Mental health problems are common and they affect thousands of people in the UK as well as friends, family and work colleagues. Don’t let perceptions of the social stigma attached to mental ill health stop you from coming forward and getting the help you need.
Mental Health services in Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire, mental health services fall into three broad categories:
• psychological therapies in GP and community settings
• specialist mental health support in inpatient settings or the community
• services provided by the voluntary sector
Mental health teams offer a range of support to help people recover from mental health issues and conditions, including psychological therapies and interventions, 1:1 support and group work.
There is a wide range of specialist mental health support available to people in Gloucestershire – from support in people’s own homes or in the community, to specialist inpatient support. Services are available for people of all ages, and include specialist services for children. In Gloucestershire these services are primarily provided by Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. This includes the Gloucestershire Talking Therapies service which offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which is an evidence-based treatment for common mental health problems. The service was previously known as Let’s Talk.
Where to get urgent help for mental health
If you need help for a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.
It’s important to know that support is available, even if services seem busy at the moment because of coronavirus.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call a local NHS mental health helpline for 24-hour advice and support, access free listening services or view your urgent options here>
If there is an immediate danger to life, please dial 999, or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department. More information about your local NHS crisis teams and other organisations who may be able to help can be found at: www.ghc.nhs.uk/crisis
Alternative options on accessing urgent mental health support is offered on the: the NHS.UK Every Mind Matters urgent support
The mental health charity Mind has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis.
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the UK. You can call them on 116 123 or visit them online.
Urgent but not an emergency?
If you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline (0800 169 0398), but you need help urgently, however it’s not an emergency or you’re not sure what to do, the NHS 111 service can help. The NHS 111 online service, or call 111. You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone who will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Coping under pressure
Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but we know it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. But remember, it is always ok to ask for help – even if you’re not sure you are experiencing a specific mental health problem.
Find out more about mental health and wellbeing and find out how to get help for stress, anxiety or other common feelings here>
If you are feeling weighed down by problems and want help feeling better your first stop should be your GP, where you can find out which therapies and treatments are available.
Find out more about common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression and help that is available here>
The Every Mind Matters website offers a wide range of advice and practical tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing here>
Find out more about additional support available in the county for Young People’s Mental Health
If you have been diagnosed with a mental health problem, the mental health charity Mind has information and advice>
Support for adults with existing mental health problems
If you already have a mental health problem, then you may be finding the COVID-19 pandemic particularly challenging. The following is based on fuller guidance provided by Mind. Rethink has also created an online hub to provide practical support and information that is useful for people living with or supporting people with mental illness.
Speaking to your mental health team
If you are already receiving mental health care, contact your mental health team to discuss how care will continue, and to update safety or care plans.
If you have an existing mental health problem, but are not currently receiving care from a mental health team and feel that you can no longer adequately manage your condition yourself, discuss options for accessing further support with your GP.
Managing difficult feelings or behaviours to do with hygiene, washing or fears of infection
Some mental health problems can cause difficult feelings or behaviours to do with washing or hygiene. If you experience this, you might find it hard to hear advice about washing your hands.
It is important to follow government advice on helping to avoid the spread of COVID-19, but if you find you are going beyond the recommendations, if this is making you feel stressed or anxious, or if you are having intrusive thoughts here are some things you could try:
• let other people know you’re struggling, for example, you could ask them not to discuss the news with you
• breathing exercises can help you cope and feel more in control. You can find a simple breathing exercise on the NHS website and Mind’s pages on relaxation have some tips and exercises you can try
• set limits, like washing your hands for the recommended 20 seconds
• plan something to do after washing your hands, which could help distract you and change your focus
• it could also help to read some of Mind’s tips in their information on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or advice from OCD UK
Managing panic and anxiety
If you have panic attacks or flashbacks, it might help to plan a ‘safe space’ in your home that you can go to.
You can also find ways to comfort yourself if you’re feeling anxious. For example, Mind has games and puzzles you can use to distract yourself, and breathing exercises that may help.
