Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a neurological disorder that can begin during childhood and persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

What is it?

ADHD is a pattern of behaviour which is usually manifest in childhood, symptoms can include:

• unusually over-active
• distracted all the time, cannot stick to doing something for any length of time
• impulsive, and does things on the spur of the moment without thinking
• has great difficult in concentrating.

Many of us have at least some of these behaviours but do not have ADHD. To have the diagnosis of ADHD, these problems must be severe enough to interfere with how you get on with other people or with how you perform at work or school.

The first steps to have an assessment for ADHD would be to attend your GP who will refer you onto relevant services for an assessment.

Information on ADHD:

Adults:

• NHS Choices: Introduction to ADHD: www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Introduction
• NHS Choices: ADHD in Adults and Children: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Diagnosis
• Mental Health Foundation: ADHD Information: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/learning-disabilities/a-to-z/a/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
• UK Adult ADHD Network: www.ukaan.org

Children and Young People:

• NHS Choices: ADHD Symptoms in children and young people: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Symptoms
• Mental Health Foundation: Children and Young Persons ADHD: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/a/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
• Hyperactive Children’s Support Group: www.hacsg.org.uk
• Royal College of Psychiatrists guides for parents of children and young people: www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/parentsandyouthinfo/parentscarers/adhdhyperkineticdisorder

Kent Family Parenting Service run sessions for parents who need confidence supporting a child with ADHD for more about this go to: www.cxk.org/adults/parenting-and-family/kent-parenting-service

AADD-UK also run an online forum for those affected by ADHD: aadduk.proboards.com/

Age Concern Dementia Outreach covers the Deal and Sandwich area. Age Concern Dementia Outreach provide free one to one ongoing support, advice and information to those who care for an older person suffering with Dementia. The type of support given will be agreed with the persons main care giver in order that the everyday stresses and strains associated with that role may be alleviated .

Advice give can include;

• Benefits advice
• Information about other services available
• Befriending or just a friendly face to visit you and the person you care for .
• Social lunches and information days are also organized to provide carers with the opportunity to meet others in similar circumstances

For more information contact Gemma Cranthorne on 01304 372608 or 0751 9836729 or email her at: [email protected].

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.

Hythe & Lyminge Jubilee Day Centre: 63 Station Road, Lyminge, CT18 8HQ. To see this AGE UK location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01303 269602.

Dover Town & Rural: Riverside Centre, Maison Dieu Road, Dover, CT16 1RL. To see this AGE UK location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01304 207268.

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

http://www.ageuk.org.uk

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.

Age UK aims to improve later life for everyone through our information and advice, services, campaigns, products, training and research

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

Address: 65 Shaftesbury Avenue Cheriton Folkestone Kent CT16 4NS. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone Nos: 01303 279621/279031

For their websites follow the links below:

www.ageconcernfolkestone.co.uk

www.ageuk.org.uk

If you are based in East Kent there is free alcohol awareness training for organisations, this training is known as the IBA (Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice) programme.

What is the IBA Programme?

The IBA programme is a half day course will equip participants with knowledge about alcohol and useful techniques to help individuals to reduce their drinking. During the training you will develop confidence to raise and respond to alcohol issues in your everyday working practices. You will:

• Learn about the effects and health impacts of alcohol.
• Develop skills in using simple screening tools.
• Develop skills and techniques to deliver simple advice.

The course is available free of charge to all organisations. If you are interested you can book a training event or register for the next scheduled event, email: [email protected]

Alcohol Concern run a 24 helpline which is free and confidential which can put your in touch with your local alcohol services. If you or someone you care about is affected by alcohol, Alcohol Concern can help.

24 hour helpline on 0800 9178282 - which is free and confidential and they can put you in touch with your local alcohol service; they will also help you if you are worried about someone else’s drinking.

www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous is for people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

• Support for Alcohol addiction and misuse
• Group and peer support

Local groups meet all over the region:

You can find your local support group meeting by clicking here.

For more information about local services call: 0845 769 7555 or email [email protected]

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

The Alzheimer’s Society – Kent and Medway, provide help, support and information to people with dementia, their carers and families.

The Alzheimer’s Society – Kent and Medway services include:

• Dementia Cafés: Dementia Cafés provide an opportunity to meet regularly and talk about living with dementia in an informal social environment. They provide opportunities for people with dementia, family members and carers to ask questions of professionals and learn from the experiences of others.
• Peer Support Groups: Peer Support groups are facilitated sessions and provide the opportunity for sharing experiences and learning from peers, in a safe, non-clinical environment. People with dementia can ask questions, receive information, express themselves and share their perceptions of living with dementia. Peer support groups are not intended for people with dementia and carers to attend together. A short assessment will take place before joining the group.
• Dementia Support Workers: Dementia Support Workers provide information, guidance and practical support to help people understand dementia, cope with day to day living with dementia and prepare for the future. The service also supports people to access other services. A Dementia Support Service is specific to each person’s needs and is decided in agreement with them. The service provides one to one support to people with dementia and carers and can be provided face to face, over the telephone or via written communication. We have two Dementia Support Workers in East Kent.
• Service User Review Panels: Service User Review Panels (SURPs) are small groups of up to 8 people with dementia who are involved in influencing issues beyond their own care. SURP members meet regularly for a limited period.

Address: Alzheimer’s Society, 3+4 Lemanis House, Stone Street, Lympne, Kent, CT21 4JN.

Telephone No’s: Local office: 01303 260674 or National Helpline: 0300 222 11 22

Email: [email protected]

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

A culturally sensitive listening and information service for the Asian community in Kent, The service is for anyone affected by mental health issues - whether they are service users, carers or friends.

Callers may speak to us in Asian languages (Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindu, and Urdu) or English. Open Monday and Wednesday 4pm - 7pm, Tuesday - Thursday 12 noon - 3pm.

Telephone: 0808 800 2073 or email: [email protected]

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

Hope (Kent) provide supported accommodation for homeless ex-offenders or those at risk of offending throughout Kent. Beyond Homelessness works in partnership with the Kent Probation Area of the National Probation Service.

Beyond Homelessness main aim and objective is to support and assist ex-offenders and those at risk of offending by the provision of a secure environment in which residents may acquire the skills needed for independent living.

To find out more go to the Beyond Homelessness website here: www.beyondhomelessness.org.uk or telephone: 01634 819649

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.

Bliss is a charity for the newborn. Bliss offers advice and support to families and friends of anyone with a baby who is in, or has been in, neonatal care. Bliss can also provide advice and information to professionals working with families. Advisers may also refer families to other services, many of them free of charge. The Helpline is free to call from landlines.

Bliss exists to ensure that all babies born too soon, too small or too sick in the UK have the best possible chance of survival and of reaching their full potential.

Bliss believes:

• All premature and sick babies and their families should have the best possible care and support.
• Babies should have the same rights as anyone else.
• The voices of babies and families must be heard.

Bliss run a helpline: 0500 618140 providing family support or you can email them at: [email protected]

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

Reading Well Books on Prescription provides self-help reading for adults based on a range of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias and some eating disorders.

Books can be recommended by GPs or other health professionals. They are available from the public library where they can be borrowed free of charge. The books have been recommended by experts. They have been tried and tested and found to be useful by others.

Tbe Books Can Help scheme covers a range of topics such as:

• Anger Management
• Bereavement
• Confidence Building
• Eating Issues
• Managing Anxiety Compulsive Habits Trauma
• Mood Management Depression

In Kent a GP or other professional can ‘refer’ you onto the scheme, you can then take your referral form to one of the 39 participating libraries. Further details of the Kent Books Can Help scheme can be found by visiting your local library for more information click here.

Medway are also running a similar scheme find more about the scheme in Medway by visiting a library for more click here.

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

The B48s’ offers parents of young children a free drop-in Centre; providing essential support, information and advice. They provide support groups on an array of family focused subjects where problems and concerns can be aired and shared while children play in the well-equipped play area

• Folkestone-based charity
• A drop-in, family support centre
• The service works with children’s centres, to ensure people get the support they need
• For children under 4 years of age (before school)
• Provides support, advice and information for children and their families
• Support groups on various family-focused subjects, such as breast feeding
• Can be freely used for parents to feed and change their baby/toddler, or to use the play area facilities

Contact: Kevin, address: 4 Town Walk, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2AD. To see the location of this service on a map click here.
Telephone: 0800 6335893 or email: [email protected].

To go to their websitefollow the link: www.b48s.org.uk

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is an online resource for men aged 15 - 35. Their website is a comfortable space where they can read stories of other men going through similar experiences and then find out where to get help. They offer information and advice covering a huge range of issues that may help you, from eating disorders and sexuality to work issues and bereavement, and all things in between.

CALM offer a confidential and anonymous phone line and texting service, open 5pm – midnight, 7 days a week for men aged 15 - 35 who are feeling depressed or down Tel: 0800 585858

Their website also has lots of information and advice, to go to their website click here or follow the link: http://www.thecalmzone.net/

Translation facilities are available on request, to use the Text Relay, dial 18001 + 0800 585858.

CAMHS is the out-patient service for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), they offer specialist mental health services to children and young people (up to age 17) and their families.

Growing up can be stressful at times. Feeling sad, lonely, worried, angry, frightened or feeling that nobody understands you are common feelings. CAMHS helps children and young people when they find it hard to cope with their feelings or thoughts, or find it hard to manage their behaviour.

CAMHS provide specialist care and support to young people under the age of 18 suffering from emotional, behavioural or mental health problems. They can help with:

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety
• Attachment disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Psychosis
• Eating disorders
• Conduct disorders

In Kent CAMHS is delivered by Sussex NHS to find out information about their CAMHS Service click here.

www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/kent

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

Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet provide emotional support, information and guidance to people over the age of 18 who provide help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour, who could not manage without their help due to physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.

Becoming a Carer can happen to anyone at any time and affects people from all cultures and of all ages.

Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet can help support carers with financial worries, emotional and physical stress, isolation and loneliness. Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet help to provide emotional support, respite breaks and advice.

Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet work in partnership with other agencies to assist Carers to make informed positive decisions about their own lives.

Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet services include:

• Information - Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet can provide information about support and services available and Carers’ entitlements and rights.
• Support - Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet offer a listening ear, support groups, activities and training for Carers.
• Carer’s Needs Assessment - we carry out Carer’s Needs Assessments on behalf of the local authority.
• Kent Carer’s Emergency Card - Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet administer this free service to provide peace of mind when you are away from the person you care for.
• Health and Wellbeing - Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet offer health and wellbeing sessions to Carers and work with GP’s to identify and support Carers’ own health and wellbeing.
• Assistance with Welfare Benefits - Carers’ Support - Canterbury, Dover & Thanet will help you see if you are entitled to to Carer’s Allowance and the person you care for may be entitled to benefits for example Personal Independence Payment.

