training or finding a new job
• antenatal classes
• baby clinics
• support with breastfeeding
• support with parenting and speech and language
• drop-in sessions for parents and children
• Services for children with special needs and disabilities
• opportunities for families to get involved with volunteering and designing services

Please check with your local children’s centre to find out what they offer: www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/childcare-and-pre-school/childrens-centres

If you are experiencing a family dispute Kent Family Mediation Service can offer low cost mediation at a variety of venues in Kent.

They can help you with:

• Have recently separated, or separated some time ago from your partner
• Are a heterosexual, homosexual or a same sex couple i.e. gay or lesbian
• Are already Divorced
• Wish to divorce or dissolve your civil partnership
• Are a Grandparent or other family member who would like to make arrangements to see a child/children
• Have a shared interest in a financial matter, albeit you never lived with the other person
• Lived with the other person, were not married and have a family or a financial matter that you wish to resolve
• Still live together and wish to separate
• Are still married or still in a civil partnership
• Have a dissolved civil partnership
• Are separated from your partner and wish to discuss issues relating to a child/children
• Have a business dispute

Their head office is at: 1 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME10 1NQ

Telephone: 01795 410457 or email: [email protected] to go to their website click here, or go to the following link: www.kentfms.co.uk

They run services all over Kent to find a local service click here.

Kent Sheds support groups and organisations across Kent to establish a network of Kent Sheds projects. Kent Sheds will provide a place for people to come together to pursue hobbies and interests, share their knowledge and skills and develop new friendships.

Kent Sheds is there to support community groups to develop their own and can offer support, including:

• one to one mentoring and support
• advise and guidance
• development grants and financial assistance

To find out more download the Kent Sheds leaflet by following the link.

To find out more about Kent Sheds and how you can get involved follow the link: www.kentsheds.org.uk

The Landmark centre provides a variety of support for people with disabilities and young families.

They provide help to:

• Supports everyone within the local area, particularly those with disabilities and those with young families.
• Offer art, music, drama, IT, English and maths
• Provide work placement for volunteers

The Landmark centre, Deal and Walmer Community Association,Landmark Centre,129 High St, Deal.CT14 6BB, click here to see the location of this service on a google map.

The Live Well Kent service is there to help people improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. It is a free service for anyone over 17. Some of the things Live Well Kent can help with are:

Mental health and wellbeing

• Understanding and managing thoughts and emotions
• Achieving personal goals
• Accessing therapies and support groups.

Keeping active and healthy

• Healthy living support eg stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol
• Dance clubs
• Walking groups and sporting activities.

Meeting people

• Volunteering
• Social enterprises and community projects
• Arts, music and culture groups.

Training and work

• Gaining new skills
• Finding the right job.

Everyday living

• Managing money, including debt and benefits
• Housing support and guidance

Live Well Kent’s aim is to connect people with their communities, ensuring they have access to the widest possible range of support and services to meet their particular needs.

So if you are looking for help and support for yourself or someone you know call on 0800 567 7699 or email [email protected] and they talk you through how we can help you and give the support and advice you need. To go to their website go to: www.livewellkent.org.uk

Live Well Kent is delivered on behalf of Kent County Council and the NHS by two charities, Porchlight and Shaw Trust.

Look Ahead provides specialist support and care services to people with a variety of needs. Look Ahead work with people whose lives can be challenging and at times chaotic. They support each customer as an individual, to take control of their support, achieve their goals and aspirations, and move towards a positive, independent future.

They work in partnership with local authorities and health trusts to provide specialist support and care services to:

• People with mental health needs
• People with learning disabilities
• Young people, care leavers and teenage parents
• Homeless individuals and families
• People with offending and sex work histories
• People with substance misuse needs
• People experiencing/fleeing domestic abuse
• People with physical disabilities

Telephone: Tel: 0207 937 1166 or email: [email protected] or go to their website: www.lookahead.org.uk

mcch offer an eight-week programme of two hours per week that aims to inform and motivate people with regards to the evidenced-based, recovery-focused aspects of wellbeing that promote resilience. The service runs in Ashford and Dover and Deal.