Managing feelings of being trapped or claustrophobia
You are probably spending more time than usual at home so try to get outside if you can. You could also open the windows to let in fresh air, find a place to sit with a view outside, or sit on your doorstep or in your garden if you have one. It can also help to regularly change the rooms you spend time in, if possible, as this can help to give you a sense of space.
Alternatively, take a look at the services listed below detailing a wide range of support in the county and beyond. Please be aware that some of the services offered may be reduced or suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, so visit the sites to check what’s on offer:
The local service supported by Gloucestershire County Council offers support for mild to moderate mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, low mood and self-harm, available on a drop in basis without appointment or assessment, every day of the year between 2-9pm, via...
The Community Wellbeing Service is a free and confidential service for anyone over the age of 16. The aim of the service is to connect you to local services, organisations and groups that can help you to improve your general wellbeing and meet your wider social needs....
GSASS is linked with the Rethink Mental Illness charity and provides a range of support to those affected by bereavement by suicide. They provide support for people aged 18+ who live in Gloucestershire and have been bereaved by suicide. This includes family, partners,...
Universitycompare.com has developed a guide for students managing anxiety when in university halls of residence. They cover important topics, such as: • Understanding and embracing anxiety triggers • Coping techniques and preparing for life in halls • How to deal with...
The largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK.
NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Dad Matters is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire and provides support for dads with children under 3, including antenatal groups and perinatal mental health support groups.
Mothers in Mind is a peer support drop in group for mums struggling with their mental health and is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire.
A free service offering mental health support and advice on depression, anxieties, phobias, PTSD, OCD and much more.
Beat Eating Disorders is a national charity which provides an eating disorder helpline to help encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery.
The Eating Disorders Service Community Team is the first point of contact for anyone needing professional support in the county.
National Autistic Society provides advice and support for people with autism and their families.
Specialist Wellbeing Support phoneline for health and care workers
Hospice UK is a charity offering all NHS, care sector staff and emergency service workers their new ‘Just B’ counselling and trauma helpline.
Sharing Voices is a charity based in Bradford that aims to reduce mental health and related inequalities for BAME communities.
Mind is a mental health support charity and offers a way of finding out what’s available in your area, such as specific BAME groups.
Simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting your mood or sleeping better.
Improving the quality of life of individuals and increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.
Mencap is a national charity which provides advice and support for people with a learning disability and their families
Inclusion Gloucestershire is a user-led self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism or mental ill health.
Veteran-focused information, advice and support.
Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales providing practical and emotional support. Their online disability forum is a supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information and to talk to people with...
Guideposts Gloucestershire is a charity that supports people living with long-term conditions, disability or caring responsibilities to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Healthwatch Gloucestershire is the county’s independent health and social care champion.
Gloucestershire Community Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a confidential service that provides information advice and support for patients, families and carers.
Refuge is a national charity offering a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for women and children.
NSPCC is a national charity working to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.
Karma Nirvana is a UK human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse) is an international charity run by adult survivors of child abuse.
SARC offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help and information to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted or been affected by it.
The Safeguarding Adults Board provides support to report, investigate and to stop abuse.
National Bullying Helpline is a charitable organisation offering help and support for adults, children and parents struggling with bullying issues.
Kidscape is a national charity which provides children, families, carers and professionals with advice, training and practical tools to prevent bullying and protect young lives.
BullyingUK is a website provided by charity Family Lives and provides advice, resources and support to help people of any age who may be experiencing bullying.
Anti-Bullying Alliance is a national charity comprising a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.
Acas provides provide free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on resolving workplace conflict, including bullying.
Relate is a charity providing confidential counselling service by professionally trained counsellors for couples or individuals experiencing relationship problems.
The Listening Post provides counselling support to Gloucestershire adults.
Gloucestershire Counselling Services is a charity offering a range of counselling in Gloucestershire and the surrounding area for individuals, couples, children and families, schools and other services.
Switchboard LGBT+ provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging.
Stonewall provides information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).
Mermaids helps gender-diverse kids, young people and their families.
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity offering information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme.
Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.
Education Action Challenging Homophobia is a charity which provides services to inspire lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality.