Click here for their website or follow the link: www.carers-supportcdt.org.uk

Email: [email protected] or telephone: 01304 364637

Carers’ Support Canterbury, Dover & Thanet are holding a series of events to support Carers Week in June.

Monday 9^th June:

• Coffee Morning and book/recipe/seed swap at The Mean Bean Café 80-81 Biggin St Dover CT16 1BB from 10.30 till 12.00

Tuesday 10^th June:

• Asda Broadstairs, information stand
• pub quiz & lunch in the Magnet Pub Deal, 267 London Road, Deal CT14 9PW. 12:30, quiz 13:00 -15:00 £5.00 per head including quiz and meal. Book now to ensure a place and order your meal.

Wednesday 11^th June:

• Craft Fair – Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal 10.30 a.m. Come along and have a go at crafts.
• Information Stand outside Marks and Spencer, High Street Deal
• Quiz at the Swan in Westgate-on-Sea held every Wednesday 7.30 - 9.30 follow the link for more information.

Thursday 12th June:

• Coffee Morning in the cafe Trinity Resource Centre 10:30 – 12pm
• Canterbury High Street outside M&S- 11 -2

Friday 13^th June:

• Coffee morning in the café at The Horsebridge centre, Horsebridge Rd Whitstable CT5 1AF from 10.45 till 12.30
• Tai Chi Landmark Centre, Deal 14:00 - 1500 £5 Landmark Centre, Deal – Book now to ensure your place.
• Sainsbury Whitstable, Information stand 1 -3pm

For information on all of the Carers Week coffee mornings follow the link.

Website: www.carers-supportcdt.org.uk

CARM (Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh) provide a range of caring and support services for those living in Romney Marsh and other isolated areas. They provide local help and support for people caring as well as providing a social support network.

They run services in the following areas:

Appledore, Brookland, Greatstone, Dymchurch, Lydd, Rolvenden, Tenterden & St. Michaels & Woodchurch

Appledore Christian Centre , The Street, Appledore, Kent TN26 2AE. To see the location of this service on a map click here. Telephone: 01233 758122.

To go to their website follow the link: www.carmromneymarsh.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

Centra Support provides support for people who experience mental illness, older people, domestic abuse, young people, homelessness and learning disabilities with their accommodation needs. Centra Support projects are accommodation based. Centra Support provide a person centred approach, supporting people to achieve their aspirations, working closely with other agencies. There are five mental health schemes in Centra Kent. Four are accommodation based, with self contained flats and communal areas.

The Horizons projects, Archer House and George Culmer Court, are jointly managed with KMPT. People have more intensive support needs around both housing and mental health and may remain in their accommodation for some years. Referrals need to have a diagnosis of a mental illness and to be already receiving support from a CMHT.

Chaucer House and Lower Northdown Avenue are funded to support people with low or medium needs. The aim is for people to be living independently in the community within two years.

There is also another scheme, Release Planning and Re-enablement. (0238 1848729). Centra Support work in partnership with Oxleas NHS Trust with clients in Kent prisons who experience mental health and/or substance misuse issues and who are homeless. Centra Support help identify accommodation and provide a floating support service for up to 3 months upon release from prison.

To find out more about this service go to their website: www.centragroup.org.uk

Addresses and contacts for Centra Support projects:

Archer House, Sittingbourne : 01795 439120 email: [email protected]

George Culmer Court, Margate: 01843 297168

Lower Northdown Avenue, Cliftonville: 01843 223131

Chaucer House, Canterbury: 01227 454631

The Child Death Helpline is there to listen. They understand that the death of a child is one of the most devastating events that anyone may experience. Sometimes the feelings of grief can be so overwhelming that they make everyday living very difficult – they are there here to help. They have a dedicated helpline which offers support to anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, under any circumstances, however recent or long ago.

Your call will be answered by a trained volunteer who has also lost a child and understands the feelings that surround the death of a child. They offer a confidential, safe environment where you can talk openly about your child’s life and death. You can freely express your worries and emotions to someone who understands the day-to-day struggle.

There confidential helpline is open every day of the year.

• Monday to Friday: 10am to 1pm
• Tuesdays: 1pm to 4pm
• Wednesdays: 1pm to 4pm
• Every evening: 7pm to 10pm

You can contact them on their freephone helpline: 0800 282 986 or if calling from a mobile: 0808 800 6019

For more information on the Child Death Helpline go to their website: http://childdeathhelpline.org.uk/

If you are experiencing distress or need to speak to someone outside of the Child Death Helpline opening hours the Mental Health Matters Helpline is there for you 24 hours per day 365 days per year. You can call them on 0800 107 0160 and they have a freephone number for mobiles: 0300 330 5486.

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 Cinnamon Trust enable elderly people to continue to be a pet owner and fosters pets during a period of hospitalisation.

The Cinnamon Trust can help with:

• Walking of pets when their owners are housebound
• Fostering pets when their owners need hospital care
• They also have a Pet Friendly Care Home Register lists of care homes and retirement housing
• Lifetime care for a bereaved pet

Go to their website: www.cinnamon.org.uk or phone: Telephone: 01736 757 900 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

The Citizens Advice Bureau aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.

The Citizens Advice Bureau can help with:

• To provide the advice people need for the problems they face
• Provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities
• Deal Bureau open 10-3 on a Tues And Wed
• Dover bureau open 10-3 on a Tue, Wed and Thurs
• Dover Gateway, Castle Street is open 10-3 on Tue and Wed

Locations:

• Dover Bureau, Maison Dieu Gardens, Dover

• Deal Bureau, Victoria Rd, Deal

Telephone: 07432556772 or email [email protected]

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

The Citizens Advice Bureau aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.

• Provides help and advice for financial, legal, benefits, housing problems
• Debt management
• Website provides links and detailed addresses for local offices and times of opening

Addresses (details on website):

1. 20 Church St. Folkestone, to see this location click here.
2. The Village Children’s Centre, to see this location click here.
3. New Romney Old School House, to see this location click here.

Telephone: 0844 4994118 or 01303 220709

For their local and national website see the links below:

www.shepwaycab.co.uk

www.adviceguide.org.uk

Citizens’ Rights for Older People can help with:

• As an older person do you need help to make a complaint?
• Can you negotiate satisfactory care services for yourself?
• Do you need help filling in benefit forms?
• Is your landlord keeping to his tenancy agreement

They provide a service in the following areas:

• Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks area
• Ashford and Shepway including rural areas
• Thanet, Dover, Canterbury, Swale and the Isle of Sheppey

To find your local service go to the website: www.cropkent.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

Community Learning Disability Teams work with adults who have a learning disabilities. They provide specialist health advice and support to people with learning disabilities, their carers, families and the wider healthcare community. As well as help with health appointments, day activities and respite care. They can help adults with a learning disability to understand more language and help speech by using symbols, photos and signs to teaching people to cook.

For their website follow the link: http://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/home/our-services/community-learning-disability-team-kent/

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

Contact a Family supports families of disabled children across the UK, whatever their condition or disability. Contact a Family provide information, advice and support. Contact a Family brings families together so they can support each other.

Contact a Family can provide:

• Medical Information
• Information about your rights and entitlements
• Advice and Support
• Parent resources
• Workshops and information sessions
• Parent support groups

They have a free helpline 0808 808 3555 or call: Tel: 020 7608 8700 or email: [email protected]

To go to their website go to: www.cafamily.org.uk

Cruse provide bereavement counselling for all. Cruse provides support, counselling and advice and gives you someone to turn to when someone dies.

Cruse provides advice, information and support to anyone who has been bereaved (children, young people and adults), whenever or however the death occurred. The service is provided by trained, experienced volunteers, and is confidential and free. Cruse provides Can offer:

• someone to talk to face-to-face, or
• on the telephone
• online support
• groups – some bereaved people find it helpful to talk to others in similar circumstances
• information – about many aspects of bereavement and other sources of help and support
• face-to-face, telephone helpline and online support for children and young people.
• Support for those bereaved by death
• Supports military families
• Provides training in bereavement support

Swale Helpline: 01795 844069
East Kent Helpline: 0845 603 0024

These help lines have a 24-hour answerphone facility. Please leave a message including your name and telephone number and one of our Bereavement support volunteers will get back to you as soon as possible.

National helpline: 0844 477 9400 or Email: [email protected]. To go to the national Cruse website click here or follow the link: www.cruse.org.uk.

Cruse provide bereavement counselling for all. Cruse provides support, counselling and advice and gives you someone to turn to when someone dies.

Cruse provides advice, information and support to anyone who has been bereaved (children, young people and adults), whenever or however the death occurred. The service is provided by trained, experienced volunteers, and is confidential and free. Cruse provides Can offer:

• someone to talk to face-to-face, or
• on the telephone
• online support
• groups – some bereaved people find it helpful to talk to others in similar circumstances
• information – about many aspects of bereavement and other sources of help and support
• face-to-face, telephone helpline and online support for children and young people.
• Support for those bereaved by death
• Supports military families
• Provides training in bereavement support

Cruse Bereavement Care, South Kent Area: Telephone 0844 800 9104 or email: [email protected].

To go to the national Cruse website follow the link: www.cruse.org.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

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. If you want help or advice on how to use the internet safely Cybersmile can help.

Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person. Usually by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. It can be perpetrated by individuals or a group of people and often (but not exclusively) involves teenage and pre-teen age groups.

They have a range of advice and information which includes:

• Parents
• Teenagers
• Pre-Teens
• Adults
• What is Cyberbullying - tech advice and the law
• Sexting
• Cyber Self-Harm

So if you need help and advice go to their website here: www.cybersmile.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

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]

Disability Information Services Kent (DISK) provide a free and confidential information service to any disabled person, the elderly, carers and service providers from both the voluntary and statutory sectors.

• Provides a one-stop point of information to disabled people and their carers.
• Information is held on a wide range of topics and services.
• Can provide one-to-one help with benefit forms. An appointment is required for this service.
• disability, information, benefits, forms

Address: 7, Town Walk, Folkestone, CT20 2AD. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303-226464 or email at: [email protected]

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

The Helpline can give support, help and information over the telephone, wherever the caller might be in the country. The Helpline is staffed 24 hours a day by fully trained female helpline support workers and volunteers. All calls are completely confidential. Translation facilities for callers whose first language is not English, and a service for callers who are deaf or hard of hearing are available.