The eight sessions centre around:

• Where to get help
• Reducing anxiety
• Give
• Connect
• Healthy body, healthy mind
• Take notice
• Keep learning
• Managing stress and developing resilience

mcch use some aspects of Motivational Interviewing and each session includes an opportunity for individuals to set their own goals. In addition to these sessions, there are opportunities to research and take practical steps to meeting their personal goals with support from staff, either in small groups, or on a one-to-one basis. mcch will continue to work with people for a further four weeks after completing the eight sessions, ensuring that people are appropriately signposted to other services and that they know where they can get help and support in the future.

To contact the Ashford service call: 0800 567 7699 or email [email protected]

For the Dover and Deal service: call (and leave a message) on 01304 242558 or email [email protected] or call the Live Well Kent line on 0800 567 7699 or email [email protected]

Mental Health Matters provide support for all mental health matters including bereavement, relationships, loneliness and stress 24 hours per day 7 days per week.

Mental Health Matters Telephone Helpline consists of a team of highly trained and experienced support workers who use counselling skills to provide you with emotional guidance and information.

You might choose to call us if:

• You may be feeling low, anxious or stressed and feel talking to another person might help you cope
• You may be in extreme emotional distress and feel that there is nowhere else to turn including thoughts of suicide
• You may be caring for another person and finding it difficult to cope.

Contacting the Helpline can give you a feeling of relief, wellbeing and peace of mind. You won’t be judged and our service is confidential unless we consider that there is a risk to yourself or others.

Helpline (Kent & Medway): 0800 1070160 24 hour support, 7 days a week, all year around.

Migrant Help UK is dedicated to offering advice and support to vulnerable migrants. They provide individuals with the resources and support they need to find safety, access appropriate services and information and develop greater independence.

Migrant Help UK operates a range of support services, including the Asylum Help, a free telephone advice line - 0808 8000 630, and Clear Voice, an interpreting and translation service covering more than 80 languages - 0800 520 0380.

To find out more go to their website www.migranthelpuk.org

NAPAC is the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. NAPAC is there to help adults come to terms with what abuse suffered in childhood. NAPAC was set up, as the only national organisation solely focussed on helping all adult survivors of any kind of childhood abuse – whether physical, sexual, emotional, ritual or organised or the result of neglect.

Millions of adults in the UK today carry with them the painful memories of abuse they suffered when they were children. Many adults with a history of childhood abuse can continue to suffer – from post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, depression. They have a higher chance than others of becoming involved in crime, prostitution, drugs or alcohol abuse. They can suffer from low self-esteem and be prone to self-harm or suicide.

NAPAC:

• Provide a range of services and information which offer direct support to survivors
• Ensure that survivors know where they can go for help
• Spread best practice in the support of survivors among those who they may approach for help
• Stand up for survivors and representing their interests among those who are in a position to help improve their lives

Call their freephone number from a landline or mobile: 0808 801 0331 the phoneline is manned from 10 am - 9pm Monday - Thursday and 10 am - 6pm Friday

or email: [email protected]

To go to the NAPAC website follow the link: napac.org.uk

The National Self Harm Network offers support, advice and advocacy services to people affected by self harm directly or in a care role.

The National Self Harm Network is an online resource which aims to:

• Support individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and to improve their quality of life
• Support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm
• Empower and enable individuals that self harm to seek further support and alternatives to self harm
• Educate service providers and carers on matters relating to self harm, raise awareness, dispel myths and challenge misconceptions through providing information and training
• Resources and information about self harm

Click here to go to their website or follow the link: www.nshn.co.uk

Take Off are offering one to one peer support. These conversations focus on supporting you to engage more in your community, learn new skills, build capacity and increase independence.

If you need help with starting or maintaining your recovery journey, or want to know what could
genuinely help your wellbeing, talking to a peer could help.

All Take Off peer workers have lived experience of a wide variety of illnesses and have fought to
live meaningful lives, so can offer guidance to suit you.

Please see the poster for more information.

Or contact Take Off via email: [email protected] or the contact form on their website: www.takeoff.works

PACE Health provide health and wellbeing information to the LGBT community.