POGTY is a Gloucestershire support group for parents and carers of young people who are questioning their sexual or gender identity.
Gloscats provides support for the transgender community in Gloucestershire. Find out more here: www.gloscats.org.uk
GayGlos is a charity which provides support services, education and engagement for Gloucestershire’s LGBTQ+ community.
For information about services available, STI’s, contraception, HIV, pregnancy and sexual assault.
Winston’s Wish is a national childhood bereavement charity which provides practical and emotional support for children, young people and those who care for them after the death of a parent or sibling.
The Compassionate Friends supports bereaved parents and their families.
SOBS provide peer support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide.
Sunflowers Suicide Support provides bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Cruse Bereavement Care offers support to the bereaved.
Selfharm.co.uk is a charity which supports young people aged 14-19 impacted by self-harm and provides information and a moderated discussion board where you can ask questions and get support
National Self Harm Network is a national charity offering support, advice and advocacy services to people affected by self-harm directly or in a care role.
Stay Alive App is a free suicide prevention resource for the UK, from charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention.
A national charity which provides confidential support and practical advice for any children and young people under the age of 35 who may be having suicidal thoughts.
The teams offer advice and support when you feel you require an increased level of care, due to your mental health or due to emotional and psychological distress.
YoungMinds Is a national charity for children and young people who need mental health support.
Time to change is a social movement led by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness aimed at ending mental health discrimination.
SupportLine is a charity which provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.
Shout is a 24/7 text service, supported by digital mental health charity, Mental Health Innovations.
Samaritans is a charity providing non-judgemental listening support to anyone.
If you need help or emotional support visit: www.sane.org.uk to find out more, access the support forum and text care or other services supported by professionals or volunteers.
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity which offers practical help and information for anyone affected by mental illness
Free, practical information to help you to understand your child and support them through whatever they are going through.
Mind is a national charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Visit: www.mind.org.uk to find out more about the support they provide,...
Mental Health Foundation Provides information and research on prevention and mental health
Independence Trust provides a range of services aimed at supporting you in strengthening your emotional and physical wellbeing and promoting better attitudes to mental and physical health
Childline is a national free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19 where you can talk about anything big or small with trained counsellors.
CALM runs a free and confidential national charity helpline and webchat for men who need to talk about life’s problems and spreads awareness about depression and the devastating impact of suicide.
Anxiety UK is a national registered charity formed for those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression.
Young Gloucestershire (YG) is a charity that supports young people who are facing very difficult times.
Support at The Cavern provides listening support, low level interventions such as board games and adult colouring, inclusive activities such as quiz nights and offers a supportive environment for Gloucestershire adults.
On Your Mind Glos is a website providing information about to bullying, eating disorders and anxiety and where you can go for more support.
Alexandra Wellbeing House offers a preventative approach for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges and to those who may be at risk of mental health admission, crisis and/or relapse.
Tic+ is a Gloucestershire-based charity which provides confidential counselling, support and care for young people and their families.
School Nurses support children and young people aged from 5 to 19 in the community, whether they attend school or not.
An early intervention service for people aged between 14 and 65 who are at risk of, or who is experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
The CRHTT team offers advice and support for adults who require an increased level of care due to mental health or emotional and psychological distress.
One-to-one support, personal support plans and signposting to other services for adults in Gloucestershire.
For support or more information, call 01452 317 460 and ask for a member of the Autism Team.
Offering mental health support and advice on depression, emotional wellbeing with a baby, anxieties, phobias, PTSD, OCD and more.
Previously named CYPS, provides specialist NHS mental health services for children and young people, their families and carers who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, from birth to their 18th birthday. Find out more about the...
If you or someone you know over the age of 11 needs help in a mental health crisis, call our crisis team – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The local service supported by Gloucestershire County Council offers support for mild to moderate mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, low mood and self-harm, available on a drop in basis without appointment or assessment, every day of the year between 2-9pm, via...
The Community Wellbeing Service is a free and confidential service for anyone over the age of 16. The aim of the service is to connect you to local services, organisations and groups that can help you to improve your general wellbeing and meet your wider social needs....