To find out more about this service and go to the website click the following link: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.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

A food bank or foodbank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty buying enough food to avoid going hungry. If you live in the Dover & Deal area and need this service, find out how you can access the foodbanks here.

Dover: Telephone: 07870 361 180 or email: [email protected] to go to their website click here or follow the link: dover.foodbank.org.uk/

Deal: Telphone: 01304 728428 or email: [email protected] to go to their website click here, or follow the link www.dealarea.foodbank.org.uk. Address: Cafe Eden, St Richards Church, Mill Hill. Deal, CT14 9JR

How do they work?

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and probation officers amongst others identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be exchanged for an emergency supply of food. Each foodbank accepts vouchers from different agencies and professionals and every foodbank has their own way of operating, please see the foodbank website for details of how you can get help.

Some foodbanks also run a delivery service, which takes emergency foodboxes to clients living in rural areas and those who cannot get to a foodbank.
So if you need emergency food please contact your care professional.

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

The Downs Syndrome Association provide information and guidance on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. They also have a helpline and can help those affected by Down’s Syndrome with:

• specialist advisers on benefits
• education and health
• advice for new parents or anyone experiencing difficulties
• advice on employment for people with Down’s syndrome

If you have any questions or concerns about Down’s syndrome their Helpline advisors on tel: 0333 1212 300. They can provide information, support, guidance and signposting to other appropriate organisations. The Helpline is usually open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Callers can access trained helpline advisers. The service may be closed occasionally during these times for operational reasons; if this occurs notice will be given on our website.

For more information go to their website here: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

They also support a local Kent Down’s Syndrome support group called the Kent Wide Downs Group you can go to their website here: www.kentwideds.org

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

East Kent Housing deliver the council housing services on behalf of Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet councils.

If you need to contact them please go through to the contact information on the website as it differs from council to council. Click on the link to get contact information: www.eastkenthousing.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/

Website: www.eastkenthousing.org.uk

East Kent Housing is responsible for:

• Managing improvements to tenants’ homes.
• Collecting rent and helping tenants who are having difficulty in paying.
• Making sure that tenants stick to their tenancy agreements.
• Involving and communicating with tenants including producing newsletters, leaflets and supporting community groups and activities.
• Working with the police, the council and other agencies to reduce anti-social behaviour
• Reletting empty properties, approving mutual exchanges and changes to tenancies.
• Running sheltered housing schemes and organising adaptations to the homes of tenants with disabilities

If you need another service please contact your local council housing office directly for more information on housing go to our Housing page on Live It Well

East Kent Mencap provides opportunities and choices in East Kent for adults and children with learning disabilities and the people who care for them.

Address: New Gateway House, 132 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent CT9 2RB

Follow the link to go to their website: www.eastkentmencap.co.uk

East Kent Mencap have groups and activities all over East Kent, go to their website to find out more information.

• East Kent Mencap listen to people with a learning disability
• East Kent Mencap fight for the changes that people with learning disabilities and their families and carers want and need
• East Kent Mencap support people living with a learning disability in all areas of their lives
• East Kent Mencap give information and advice
• East Kent Mencap work with people and groups that want the same things we do

www.eastkentmencap.co.uk

East Kent Rape Crisis Centre can offer services to men, women and young people across Kent. East Kent Rape Crisis Centre offer face to face counselling for survivors of rape or childhood sexual abuse.

All their services are free and confidential.

• Confidential Telephone Helpline & Support Line
• Free Face-to-Face Counselling
• Advice and Support
• Independent Sexual Violence Advisor
• Workshops/Training

They have a team of trained people who are able to take your calls on the helpline and support line, between 6.30 to 9.30 in the evenings, from Monday to Friday.

Telephone: 0800 458 2818 or email: [email protected] or go to their website here: www.ekrcc.org.uk.

• Are you aged between 14 - 25 years old?
• Is your Eating Disorder starting to take over?
• Worried about how to regain control of your life?

There is free therapy for young adults (aged 14 to 25 years old) with Eating Disorders.We can provide CBT-E therapy for you as well as support for your family and support network.

What is the therapy?

Specialist confidential Eating Disorder counselling using enhanced CBT. CBT-E (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Enhanced) uses cognitive and behavioural strategies to overcome eating disorders and addresses the underlying thought processes that keep eating disorders in place. You will receive a personalised confidential program that fits with your type of eating disorder, it focuses on your individual experiences and your personal difficulties.

For Your Support Network:

Support and guidance training sessions for your family members and in fact anyone who supports you - Schools, teachers, social workers,
carers, siblings, close friends - anyone.

For more information see the poster here or to see the leaflet with more information go to: http://www.liveitwell.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Eating-Disorder-flyer-14-to-25-.pdf

Tel: 0845 527 4809 email: [email protected]
www.therapypartners.co.uk

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 Lives provide help and advice about all aspects of family life that include all stages of a child’s development, bullying, issues with schools and parenting/relationship support.

To find out more follow the link to go to their website: familylives.org.uk

You can also talk to one of their Family Support Workers through Live Chat or email them or call their confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222. You can also share experiences and advice with other parents on their Forums.

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

The Folkestone Rethink Group aims to give mutual support to carers and some users who are affected by mental health issues. The Folkestone Rethink Group provides advice and support and information in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Folkestone Rethink Group meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month 7.00 - 9.00 pm

Address: Mind Resource Center (Social Room), 3 Mill Bay, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1JS. To see this location on a google map click here.

For more information contact: 07941 495532 for details.

There is a network of Winter homeless shelters available in the Folkestone area. The location of the shelter varies please check the website for details of venues and how to access the shelters.

Telephone: 01303 210559 or email: [email protected]

wintershelter.org.uk

• To access us you must be homeless, 18+ and have a connection in Shepway.
• If you have a tenancy agreement you must return to this and seek support from other agencies.
• If you are homeless you will need to be referred by a partner agency and undertake the registration process which includes a risk assessment conducted by a Winter Shelter Project Worker, this can be achieved by visiting the Folkestone Rainbow Centre between 10.00 am and 1.00pm Monday-Friday.
• All referrals must be confirmed as having been received by 2pm. A risk assessment must be undertaken and confirmation of a place given, by a member of shelter staff, before you can be guaranteed a place.
• Please do not just turn up to the shelter – you will not gain entry. Please do not turn up at a venue before 7:30pm – if you have been referred you will have a bed.

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.

Gamblers Anonymous is a group of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to do the same.

Gamblers Anonymous members offer the hand of friendship to anyone who is looking to try and stop gambling. They have local meetings near you to find out more go to their website at the link below.

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

If you are experiencing problems with gambling addiction why not refer yourself into free NHS Talking Therapy services in Kent and Medway, they are based all over and the CBT offered can help with addiction. Find out about your local service at the Live It Well NHS Counselling and Therapy Pages.

Gangsline is there to provide help and support to young men and women involved in gang culture. Gangsline provides some information and advice for young people who may be involved in a gang or at risk of being involved in a gang as well as information and advice for parents who are concerned about their children.

Gangsline also have a Freephone telephone that is available for anyone needing help about gangs: 0800 032 9528 (freephone helpline)

To go to their website: www.gangsline.com

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.

Gingerbread provide expert advice, practical support and campaign for single parents. They have a range of factsheets and advice on practical advice on issues such as money, work and family. If you can’t find what you’re looking for their helpline advisers are only a free phone call away.

So if you are looking for information and advice on any of the below topics (and more) and are a single parent Gingerbread can help:

• Child maintenance
• Contact
• Single Dads
• Employment
• Education
• Welfare benefits and tax credits
• Housing
• Debt, money and benefits.

The Gingerbread Single Parent Helpline is open as follows:

Mondays: 10am to 6pm,

Tuesdays / Thursdays / Fridays: 10am to 4pm

Wednesdays: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm.

Phone today for free, on 0808 802 0925.

For more information or to see the advice and factsheets available go to the Gingerbread website at: www.gingerbread.org.uk

Grandparents Plus is a charity that supports and promotes the role of grandparents and the wider family in children’s lives – especially when they take on the caring role in difficult family circumstances. Grandparents Plus offer:

• advice and information on welfare benefits and other sources of financial support, and a wide range of other issues including employment, housing, debt, social care and education
• signposting to other appropriate organisations. Grandparents Plus can give more information about the services Grandparents Plus offers kinship carers – grandparents and other members who are raising a relative’s child – including the national Support Network for the wider family raising children

Grandparents Plus run two advice lines for help and support. Calls to their Advice Line and Helpline cost the same as calls to any geographical (01 or 02) phone number, whether you are calling from a landline or a mobile. If you have an inclusive calling plan your free calls will include calls to this number. At busy times or out of hours please leave a message and they will get back to you.

Family and Friends Advice Line: for those looking after a relative’s child. Call Grandparents Plus Family and Friends Advice Line on 0300 123 7015 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday. They provide a free, confidential and impartial service run by experienced and sympathetic professional advisers or email: [email protected]./uk.

Grandparent Contact Helpline: for those who’ve lost contact with a grandchild. If you have lost, or are losing, contact with your grandchild Grandparents Plus friendly team of trained staff and volunteers can offer confidential support. Call the Grandparent Contact Helpline on 0300 033 7015 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday or email: [email protected].

To find out more about Grandparents Plus and the work that they do go to their website: www.grandparentsplus.org.uk

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

Harmless supports people who Self Harm and their families and carers

They have:

• Factsheets and information
• Some coping strategies
• Harmless Workbook

For more information follow the link: www.harmless.org.uk or email: [email protected]

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

Health Help Now aims to help people find the right service in Kent and Medway for their health needs, especially when they need medical help fast but it is not a life-threatening emergency.

If you require urgent treatment for symptoms which are not listed on Health Help Now, please ring NHS 111.

Health Help Now has been developed with input from local GPs, hospital doctors, and other health professionals. It lists common symptoms and offers suggestions for treatment. The one which works best for most people is listed first and the other suggestions follow in order. Health Help Now then links through to local services, and shows whether they are open or closed and their location.

To find out more follow the link: www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net

Healthy Start provides vouchers every week to spend in milk, plain fresh, frozen fruit and vegetables and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins. You could qualify if you are least 10wks pregnant or have a child under 4, if you’re on benefits, or if you’re pregnant and under 18.