PACE Health’s website contains information on LGBT specific counsellors in the London area, a personal wellbeing assessment and a range of factsheets which cover a wide variety of issues including:

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

Kent Probation is a statutory criminal justice agency with more than 100 years of experience of working with offenders on community orders and licences. The Probation Service aims to protect the public and reduce re-offending by delivering the orders of the courts and by helping offenders to reform their lives.

• Specific monitoring of offenders within the community
• Work with individuals to address the underlying causes of their offending
• Working with offenders on community services to reduce reoffending

Telephone: 03000 473000

To find out more go to the Kent & Medway Probation website click here: ksscrc.co.uk

29 High St, Hythe, CT21 5AD. To see the location of this service on a map click here. Telephone 07772 998593

Click here to go to their website.

• helping couples, families and individuals to make relationships work better
• delivering inclusive, high-quality services that are relevant at every stage of life
• Sex therapy,
• Relationship education

Ross Care Ltd operate in the Shepway, Dover/Deal, Canterbury and Ashford areas. Support can be a one-off, as needed or on a regular basis.

• Assistance with day to day living.
• Provide companionship and support for new situations
• Offer breaks for carers
• Emotional support
• Use of wheelchair accessible vehicle for trips out.

Contact Ross Butcher: Ross Care Ltd, 28 Greenbanks, Lyminge, Folkestone. Kent. CT18 8HG. to see this location on a google map click here.

07967342226/07725112731 or email [email protected]

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

Counselling for Victims of Serious Crime in Kent. This is a service for anyone that has been affected by serious crime. Rubicon Cares provide trauma counselling throughout Kent & Medway for people affected by ANY crime. This is a free, confidential service to help people deal with the affects of, and move on from, what has happened.

The crime incident can be historical, current, reported or unreported to the police……it is the impact on you which is important to us.

We also have a specialist helpline service which is available 4 times a week to support on a short term basis those who cannot get to us or would like further information about the counselling.

Address: Maidstone Community Support Centre, 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH, to see their location on a google map click here.

Tel: 01622 230736 or mailto: [email protected] or to go to their website click on the link: www.rubiconcares.org

• One to one specialist counselling to help people overcome traumatic events.
• Specialist telephone helpline for victims and professionals providing information and support on trauma and counselling.

They have counsellors covering the whole of Kent, their main office is based in Maidstone.

They also have a specialist helpline service which is available 3 times a week to support on a short term basis those who cannot get to us. The hours for the helpline are:

• Wednesdays 7 - 9 pm
• Thursdays 12 - 2 pm
• Saturdays 12 - 2 pm

The helpline phone number is 07505 709876.

selfharm.co.uk is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm.

Self-harm is an umbrella term for any behaviour, action or habit, which can cause damage to your health. This can include cutting, but also includes overeating, taking drugs, smoking and drinking too much alcohol. It’s a wide area that covers a whole range of actions.

Deliberate self-harm is a term used when someone intentionally injures or harms him or herself. We all have accidents and end up with cuts and bruises through no fault of our own - but it’s the cuts and bruises that we cause ourselves on purpose that are classified as self-harm.

selfharm.co.uk provides a safe space to talk, ask any questions and be honest about what’s going on in your life. To go to selfharm.co.uk website click here. or email: [email protected]

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness. They provide free information and advocacy to people in housing need.

24 Housing support, help and advice 0808 8004444

• Visit the Get Advice section for help online
• Phone or visit a Shelter advice centre near you
• To go to their website click here
• Provides advice and support on all aspects of housing
• Legal advice on eviction, emergencies, homelessness
• Will offer support and advice for housing in cases of family break-up, domestic violence and homeless young people

http://england.shelter.org.uk

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

Address: Royal Ash Eaton, Radnor Park Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5HL. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303 227510 Fax: 01303 225712

For their website click here, 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

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

United Reformed Church, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2QL. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01303 259007 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page follow the link: www.volunteershepway.co.uk

Social care services help people who are in need of support due to illness, disability, old age or poverty. Social care services are available to everyone, regardless of background. However, social care is subject to rules about your needs and ability. Services can also support the families or carers of people who receive social care.