To find our more and if you qualify follow the link: www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/do-i-qualify or phone: 0845 607 6823.

To find out more go to the website by following the link: www.healthystart.nhs.uk

The Hearing Voices Network is a network and support service for people who hear voices, their families and carers.

Telephone: 0114 271 8210 or email: [email protected]. To find out more go to their website by following the link: www.hearing-voices.org.

The Hearing Voices Network provides information, support and understanding to people who hear voices and those who support them.

The aims of the network are:

• To raise awareness of voice hearing, visions, tactile sensations and other sensory experiences
• To give men women and children who have these experiences an opportunity to talk freely about this together
• To support anyone with these experiences seeking to understand, learn and grow from them in their own way

www.hearing-voices.org

Help for Hoarders is an online resource providing information, support and advice for hoarders, and their family and friends.

Help for Hoarders has tools, tips and help for people who hoard as well as a online forum for those wanting to contact people in similar situations.

If you need help and support on hoarding then this is a good place to start.

To find out more go to their website by following the link: www.helpforhoarders.co.uk

Hi Kent is the local charity for deaf and hard of hearing people. Hi Kent have offices and clinics all over Kent and provide statutory assessments for people over the age of 65.

Hi Kent offer:

• 220 free aftercare clinics for hearing aid users, in local communities.
• 29 free Lipreading classes to help restore the ability to communicate
• Teach British Sign Language (Levels 1, 2 and 3) and run Deaf Awareness Courses.
• Stock a range of assistive equipment to help people in their daily lives see our on-line shop
• Statutory assessments for people aged over 65, on behalf of Kent County Council.

Telephone Maidstone 01622 691151 or Canterbury 01227 760046

http://www.hikent.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

Homeless UK is an online resource providing advice and information on services, day centres and hostels. Find services or accommodation if you are having housing problems.

To go to the website click here, or go to the following link: www.homelessuk.org

To search for all services click here.

To search for accommodation click here.

Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place, where young people who are facing grief can share their stories with others. At Hope Again you will find information about our services, a listening ear from other young people, and advice for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. Hope again provides somewhere to turn to when someone dies.

How Hope Again can help

• Hope Again offers a range of services, including support face to face and in groups, as well as telephone and email support. Contact your local service Here to find out what’s on offer where you live.
• Hope Again services are provided by dedicated and skilled volunteers in local communities who support children, young people and adults through grief.
• Hope Again can offer a safe, youth friendly space where young people can work through their grief in their own time and own way accompanied by a trained and experienced volunteer who will work individually with the young person over a period of 6-8 weekly sessions.

Contact Hope Again: call the free phone helpline: 0808 808 1677 Monday-Friday, 9:30am - 5:00pm.

National Helpline: 0844 477 9400 or email: [email protected]

For more information about Hope Again go to their website here: hopeagain.org.uk

The Hythe Umbrella Club is open to anyone in the Hythe area. If you’re feeling lonely or isolated or just need to talk why not drop in for free at the Hythe Umbrella Club.

Where: The Methodist Church Hall, 114 Sir John Moore Avenue, Hythe, CT21 5DG. To see this location on a google map click here.

Opening Times: Monday 2pm - 4pm and Thursdays 12.30pm - 4pm (lunch available on Thursdays at nominal price)

Social activities and outings for people in the Hythe area.

The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service - East Kent provides a service to adults, young people and children, who have experienced recent or historical sexual violence or coercion, for example rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, trafficking for sexual purposes or abuse in the sex industry.

They offer emotional and practical support (whether reported to the police or not), and can give assistance regarding the police and criminal justice system, housing, welfare and community services, counselling etc.

Please feel free to contact the ISVA service to talk about how they can be of help on call them on 01227 826900 or email to [email protected]. This is a confidential service.

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.

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

Jobcentre Plus Folkestone can help you with all areas of employment, from job seeking, job opportunities and looking for work or making changes to a claim.

• All areas of help and support for employment locally
• Combined jobsearch and benefits service for people of working age
• Personal advisers assist with jobsearch activities and benefits claims
• Access to Jobpoint terminals for information on job vacancies
• Part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Jobcentre Plus network

Address: Palting House, Trinity Rd, Folkestone CT20 2RH. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 0845 6043719

Jobcentre Plus Dover can help you with all areas of employment, from job seeking, job opportunities and looking for work or making changes to a claim.

• Combined jobsearch and benefits service for people of working age.
• Personal advisers assist with jobsearch activities and benefits claims
• Access to Jobpoint terminals for information on job vacancies
• Part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Jobcentre Plus network

72-75 Maison Dieu Road, Dover, CT16 1NN to see the location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 0845 604 3719, to go to the website click here.

www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

KCA Young Persons’ Services provide friendly and expert advice and information about drugs and alcohol to 10-17 year olds with options considered for lifestyle changes and choices.

Referrals can be self-made or someone can contact the organisation on the young person’s behalf.

Address: 34 Simmonds Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3RA

Telephone: 01227 456 744

www.kcayps.org.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

Kent Advocacy provides a single point of contact for all advocacy services in Kent. An advocate is someone who can both listen to you and speak for you in times of need. Advocacy is there to ensure that your views are heard and your rights defended, particularly at a time when you either feel or are unable to speak up for yourself. Unfortunately some people find that their views and opinions are sometimes not taken seriously and that their opportunities may be restricted, and in these cases an advocate can help support you.

Advocacy is there to enable people to:

• express their views and concerns
• access information and services
• defend and promote their rights and responsibilities
• explore choices and options
• protect their rights and entitlements to services
• help people to make their own decisions and choices
• ensure that the client has the opportunity to participate in decisions made about them and more importantly, ensure that they remain central to any and all decisions

To contact Kent Advocacy go to: www.kentadvocacy.org.uk or email: [email protected], tel: 0300 3435 714, text: SEAP + message to 80800.

For more about advocacy go to our advocacy information page: www.liveitwell.org.uk/support-help/advocacy

The Kent Advocacy single point of contact is run by SEAP Kent to find out more about SEAP services in Kent go to their website: www.seap.org.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 Association for the Blind (KAB) provide free, specialist support for children and adults, including those who have learning disabilities and those who are deafblind. This support enables people to be independent and to exercise choice and control over their lives. They are based all over Kent and Medway

KAB can provide:

• Rehabilitation
• Leisure and social support
• A Guide Communicator service providing one-to-one support for people with dual sensory impairment
• Intervenor Service
• Sight Support Service
• Digital Kent Talking Newspapers
• Transcription Service

To find out more about their work or to find your local service click here.

www.kab.org.uk

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

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.

Health Trainers offer free, confidential one-to-one support, to help patients make positive lifestyle changes. They work in the most deprived areas of Kent to reduce health inequalities. They offer up to six free sessions of support, encouragement and practical assistance in local venues. They work with you to establish what changes you wish to make, to develop a personalised behaviour change plan and to provide support and encouragement to enable you to achieve your goals.

Issues they can help you with include:

• accessing local services
• physical activity
• healthy eating
• healthy weight
• stopping smoking
• alcohol/drugs concerns
• reducing stress
• sexual health concerns.

Address: Health Trainer Service, Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton, Eureka Business Park, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4AZ.
Phone: 0800 849 4000 option three or email: Email: [email protected]

How do you use this service?
You can contact the service direct using the information given above or you can be referred by a GP or healthcare professional.

The Kent Healthy Business Awards are Kent County Council’s response to the National Charter for Health & Wellbeing. The Kent Healthy Business Awards are self-assessment standards that can help to improve the health of your workforce and economic performance.

Evidence suggests that a workplace with a staff wellbeing programme, benefits from improved staff productivity, reduced sickness absence and improved staff engagement.

They are also a great way to:

• showcase your people, services and skills
• build your reputation for commitment to best practice in health, safety and wellbeing
• support your business development and tendering activity
• get support in developing policies and procedures
• show your compliance with laws and regulations.

Find out more by going to our Kent Healthy Business Awards information.

The Kent Karrier is a fully accessible dial-a-ride service which takes its members directly from their door to the nearest town centre.

There is a £5 annual administration fee and a small fare payable for each journey.

You are eligible to join the Kent Karrier scheme if:

• you have a medical condition that makes travelling on conventional public transport difficult
• you live in a rural area more than 500 metres from a conventional bus route or railway station.

For more information about the Kent Karrier service in your area follow the link.

For membership enquiries please call Kent County Council on 01622 605349 or click here for an application form (PDF, 59K).

Kent Libraries provide a wide range of services for all including

• Computer access
• Local information and resources
• Staff support
• local groups and societies
• activities for families

Kent libraries offer a wide range of services - from free access to books, computers, internet and information to the hire of music, audio books and films.

To go to the website follow the link: www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/libraries.aspx

Kent Savers Credit Union, Maidstone Community Support Centre, 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH - to see this location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 0333 321 9050 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or e-mail: [email protected]. To go to their website follow the link: www.kentsavers.co.uk

Kent Savers is a financial co-operative, owned and controlled by our own members and running on a not-for-profit basis. They aim to:

• promote saving
• provide our members with loans at reasonable rates

Kent Savers Credit Union are a safer and cheaper alternative to other money lending sources, including payday loans, doorstep lenders and loan sharks, and more accessible than high street banks, who can make it difficult for people with a poor credit history to borrow money.

To find out more follow the link to go to their website: www.kentsavers.co.uk

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 Kent Sport website lists sports and activities throughout Kent to help you get more active.

Telephone: 01622 605054 / 605055 or email [email protected] or to go to their website click here, or go to the following link: www.kentsport.org

Be Active is one of the Six Ways to Wellbeing to find out more about how you can Be Active follow the link.

Kent Support and Assistance Service (KSAS) is available to support you if you are having serious difficulties managing your income or to help if you are facing exceptional pressures as a result of an emergency or crisis.

KSAS may be able to provide short term help if you have no other means of support and if you need support to:

• cope with an emergency
• remain in the community rather than moving into care
• return to the community after being in care or in an institution

What support is available?

If your application is successful, the support offered will be goods and/or services.

They may be able provide you with essential:

• groceries
• items of clothing
• goods for young children (such as nappies or formula)
• household appliances and re-used furniture
• household items (such as bedding)

Support is not offered as cash.

To find out how to apply by going to the Kent Support and Advice here or following the link below:

www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/home-essentials-in-a-crisis or email: [email protected]

Or fill in their online form by clicking here.

Kent Young Carers supports all young carers aged 5-18 across Kent with information, advice, social activities and individual support. If you support someone who would otherwise struggle to look after themselves without your help - mum, dad, brother, sister… and you are aged 5 - 18 then you are a young carer.

Kent Young Carers Website gives information, events, referral forms, links and more to support young carers in Kent.

• Are you at Primary or Secondary School?
• Aged 5 - 18?
• Do you help look after someone at home because they cannot look after themselves?

Kent Young carers gives young carers the opportunity to socialise with other young carers because it is important to know they are not alone in this situation.

To find out more go to the Kent Young Carers website by clicking here, or you can call them on 0300 111 111 0 or email: [email protected]

www.kentyoungcarers.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 It Well Website has a range of information and advice all designed to support your mental health and wellbeing. Find out about the Six Ways to Wellbeing and what people in Kent are doing to support their wellbeing.

We have information on money and benefits, debt help and advice, mental health services and how to get help in Kent and Medway.

We have a unique database of local support and help that is available in your community.

We have listings for all of the NHS Talking therapy providers in Kent, so if you are struggling find out how you can refer yourself into services here.

• Gives advice and links to other services
• Local focus website, with links to social activities, physical health and things to do in Kent and Medway
• Hosts the Live It Library - mental health recovery stories
• Offers support pages, live online support and local information
• Information on how the community mental health teams work and the mental health system in Kent and Medway
• Supports the Six Ways to Wellbeing and has local suggestions to support these - Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice, Give, and Planet - Care
• Employment , money and debt advice
• Information about personal budgets and self direct support
• Information on carers groups and service user networks
• Information on PTSD
• Information on Housing help and support

We are always looking to improve our website so if you have any ideas about how we can help let us know. To go to the home page go to www.liveitwell.org.uk or to contact Live It Well email: [email protected]

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

Mankind aims to support men over the age of 17 who are suffering the continuing effects of childhood sexual abuse and/or adult sexual assault at any time in their life, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or ability.

Mankind can provide:

• 1-1 counselling: an opportunity to talk to someone who understands what you have been through
• Couples / family and friends counselling: A space for you and your loved ones to talk and listen in a structured setting
• Therapeutic groups: help and support t0 realise that you are not alone
• Resource library: downloads incuding leaflets, posters

The services Mankind provide will involve a fee based on a sliding scale according to income. They do not exclude anyone on the basis of their inability to contribute.

Address: Mankind, 1 Brunswick Road, Hove, BN3 1DG

Telephone: 01273 911680 or email: [email protected]

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

Maytree is a charity supporting people in suicidal crisis, if you, or someone you know, could benefit from a one-off stay in a safe and confidential space, please contact the Maytree today on 020 7263 7070 or email [email protected].

The Maytree offer a free 4-night/5-day stay to people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and the opportunity to be befriended and heard in complete confidence, without judgement and with compassion and warmth.

To contact them email: [email protected] or Tel: 020 7263 7070.

To go to their website click here or follow the link: www.maytree.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]

MGEDT – Men Get Eating Disorders Too, supports men with eating disorders and their carers and families.

MGEDT aims to:

• To provide information and advice about eating disorders that is specific to men’s needs.
• To enable men with eating disorders, carers and their families to connect with others in similar situations to ease the isolation and provide pathways to support.
• To increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of eating disorders in men amongst the wider community.

MGEDT provide information that is specific to the unique needs of men and provides an online space for those affected to get their voices heard.

MGEDT provide support and information for men with eating disorders. They have a peer network and online forum, one for men needing support with their eating disorder and one for carers / families, friends.

You can access their forums through the website here: mengetedstoo.co.uk/services

To go to the Men Get Eating Disorders Too website go to: mengetedstoo.co.uk

Mental Health Action Groups (MHAG’s) provide a local forum for Mental Health information, support and expertise across Kent.

Mental Health Action Groups are an active platform and welcome everyone to participate in equal partnership to improve the lives of people living with mental health issues and their carers, both locally and county-wide.

They aim to:

• Make positive change
• Make links and network
• Improve services
• Inform commissioners and providers of mental health services
• Combat stigma and discrimination
• Campaign

They meet regularly across the county and you can find the dates and venues and meeting dates by following the link.

To join a Group or to find out more about what is happening locally to you go to the local news pages and click on the area of Kent or Medway closest to you or contact: [email protected]

liveitwell.org.uk/local-news - for the local news pages.

To find out about the County Mental Health Action Group follow the link.

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

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

The MindEd online resource provides information and advice concerning children’s mental health and wellbeing. The MindEd online resource is for concerned children and their families to seek help and advice. MindEd directs visitors to sections including ‘risky behaviour’, ‘eating disorders’, ‘sexual orientation and gender’ and ‘being a parent in the digital age’ for expert advice.

Topics on the website include:

• Should I Be Worried?
• What To Do In A Crisis
• Death And Loss (Including Pets)
• Trauma And Coping
• Talking To My Child
• Who Can Help Us?
• Building Confidence And Resilience
• Parenting In A Digital World
• Refusal To Go To School
• Bullying And What To Do As A Parent
• Sexual Orientation And Gender
• Eating Disorders

The website has been developed by the The Department for Education and Department of Health

To go to the MindEd webpage follow the link: minded.e-lfh.org.uk/families/index.html

Have you heard about Mindfullness and being Mindfull for your mental wellbeing and wondered what it is referring to?

It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much. Paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental wellbeing. Some people call this awareness ‘mindfulness’, and you can take steps to develop it in your own life.

Mindfullness is a form of meditation that uses breath as form of concentration. By focusing on breathing practicing mindfulness helps bring the individual back to focus on the present moment and enables people to focus on all of the experiences it contains.

Mindfullness is a way of becoming more aware of our thoughts and feelings, this may not sound like an obviously helpful thing to do, however learning to do this in a way that suspends judgement and self-criticism can have an incredibly positive impact on our lives. Mindfullness helps us to do this. Mindfullness cannot eliminate life’s pressures but it can affect how we respond to these pressures by enabling us to be calmer – this benefits the brain and the body. Practicing Mindfullness can help us to be fully present in our life and work and can help improve both.

Go to Live It Well’s Mindfullness information with links to free downloads by following the link.

Missing People is a charity that helps you look for missing people on behalf of the friends and family left behind and they are there is you are thinking of running away or going missing.

If you have gone missing, run away or been forced to leave home, or you know someone who has, the charity Missing People is here around the clock to offer support.

If someone you care for has gone missing they listen in confidence, and support missing people and their families to explore their options and, where possible, to reconnect. For those left behind we provide specialised support to ease the heartache and confusion, and help search for their missing loved ones.

116 000 is the number to call, text for advice, support and options if you or someone you care for it’s free, 24 hour and confidential.

To find out more about their services go to their website: www.missingpeople.org.uk

The Money Advice Service (MARS) are an independent service, set up by government to help people make the most of their money, we give free, unbiased money advice to everyone across the UK – online, over the phone and face to face.

Find free advice, online or on the phone on a wide variety of money matters.

Click here to go to the website, or call 0300 500 5000 they are open 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday and 9 - 1 on Saturday or follow the link: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Find information, advice, online tools and templates on a variety of subjects including:

• Life Stages: Setting up home, having a baby, losing your job, divorce and separation
• Retirement
• Long-term care
• Managing your money better, including: How to review or reduce borrowing & Money saving tips
• Universal Credit and other benefits
• Bank accounts and credit or debit cards
• Scams and identity theft
• Wills and estate planning
• Saving and investing
• Borrowing money
• Debt management
• Homes and mortgages
• Insurance

MoneyForce is the home of money guidance, information and advice for UK Service personnel and their families.

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 Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) was established to help survivors of domestic violence obtain protection against an abuser, as well as offering services to the police, probation service, domestic abuse agency workers, the legal profession and judiciary.

The NCDV specialise in providing free, fast and effective legal support to survivors of domestic violence, usually by helping individuals obtain injunctions from their local county court. This free service is provided to everybody, regardless of their financial circumstances, sexual orientation, race, gender, age, or political or religious belief or otherwise.

Telephone: 0844 8044 999 or to go to the National Centre for Domestic Violence website follow the link: www.ncdv.org.uk

National Debtline is a national telephone helpline for people with debt and money problems. The service is free, confidential and independent.

National Debline will help you go through the best options for clearing your debt problems. The specialist advice that they give over the telephone is backed up with written self-help materials which they can send out to you for free.

You can access their website by clicking here.

Telephone: 0808 808 4000 Monday – Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9.30am-1pm

They also provide downloadable guides to dealing with your debt, for more information click here.

https://www.nationaldebtline.org

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

There is a national stalking helpline now available for those who need help and advice about stalking.

What is stalking?

It is hard to give an exact definition of stalking because stalkers will often use multiple and differing methods to harass their victims. Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted causing you fear, harassment or anxiety then it is stalking.

The National Stalking Helpline has trained advisors are ready to take your calls. Call them anytime until 4pm on 0808 802 0300 09:30 – 16:00 Weekdays (except Wed 13:00 – 16:00)

Their website has a range of advice and a forum, for their website go to: www.stalkinghelpline.org

New Romney Counselling Service aims to help you feel in charge of your own life and to support you in working towards a more satisfying way of living.

They can help with:

• Stress or Anxiety
• Domestic Violence
• Bereavement
• Loneliness
• Lack of Self Confidence
• Sexual Abuse (including Rape)
• A Broken Relationship
• Loss of Work
• Couples Counselling

New Romney Counselling Service is for adults and children, primary MH care, for a wide range of issues. New Romney Counselling Service is a charitable organisation asks £10 donation from those in paid work.

Address: The Centre, North Street, New Romney, TN28 8DW. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01797 367809. For their website follow the link: newromneycounselling.co.uk

OCD Action a national charity focusing on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They provide support and information to anybody affected by OCD.

OCD Action has:

• A helpline for information and advice about OCD
• A range of information and support which you can find by following this link: www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info
• An online forum that you can contact through their website www.ocdaction.org.uk

The OCD Action Helpline and Email Service is a confidential and unbiased service offering help, information and support for people with OCD, carers and anyone who is concerned that they, or their friends or relatives, may have OCD or a related disorder.

The helpline is 0845 390 6232. Calls are charged at a local rate from a standard BT land line, mobile phone charges may vary.

Dependent upon volunteer availability: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5pm. If they don’t have a volunteer available please leave a message and they aim to call you back within 24hrs of your call. They can also call you back in the evening. To email them use: [email protected]

www.ocdaction.org.uk

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts, often followed by repetitive compulsions, impulses or urges. OCD-UK has a wide variety of resources and help for people who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and their families and carers.