Services include:

• Support in your own home - helping you live independently in your own home.
• Your options if living in your own home is no longer possible.
• Paying for care & how much your care costs and how to pay for it.
• Caring for other people - help and support for those who regularly care for another person in Kent.
• Disability - services for people in Kent with a disability.
• How to get social care help
• Children in care and looked after children in Kent.
• Adoption and fostering

To find out more or follow the link: www.kent.gov.uk

Speakup CIC gives a voice to Mental Health Service Users, they help them become involved in shaping services offered and aid their recovery. Forums providing people with mental health needs support, information and a means to have a say in the shaping and running of local mental health services. They also run lots of local support groups.

Covering Ashford, Deal, Dover, and Thanet.

The Media Centre, 11-13 Kings Street, Margate, CT9 1DD. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01843 448384 or email: [email protected] To go to their website follow the link: www.speakupcic.co.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

Take off aims to give a voice to users of mental health services; to make community care work; helping to shape mental health services into as comprehensive and socially useful a service as possible; and to educate the public in, and promote awareness of mental health problems.

Services they provide include:

• Crisis Cafe
• Council of East Kent Service User Forums (CEKSUF)
• Patients Council
• Peer Support Groups
• Peer Support Brokerage
• Mental Health User Forum

34 Military Road, Canterbury CT1 1LT, To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01227 788211, email: [email protected]
To go to their website click here or follow the link to: https://takeoff.works/

Take Off Folkestone runs across the Shepway area to support people who have mental health issues meet others and have a voice in mental health services. Take Off Folkestone meets once weekly in different venues in the town for a coffee and a chat. Take Off Folkestone’s main purpose is to offer a ready-made social network with no-pressure peer support thrown in.

For those who cannot attend the group they offer phone and email contact and support and will visit people on a one-to-one basis if required.
The meetings take place either in local cafes or coffee shops; two meetings monthly take place in the local mental health services and Mind Centre; at the latter we have a board games afternoon. Take Off Folkestone also attend other meetings, both mental health related and in the community and can offer some support for others to attend too.

Take Off Folkestone aim to give service users a voice in shaping future services and giving people the information they need to advocate for themselves.

Take Off Folkestone do not have a fixed monthly pattern, they don’t generally publicise our meeting dates and times, but all are available from Madlin Brinton, co-ordinator at Folkestone on 01303 245840 or by using the contact form at the web page here: takeoff.works/us/take-off-folkestone.

Address of the main office: Take Off, 34 Military Road, Canterbury, CT1 1LTl Tel: 01227 788211

Tenterden Counselling Service can help if you are suffering from depression or low moods, from stress, from anxiety or are finding life hard to cope with

• Experiencing bereavement of any kind, maybe through death, or redundancy, or divorce or retirement
• Lacking confidence or suffering from low self-esteem or loneliness
• Experiencing difficult relationship problems, maybe with issues around divorce, adoption, family members or the workplace
• Troubled by events or memories from the past, maybe having suffered abuse or other trauma which you are finding it difficult to talk about

Milroy House, Sayers Lane, High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BW. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 0776 968 3347 or to go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.tenterdencounselling.org.uk/

The Beaumont Society is a national self help body run by and for those who cross-dress or are trans-sexual.

To access the Beaumont Society’s website click here – they have a range of information available offering help and advice including legal and medical, which can be accessed by clicking here.

The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (LLGS) offers details of helplines and instant messaging support and information to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgendered communities.

To go to the LLGS website click here. LLGS have a variety of factsheets covering health, relationships, coming out and mental health which can be accessed by clicking here.

LLGS also offer a free confidential helpline open from 10am – 11pm – 0300 330 0630 or go to their website here: www.llgs.org.uk

For more information go to the LGBT page on Live It Well.

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

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

Have you seen your GP or Doctor and they have recommended you see a counsellor and get some therapy? Thinkaction Thanet & South Kent Coast is one of the free NHS funded talking therapy and counselling services available in Kent and Medway. These services are open to everyone aged from 17+.

Are you feeling stressed or depressed or anxious?

Or struggling with a phobia, eating disorder or addiction?

Or if you are looking for someone to help you through a difficult time in life, maybe a friend or relative has died or you’re struggling with fertility of if you have lost your job?

Talking therapies can help all sorts of people in many different situations. Talking therapy is for anyone who’s going through a bad time or who has emotional problems they can’t sort out on their own.

You can refer yourself into this free service and see a NHS funded therapist.

Thinkaction Thanet & South Kent Coast - 01843 293844 or email [email protected], opening hours Monday - Thursday 9am – 8pm, Friday 9am – 5pm. They accept GP or self referrals click here to go to their website. They don’t have a waiting list so we are usually able to offer an appointment within 1-3 weeks. Address: 1 Cecil Street Margate Kent CT9 1NX.

Tel: 01843 293844

Email: [email protected]

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

Thinkaction Thanet & South Kent Coast provide counselling and support for common mental health problems; anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, phobias and anger, as well as problems with regards to relationships, work or debt.

There are several talking therapy providers in your area so if one has a waiting list why not try another therapy provider go to our list of local NHS Talking Therapy providers which you can find on our NHS Counselling and Therapy page.

This service was provided as part of the IAPT programme, to find out more about IAPT go to: www.iapt.nhs.uk

Turning Point provide the Out There Everywhere substance / drug abuse services in East Kent. You can call them on 01322 278916, or you can access their website by clicking here. Out There Everywhere operates from locations across the county and via a number of ‘Roving Recovery’ vehicles, working to ensure that support is provided for those who need it most, wherever they may be.

• Community drug and alcohol recovery service
• Addresses and prevents problematic drug and alcohol use

www.turning-point.co.uk

Have you seen your GP or Doctor and they have recommended you see a counsellor and get some therapy? University Medical Centre is one of the free NHS funded talking therapy and counselling services available in Kent and Medway. These services are open to everyone aged from 17+.

Are you feeling stressed or depressed or anxious?

Or struggling with a phobia, eating disorder or addiction?

Or if you are looking for someone to help you through a difficult time in life, maybe a friend or relative has died or you’re struggling with fertility of if you have lost your job?

Talking therapies can help all sorts of people in many different situations. Talking therapy is for anyone who’s going through a bad time or who has emotional problems they can’t sort out on their own.

You can refer yourself into this free service and see a NHS funded therapist.

University Medical Centre – 01227 469338 or email [email protected]

University Medical Centre provide counselling and support for common mental health problems; anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, phobias and anger, as well as problems with regards to relationships, work or debt.

There are several talking therapy providers in your area so if one has a waiting list why not try another therapy provider go to our list of local NHS Talking Therapy providers which you can find on our NHS Counselling and Therapy page.

This service was provided as part of the IAPT programme, to find out more about IAPT go to: www.iapt.nhs.uk.

Victim Support can help you if you’ve been a victim of any crime or have been affected by a crime committed against someone you know, victim support can help you find the strength to deal with what you’ve been through. Victim Support is here to help anyone affected by crime, not only victims and witnesses, but their friends, family and any other people involved. You can contact them whether or not you reported the crime to the police. They are just there to support you.

Their services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened.

• National Charity offering support for victims and witnesses of crime
• Run the Witness Service in courts
• Support offered for immediate and historic experience of crime
• They help victims to receive respect, recognition and support
• They help victims to get information and an explanation about the progress of their case
• They help victims to be protected in any way necessary
• They help victims to receive compensation

Telephone: 0845 3899528 or Victim Supportline: 0845 3030900.

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

The YMCA Charity Shop provides workplace volunteering opportunities. If you want to get back into work and need to brush up your CV volunteering is a great way to get started and meet new people.

• Volunteer work placements
• Flexible hours – could be 7 days a week or less than one day
• Supervision 1:1 and support is always available
• Range of tasks, from shop display and retail to lifting boxes, cleaning items, ironing or steaming
• Solitary (backroom) or social (retail) available

Contact: Annmarie (manager) or Nick (assistant manager), address 1-3, Sandgate Road, Folkestone. To see the location of this service on a map click here. Telephone: 01303-249755