They provide information on:

• How to access help and support
• Advice and guidance
• Support Groups
• Publications
• & many more

They also run a helpline that is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Telephone: 0845 120 3778 or email: [email protected] or go to their website here: www.ocduk.org

The Offenders’ Families Helpine provides information and support for families who have come into contact with the criminal Justice System as a result of a family member’s offending behaviour. You can find lots of information on this website about what to expect if a member of your family is:

• Arrested
• Charged
• Going to Court
• How Bail Works
• Community Sentences
• Prison
• Rights in Custody
• Release

The information provided on this website aims to help you understand what will happen next and explain the terms and processes you may come across in your journey through the Criminal Justice System.

They also run a helpline 0808 808 2003 which is open:

Monday - Friday 9am – 8pm

Saturday and Sunday 10am – 3pm

or you can email them for more advice: [email protected]
www.offendersfamilieshelpline.org

They can also provide information and support for families through their interpreting/translation services for those whose first language is not English.

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

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:

Papyrus provide confidential young suicide prevention advice. If you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide Papyrus can help support you. They will listen to you in confidence and try to help you deal with your own suicidal thoughts or cope with someone else who may be feeling this way.

Tel: 0800 068 4141, email [email protected] or text: 07786 209697 (you do not have to give your name or whereabouts.)

Mon-Fri 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Weekends 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Or go to their website by clicking here or following the link: www.papyrus-uk.org

The Freephone HOPELineUK ran by Papyrus is a specialist telephone helpline service staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgmental support, practical advice and information to:

• children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about themselves
• anyone who is concerned about a young person

Payplan also offer free debt help and solutions which includes free debt management plans and Individual Voluntary Arrangements or IVAs.

Pay Plan have experienced advisers provide free, independent and impartial advice on the best solution for your circumstances, including:

• Free Debt Management plans
• IVAs
• Free debt advice
• Secured Loans
• Equity Release

They will work with you to regain control of your finances.

Pay Plan run a free debt advice line 0800 280 2816 from 8am - 9pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. They also have a lot of information on their website to help you get debt free, to access this click here.

www.payplan.com

The Blue Cross run the Pet Bereavement Support Service. If you are affected by the death of a pet the Pet Bereavement Support Service has a freephone helpline which is open everyday.

Call the support line on 0800 096 6606 (UK only including northern Ireland). The support line is open from 8.30am - 8.30pm everyday.

All calls are free and confidential from a landline.

Support is provided by trained volunteers. The service does not offer a counselling service but is able to offer emotional support and information for pet owners who may be experiencing the loss of a pet.

Alternatively you can also email the Pet Bereavement Support Service on [email protected].

To find out more about the service go to the website: www.bluecross.org.uk/2083/pet-bereavement-support-service.html

PetLink is a pet fostering service for families fleeing domestic violence run by the Raystede centre. Pets can also get caught up in the distress when a family splits through domestic violence and can easily become a target for the abuser, resulting in injury or even death.

The Raystede centre believes that animals should have the same access to safety amidst such violence as their human owners. Their PetLink service is part of a multi-agency group ‘The Links Group’ across the UK; members include leading organisations working with domestic violence and animal welfare.

PetLink offers temporary, loving family homes for pets from families fleeing domestic abuse until their owners are in a safe home, where we can reunite them. This can take between six and nine months.

The PetLink service covers Kent and Sussex and has helped many families and pets since it started in 2008.

For more information go to their website: www.raystede.org or for information on the PetLink service follow the link.

To telephone the Ray Stede call: (01825) 840252 or email them at: [email protected]

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

The Primary Care Community Link Service works alongside your GP practice. It is there to help you find a way through to problems you are facing by building your confidence, helping you to feel more included in your community and help you to address any issues that may be affecting your housing or ability to live as independently as you would like.

Telephone: 0800 567 76 99 (or 0300 365 76 99 from a mobile) or email: [email protected]

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

Support and advice is provided in a range areas including:

• Money
• Housing
• Education, training and volunteering
• Community involvement
• Health
• Drugs & Alcohol
• Confidence

Support is completely free and can last for up to 8 weeks. The service is open to adults (18+) living in Kent who feel that their circumstances have affected their mental health and well-being. Speak to your GP and ask them to complete a referral form for you. If you prefer, you can refer yourself by phone or email and they will let your GP know that you have been in touch.

www.porchlight.org.uk

The Prisoners’ Families and Friends Service can provide telephone and email advice and information for prisoners’ friends and relatives.

The Prisoners’ Families and Friends Service can send you a pack of useful information about:

• prison visits
• prison transfers
• home detention curfew (tagging)
• preparing for release,
• where else to get help and more

Their Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3444 the helpline is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm or you can email them on: [email protected].

They also have a wide range of factsheets online that you can access here: www.pffs.org.uk/faqs

To find out more about the work that they do and how to access help go to their website here: www.pffs.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

Project Salus previously known as Kent Safe Schools, offers a range of innovative services in Kent to benefit children, young people, their families, schools, educational settings, professionals and communities, and is developing services to be delivered across the whole of the South East of England.

They run the Spark Project in collaboration with schools, other agencies, families and communities to identify, access and support children and young people who are at risk of or experiencing mental health difficulties. This is achieved through accurate identification and referral, needs led targeted support for children and young people, and support, guidance and training for staff working directly with children and young people. To find out more go to their website by clicking here.

www.projectsalus.co.uk

Prospects is Porchlight’s Mental Health Supported Housing project in Dover. Prospect offers the facility to accommodate seven people for the duration of their tenancy (up to two years). Prospect is staffed 9-5 Monday to Friday by two Mental Health Support and Resettlement Workers who are based on site at the well being and sensory centre. Each flat is a one bedroomed self contained unit with residents having their own bedroom, lounge, kitchen and bathroom.

Prospect aims to promote independence for eventual move-on into permanent accommodation. Each resident is assigned a keyworker , offering support in areas of social inclusion, signposting, employment, housing, budgeting, education, voluntary work, and emotional and mental well being, whilst liaising closely with the Community Mental Health team.

Referrals for Prospects are required to be submitted via the mental health team, and applicants must have a designated mental health professional in place. Please telephone 01304 205809 for all enquiries relating to Prospects

To find out more go to: www.porchlight.org.uk

The Rainbow Centre Folkestone provide a range of help and support to people in crisis or needing extra help as well as investing in children’s early years’ development.

• Crisis drop in Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm – providing support to those who are homeless, vulnerably housed and individuals who have had benefits sanctioned
• Washing facilities at the Centre, i.e. Shower, spin dryer and washing machine for homeless to use
• Working in collaboration with other local agencies at the Rainbow Centre to offer support and help with accommodation, floating support referrals
• Foodstop service - Mobile soup kitchen 3 times a week for the homeless
• Winter shelter provides beds for homeless in local churches from December through to February
• Support for parents including two Pre-schools for 2 – 5 year olds in Folkestone
• Contact centre – supported contact for parents fortnightly

Contact: Richard Bellamy (manager), address: Cornerstone, 69 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2AF. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303 850733 or email: [email protected]

For their website follow the link: www.folkestonerainbowcentre.org.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

If you have been a victim of revenge porn the revenge porn helpline is there to help you.

What is Revenge Porn?

Revenge Porn is a term used to describe sexually explicit media that is publicly shared online without the consent of the pictured individual. Content is often uploaded by ex-partners with an intention to shame or embarrass an individual, linking content to the persons other online content, such as Facebook, LinkedIn or even work websites, along with personal information including addresses and telephone numbers. Sometimes this content is also directed at family members to cause maximum harm to the victim

Victims and support professionals can contact the Revenge Porn helpline between 10-4, Monday to Friday by telephone: 0845 600 0459*, or anytime via email [email protected] or they have an anonymous online reporting tool Whisper which you can access by clicking on the link.

To find out more about how they can help go to their website: www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk

The Revenge Porn Helpline has been funded by the Equalities Commission to provide a dedicated support service for anyone affected by this issue in the UK. Victims come from all backgrounds, male and female. Some incidents are perpetrated by ex partners, some by strangers, via hacking or stolen images. Whatever your circumstances, Revenge Porn Helpline will do their best to help

*This helpline is a Lo-call rate from BT landlines, with a maximum charge of 5p per call. Calls from mobiles will cost significantly more, however they are always happy to return calls on request. The Helpline does not operate a call queuing system, protecting callers from unexpected call charges.

Roadpeace is a national organisation supporting those affected by bereaved or injured in road crashes and also those who are concerned about road danger.

They provide support services for road crash victims which includes:

• Emotional Support - including helpline and befriending
• Practical Support - information about investigations and prosecution
• Advocacy - help and support in legal cases

Roadpeace also run a helpline Monday - Friday 9 - 5, telephone: 0845 4500 355.

Or to go to their website follow the link: www.roadpeace.org

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.

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

Deal: Contacts: Kook Hwan Rho and Hean Suk Choi, The Salvation Army Deal Corps, West Street, Deal, Kent CT14 6AZ
Tel: 01304 375 398 or to go to their website http://www.dealsalvationarmy.org

Dover: The Salvation Army, Dover Outreach Centre, 30 Harbour View Road
Dover, CT17 0NZ. To see the location of this service on a map click here.
Telephone: 01304 240343 or email: [email protected]

Folkestone: Contacts: Linda Richards (Community Care Manager), Captains Matthew and Lynne Clifton address: 75-77, Canterbury Road, Folkestone. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303 250090 or email: [email protected]

• Breakfast club
• Winter night shelter, Dec-Feb
• Support with rehousing
• A shop selling donated furniture
• Work with prisoners and their families
• Mother and toddler playgroups, Mon-Fri
• Health groups – men’s health, blood pressure, healthy eating, money management
• Food parcels, blankets, sleeping bags to those in need
• Lunch club on Thursdays
• Women’s groups for the over-60s

housing, homeless, breakfast club, winter shelter, prisoners, food, women’s group, mens health, family, pre school, debt help, prisoners, carers,

The Samaritans provide 24 hour help 365 days a year.

Telephone 116 123 or email: [email protected]

(this phone number works even if you do not have credit on your phone)

You can’t really generalise how struggling to cope can make you feel or act, but if you think these symptoms sound like you or someone you know, please get in touch with the Samaritans

• Lacking energy or feeling tired
• Feeling restless and agitated
• Feeling tearful
• Not wanting to talk to or be with people
• Not wanting to do things you usually enjoy
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
• Finding it hard to cope with everyday thing

Talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

The Samaritans provide face to face and phone contact for mental distress, suicide, self-harm, isolation.

To find your local branch follow the link www.samaritans.org/branches

For their websitego to: www.samaritans.org.uk

Sanctuary Supported Living offer housing related floating support, which is a free service, funded by Commissioned Services at Kent County Council and the support can last up to 1 year. The service is available to anyone aged 16 and over in Kent who has a housing related issue and is: Homeless, a council or private tenant, staying with friends or family or a homeowner.

They can help clients to:

• find somewhere to live
• sustain tenancies
• maximise income
• manage bills and debts
• find education/employment/training
• develop independent living skills

For more information click on the relevant link below:

• Floating Support
• Floating Support - East Kent
• Floating Support - West Kent
• Young People - East Kent
• Young People - West Kent

• Dolphin Lodge Hythe
• Nelson House
• St Johns Church Road Folkestone

For more information call: 01905 335730 or email: [email protected] or you can go to their website by following the link: www.sanctuary-supported-living.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

Self injury Support is a charity, support women in emotional distress. Self injury Support particularly help girls and women who harm themselves (often called self-injury). This is how some people cope with their feelings and problems. Self injury Support offers support to women in emotional distress, and particularly to those who self-injure and find the best ways of working with them.

They also have a range of leaflets and guidance on the subject of self harm.

They run a Women’s Self Injury Helpline: 0808 800 8088 which is open on Monday - Friday from 7-10pm excluding Thursdays. You can call them for confidential, non-judgemental emotional support around self injury.

They also run the TESS text and email support service, which is available for girls and young women up to 24yrs who self-injure. Open Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri 7pm - 9pm. Or Text them on 0780 047 2908 or email TESS for more information about this service following the link .

For more information go to their website: www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk

Alternative Sources of Support: Mental Health Matters is there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 0800 107 1060, mobiles 0300 330 5486. For other sources of help go to our need help now pages.

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]

The Shaw Trust Dover & Deal Employment service deliver services support adults experiencing mental health to progress into paid employment.

Address: Shaw Trust, Coleman House, Room 40, Brookfield Avenue, Dover,
CT16 2AH. To see the location of the Shaw Trust Dover on a map click here.

Tel: 01304 226998. For the Shaw Trust website follow go to:

www.shaw-trust.org.uk.

The Shaw Trust can help with:

• Information Advice and Guidance which is individually tailored with a person centred approach
• Personal Employment Adviser assigned to all
• 1-1 sessions, action planning and goal setting and 12 weekly reviews
• Personal Development Courses / Employability skills Course supporting to overcome any barriers to work, build your confidence, self –esteem and motivation
• Develop skills in job searching, CV writing and application form filling and interview techniques
• Job Hub Group job searching, support people to finding voluntary, work placements and paid employment
• Work Experience available in our reception area
• In-Work support for 14 weeks with the view to sustaining employment
• Sign posting to other organisations for individual support needs

Job Retention

• Our employment advisors provide support to both employees and employers to enable a smooth return back to work. Making it a successful and sustainable return to work
• Arranging phased returns to work
• Support to negotiate with employers
• Solution focused in resolving issues within the workplace
• Understanding the needs of early intervention in solving complex issues
• Knowledge of the full range of potential adjustments in the work place
• Understanding of the roles of Occupational Health, Human Resources

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

• Local Authority
• Information on housing, benefits
• One Stop Services : The Civic Centre
  Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 08.30-17.00, Wed: 09.30-17.00
  Magpies, Church Approach , New Romney: Tues, Fri: 09.00-12.30

1. The Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY. To see the location of this service on a map click here.
2. Shepway District Council Homeless Persons Unit (HPU) Coast and Countryside housing Services, Shepway Housing Centre, 3-5 Shorncliffe Rd, Folkestone, CT20 2SQ. To see the location of this service on a map click here.
3. Shepway Independent Mediation Service (neighbour disputes) 01303 227296

Telephone No’s: Main: 01303 853000 Housing: 01303 853700 Revenues and benefits: 01303 853555

Out of Hours Emergencies: 01303 221888

For their website follow the link: www.shepway.gov.uk

A food bank or foodbank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty buying enough food to avoid going hungry. If you live in the Shepway area and need this service, find out how you can access the foodbanks here.

Shepway Foodbank: email: [email protected] at the Rainbow Centre: for more information follow the link: Rainbow Centre

Healthy Start Vouchers: follow the link for more information healthy-start

How do they work?

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and probation officers amongst others identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be exchanged for an emergency supply of food. Each foodbank accepts vouchers from different agencies and professionals and every foodbank has their own way of operating, please see the foodbank website for details of how you can get help.

Some foodbanks also run a delivery service, which takes emergency foodboxes to clients living in rural areas and those who cannot get to a foodbank.
So if you need emergency food please contact your care professional.

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

The Skills Factory supports people who are looking to develop their skills and find work in the Dover area. If you are unemployed and looking for work and looking to develop your skills and work experience in the Dover district the Skills Factory can help you.

They can help with:

• Job seeking support
• Training courses
• Work experience & volunteering
• Support to address practical and emotional concerns

Telephone: 01304 840134 or email: [email protected]

SOBS (Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide) is a self-help, voluntary organisation helping those who have been bereaved or affected by suicide. If you have been bereaved or affected by suicide at any point, there is help available and you do not have to be alone.

SOBS (Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide) services can be accessed as often and for as long as you need them. It doesn’t matter how long it has been since your bereavement happened or what your relationship was with the person who died. If you feel you have been affected by a suicide and you would like to talk about it, SOBS (Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide) are there.

Please contact their National Helpline on 0300 111 5065 9am to 9pm every day.

For more information or to access their resources go to the SOBS website here: uk-sobs.org.uk

To find a local support group go to: uk-sobs.org.uk/we-can-help/local-support-groups

If you are experiencing distress and need to speak to someone now please go to www.liveitwell.org.uk/support-and-help/need-help-now/ or call:

Mental Health Matters Helpline: 0800 107 0160

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

Society of Later Life Advisors helps you find a financial advisor who understands the financial needs of older people.

Telephone: 0845 303 2909 or email: [email protected] or to their website follow the link: www.societyoflaterlifeadvisors.co.uk

The society links those who need advice to an accredited Later Life Adviser who can advise on:

• Equity release
• Long term care funding
• Pensions and annuities
• Investments and savings
• Tax planning (IHT)

www.societyoflaterlifeadvisors.co.uk

The South Kent Community Church provide services to support the homeless and those who have mental ill health. They also run free debt management help.

• Various bases in the area
• Drop in for homelessness/poor housing, mental health and addiction problems (mostly male)
• Bereavement Group
• Debt management through Christians Against Poverty (CAP) group

Contact: Angela Burnett, address: SKCC Office 1-3 Bouverie Rd West, Folkestone Kent CT20 2RX. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303 251155 or email at: [email protected]

For the website follow the link: www.skcc.info

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.

SSAFA provide whatever support is needed for the Forces family. SSAFA provide lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force. They are here for you and your family, whenever and wherever you need us. They will always treat you with dignity and respect.

Call our central team on 0207 403 8783

If you are currently serving in the armed forces they can help with:

• Housing and housing advice
• Family Support Groups
• Adoption for serving families
• Additional Needs and Disability support
• Mentoring for Service personnel
• Professional health and social care
• Personal Support & Social Work for the RAF
• Forcesline confidential helpline
• Support for serving families abroad

If you are an ex armed services veteran SSAFA have trained volunteers can provide practical and emotional help if and when you need it. They also have a network of local branches, which means that help and advice is always close at hand.
Call our team on 0845 241 7141 or send them an enquiry.

They also offer the following specialist services for veterans and their families:

• Housing and housing advice
• Forcesline confidential helpline
• Support for offenders, ex-offenders and partners

For more information go to their main website: www.ssafa.org.uk

For Kent specific help call: 01622 792363 or email: [email protected]

They should be able to answer your calls and emails between: Monday to Friday - 9.00 - 17.00 At other times please leave a message or send an email and someone will get back to you soon

St Giles Trust aims to help break the cycle of prison, crime and disadvantage and create safer communities by supporting people to change their lives. Their services put reformed ex-offenders at the heart of the solution, training them to use their skills and first-hand experience to help others through peer-led support. Around one-third of our staff are ex-offenders who now support others.

Skills and employment services for ex offenders includes:

• On the job training,
• regular monitoring and supervision,
• professional training in a range of areas,
• a one-to-one session with a specialist in disclosure,
• involvement in our Peer Advisor User Group,
• access to employment opportunities and support to move into paid employment
• Work with prisoners towards rehabilitation and support
• Youth offenders and those at list of offending, support and projects
• Supports prisoners in prison and on release towards work and independence
• Support for children and families of offenders

Telephone: 0207 703 7000 or email: [email protected]

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

St Vincent de Paul Society is a charity providing support for anyone in need. St Vincent de Paul Society offer local based and able to offer financial assistance, visiting, support.

The St Vincent de Paul Society work to address poverty and social justice and offer a visiting and befriending service

Contact: Sarah Adams & Moira Goss, address: Our Lady Help of Christians, 41 Guildhall Street, Folkestone. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303 254046/243471

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

Step Change - The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) have been providing free debt help and advice for 18 years. Step Change can give you an instant, no obligation assessment of your debt problem and tailored advice based on your situation to help you get debt free.

You can access their free debt help through their web page by clicking here.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111

www.stepchange.org

Stop it Now! is a child sexual abuse prevention campaign. Stop It Now! supports adults to play their part in prevention through providing sound information, educating members of the public, training those who work with children and families and running a freephone confidential Helpline.

The Helpline is available to:

• adults worried about the behaviour of other adults or children and young people
• those worried about their own sexual thoughts or behaviour towards children, including those with concerns about their online behaviour
• friends and relatives of people arrested for sexual offending, including internet offending
• any other adult with a concern about child sexual abuse – including survivors and professionals

Stop It Now! aims to stop child sexual abuse by encouraging abusers and potential abusers to seek help.

Stop It Now! provide adults with the information they need to recognise worrying behaviour in themselves or others, and with the confidence to take responsible action when they suspect that something is wrong. Stop it Now! want to engage with:

• Family and friends of abusers; to help them recognise the signs of abusive behaviour and seek advice about what action to take
• Adults who have abused or are thinking about abusing a child; to encourage them to recognise their behaviour as abusive and to seek help to change
• Parents of children and young people with worrying sexual behaviour; to give them information about the warning signs and when to seek help

The Stop it Now! Freephone Helpline is 0808 1000 900 and is available from 9.00am - 9.00pm Mondays to Thursdays and from 9.00am - 5.00pm Fridays. Alternatively you can email them on :[email protected].

For more about Stop It Now! and the work that they do please go to their website: www.stopitnow.org.uk

If you have been bereaved by suicide there is a guide called Help is at Hand that can support and advise you through this difficult time. People who have been bereaved by suicide have used their experiences which has lead to this support guide to help others affected by someone taking their own life. When you first learn that someone has died in circumstances that may be due to suicide, you can experience a range of emotions. The Help is at Hand guide brings together information and suggestions on what you might be feeling, practical matters you are likely to have to deal with and suggestions on further help and support in the weeks and months ahead.

The Help is at Hand guide can only attempt to describe some of what you are going through. It is no substitute for talking things over with people: either those close to you or a person from one of the support organisations. It has, however, been put together with the help of people who have been bereaved by suicide and who may have experienced similar experiences.

To download the guide go to: www.supportaftersuicide.org.uk/help-is-at-hand

The resource was created after the Support After Suicide Partnership. The Support After Suicide Partnership believe that:

• that everyone bereaved or affected by suicide should be offered and receive timely and appropriate support
• by working together we can make this vision a reality
• Many of us have been bereaved or affected by suicide. You are not alone. If and when you can, please accept the help and support that is available.

If you need support now go to: our Need Help Now page and see our information on 24 free hour help that is available to you.

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/

Gateway is the new way to find public and voluntary services from a comfortable, modern town centre or high street location.

2 Manor Row, High Street, Tenterten, TN30 6HP. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 08458 247202 or email: [email protected] To go to their web page click here or follow the link www.tenterdentown.co.uk/community-and-living/local-groups/tenterden-gateway

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 Compassionate Friends are a charity that supports bereaved parents and their families after a child dies. The Compassionate Friends is open to all parents whose son or daughter has died at any age and from any cause, and also to grandparents and siblings. The Compassionate Friends are there to offer continuing understanding, friendship, encouragement and hope. The Compassionate friends provides opportunities to listen and share experiences and feelings. They run:

• A Helpline run by bereaved parents.
• A network of local contacts, some of whom may offer to meet one-to-one or hold group support meetings.
• A private online forum
• A range of publications written by bereaved parents, offering both practical and emotional support
• Newsletters and advice
• Occasional bring-and-share days and informal get-togethers
• Legal helpline

To go to the website of The Compassionate Friends go to: www.tcf.org.uk

For their National Helpline call: 0345 123 2304 for support and information daily 10 am – 4pm and 7pm – 11pm or email: [email protected]

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 Miscarriage Association acknowledges the distress associated with pregnancy loss and strives to make a positive difference to those it affects. The Miscarriage Association knows that miscarriage can be a very unhappy, frightening and lonely experience.

They can help with:

• offering support and information to anyone affected by the loss of a baby in pregnancy
• can provide information on those affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy
• support and advice for partners
• a wide range of information and leaflets

They have an online forum and help line: 01924 200799 Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm and you can email them on [email protected]

To find out more go to their website: www.miscarriageassociation.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 Prisoners’ Advice Service offers free legal advice and support to adult prisoners in England and Wales. They do this through our telephone advice line, letters clinic and legal outreach sessions, as well as providing information within the sector.

Telephone 020 7253 3323 or 0845 430 8923 open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30 – 1pm, and 2pm – 5.30 or you can email them on: [email protected]

They also provide an extensive range of information and advice sheets which you can view and download here: www.prisonersadvice.org.uk/information/advice-sheets

For more information on their services go to the website here: www.prisonersadvice.org.uk

The Sailors’ Children’s Society supports people with seafaring backgrounds seeking help for young people who are in need or hardship.

The Society’s purpose is to help Seafarers children who are in full-time education and the families are in severe financial difficulties. The majority of the families they support are single parent. However they do support two parent families where one of the parents is too ill or disabled to work and the other acts as the carer.

Telephone: 0800 0556558 - this will take you through to the Merchant Navy Welfare Board who will allocate you help that best supports your needs.

The types of funding they can help with is:

• Monthly Child Welfare Grants
• School Clothing Grants
• Christmas Grants
• Ad Hoc Grants
• Educational Grants
• Holiday Caravan Scheme

For more information follow the link to go to their website: www.sailorschildren.org.uk

The Shaw Trust deliver services for people at disadvantage so they may gain life and employability skills in order to live more independently, secure sustainable employment and actively contribute to family and community life.

• Employment services for disabled and disadvantaged people
• Social care in partnership with public sector organisations

Address: 7 The Old High Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1RJ. To see the location of this service on a map click here.

Telephone: 01303 211394. For their website follow the link: www.shaw-trust.org.uk

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

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

Tourettes Action is an online resource for people, families and carers of people with Tourettes syndrome. Tourettes Action has a range of support, help and advice about how to deal with Tourettes.

Their information includes:

• Support in dealing with Tourettes syndrome in everyday life
• Advice for young people about what it means to have Tourettes syndrome and where to find support.
• Guidance for parents and pupils on accessing support in school.
• Advice for people with Tourettes syndrome about what it means at work.
• Support in everyday life, including housing, benefits and transport.

Tourettes Action also has a range of services for people living with Tourettes this includes:

• A helpdesk for advice
• Latest events, including regular support group meetings - including find a TA support group near to you
• Online chat forum for people affected by Tourettes

Go to their website by following this link: www.tourettes-action.org.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.

Unlock is a charity that provides information, advice, training and advocacy, dealing with the ongoing effects of criminal convictions.

Unlock provides:

• Information advice and support through their Information Hub, Disclosure Calculator, Online Forum and Online Magazine
• Provide help and support for people with convictions through their Helpline
• They recruit and train people with convictions as volunteers to help support the information and advice we provide
• They run training courses on criminal record disclosure for those that help people with convictions
• They support employers who are handling criminal record information

So if you need help and support following a spell in prison Unlock could help you.

For more information and advice go to: www.unlock.org.uk

Have you been a victim of crime or abuse if you have been Victim Services might be able to help you. If you have Victim Services list a number of organisations out there that can help and support you. The Victims’ Services Alliance is a national network of agencies that are committed to working together to improve services to victims of crime, their families and others who have been affected.

They have listings that include (but are not restricted to):

• Domestic Abuse
• Road collisions
• Knife Crime
• Medical Negligence
• Hate Crime
• Families who have lost a loved one through homicide or murder, including legal advice and support
• Sexual Abuse
• Digital Stalking
• Support After Murder & Manslaughter Abroad
• Support to victims and families following an incident or crisis abroad
• Traveller support

So if you or your family have been a victim of crime the Victim Services Alliance might be able to help you.
Search their online directory here: www.victimservices.org.uk/members

To go to the Victim Services Alliance website follow the link or email them on or go to: www.victimservices.org.uk or email them at: [email protected].

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

Voice 4 Kent is an independent self advocacy organisation run by people with learning difficulties in Kent.

Voice4Kent CIC, International House, Dover Place, Ashford, TN23 1HU

Telephone: 01233 642 726

To find out more follow the link to their website: www.voice4kent.co.uk

Voice 4 Kent can help with:

• Accessible information
• Hate Crime
• Relationships
• parenting
• Employment

www.voice4kent.co.uk

The Warm Homes scheme is a partnership project between Kent County Council and district councils to support residents in Kent and Medway to save energy in their home. The Warm Homes programme can offer subsidised heating and insulation through Energy Company Obligation funding, but you may also need to contribute towards the cost.

Help with gas heating and boiler replacement

To be eligible for funding towards a heating system or boiler replacement you must be in getting certain benefits and have a boiler that qualifies.

To find out more about the scheme go to: www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/campaigns-and-events/warm-homes

or email: [email protected].

The WaterSure scheme is available for certain customers with a water meter. WaterSure allows people to have their bills capped. To qualify for help under the WaterSure scheme, you or someone living with you, needs be entitled to receive one of the following:

• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income based Job-Seekers Allowance
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance

For more information call 0121 644 7500 or email: [email protected]

To go to the website click here.

www.ofwat.gov.uk

Winston’s Wish is a leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK. Winston’s Wish offers practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals. Winston’s Wish offers the widest range of practical support and guidance to children, families, professionals and anyone concerned about bereaved children. Their services give bereaved families the opportunity to talk about and make sense of what has happened, to meet with us and to meet others in a similar situation.

Winstons Wish run a helpline offering support information and guidance to all those caring for a child or young person who has been bereaved.
Winston’s Wish Helpline: 08452 03 04 05 . The helpline is is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and Wednesdays 7pm to 9.30 pm. Calls cost 2p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Winstons Wish also have a downloadable Living with Bereavement booklet which you can access here: www.winstonswish.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/LivingWithBereavement-2014.pdf

To find out more about the work Winston’s Wish do go to their website here: www.winstonswish.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

Young Healthy Minds work directly with children and young people and with the organisations that are also working with them. Young Healthy Minds is for children and young people with issues which may include:

• Anxiety/phobias
• Low mood
• Behavioural difficulties as a result of emotional needs
• Low self –esteem
• Relationship/ social interaction issues
• Loss/ attachment/ bereavement issues

These can be caused by:

• Bullying
• Death or critical illness in family
• Domestic abuse (direct or witness)
• Family break up/ dysfunction
• Sibling conflict
• Poor home environment
• Parenting capacity
• Learning difficulties/ additional needs
• Transitions

Access to the service is predominantly through the Common Assessment Framework process. Young Healthy Minds considers referrals through this process across the whole of Kent. You can find out how to initiate a CAF by accessing the Kent website here.

Parents, children and young people can find more information about the CAF process here.

For more information about Young Healthy Minds go to the link here: www.cxk.org/young-people/emotional-health-and-wellbeing/young-healthy-minds

or call the Young Healthy Minds team on 01233 224242 or by emailing [email protected].

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. YoungMinds is an online resource for professionals, parents and young people through our Parents’ Helpline, online resources, training and development, outreach work and publications.

Young Minds has information and resources for children and young people.

They also help parents and carers to understand their child’s behaviour and enabling them to secure the right professional help for their children. Parents Helpline: 0808 802 554 - 9.30am - 4pm Monday - Friday

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