GSASS is linked with the Rethink Mental Illness charity and provides a range of support to those affected by bereavement by suicide. They provide support for people aged 18+ who live in Gloucestershire and have been bereaved by suicide. This includes family, partners,...
Universitycompare.com has developed a guide for students managing anxiety when in university halls of residence. They cover important topics, such as: • Understanding and embracing anxiety triggers • Coping techniques and preparing for life in halls • How to deal with...
The largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK.
NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Dad Matters is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire and provides support for dads with children under 3, including antenatal groups and perinatal mental health support groups.
Mothers in Mind is a peer support drop in group for mums struggling with their mental health and is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire.
A free service offering mental health support and advice on depression, anxieties, phobias, PTSD, OCD and much more.
Beat Eating Disorders is a national charity which provides an eating disorder helpline to help encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery.
The Eating Disorders Service Community Team is the first point of contact for anyone needing professional support in the county.
National Autistic Society provides advice and support for people with autism and their families.
Specialist Wellbeing Support phoneline for health and care workers
Hospice UK is a charity offering all NHS, care sector staff and emergency service workers their new ‘Just B’ counselling and trauma helpline.
Sharing Voices is a charity based in Bradford that aims to reduce mental health and related inequalities for BAME communities.
Mind is a mental health support charity and offers a way of finding out what’s available in your area, such as specific BAME groups.
Simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting your mood or sleeping better.
Improving the quality of life of individuals and increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.
Mencap is a national charity which provides advice and support for people with a learning disability and their families
Inclusion Gloucestershire is a user-led self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism or mental ill health.
Veteran-focused information, advice and support.
Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales providing practical and emotional support. Their online disability forum is a supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information and to talk to people with...
Guideposts Gloucestershire is a charity that supports people living with long-term conditions, disability or caring responsibilities to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Healthwatch Gloucestershire is the county’s independent health and social care champion.
Gloucestershire Community Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a confidential service that provides information advice and support for patients, families and carers.
Refuge is a national charity offering a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for women and children.
NSPCC is a national charity working to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.
Karma Nirvana is a UK human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse) is an international charity run by adult survivors of child abuse.
SARC offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help and information to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted or been affected by it.
The Safeguarding Adults Board provides support to report, investigate and to stop abuse.
National Bullying Helpline is a charitable organisation offering help and support for adults, children and parents struggling with bullying issues.
Kidscape is a national charity which provides children, families, carers and professionals with advice, training and practical tools to prevent bullying and protect young lives.
BullyingUK is a website provided by charity Family Lives and provides advice, resources and support to help people of any age who may be experiencing bullying.
Anti-Bullying Alliance is a national charity comprising a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.
Acas provides provide free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on resolving workplace conflict, including bullying.
Relate is a charity providing confidential counselling service by professionally trained counsellors for couples or individuals experiencing relationship problems.
The Listening Post provides counselling support to Gloucestershire adults.
Gloucestershire Counselling Services is a charity offering a range of counselling in Gloucestershire and the surrounding area for individuals, couples, children and families, schools and other services.
Switchboard LGBT+ provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging.
Stonewall provides information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).
Mermaids helps gender-diverse kids, young people and their families.
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity offering information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme.
Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.
Education Action Challenging Homophobia is a charity which provides services to inspire lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality.
POGTY is a Gloucestershire support group for parents and carers of young people who are questioning their sexual or gender identity.
Gloscats provides support for the transgender community in Gloucestershire. Find out more here: www.gloscats.org.uk
GayGlos is a charity which provides support services, education and engagement for Gloucestershire’s LGBTQ+ community.
For information about services available, STI’s, contraception, HIV, pregnancy and sexual assault.
Winston’s Wish is a national childhood bereavement charity which provides practical and emotional support for children, young people and those who care for them after the death of a parent or sibling.
The Compassionate Friends supports bereaved parents and their families.
SOBS provide peer support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide.
Sunflowers Suicide Support provides bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Cruse Bereavement Care offers support to the bereaved.
Selfharm.co.uk is a charity which supports young people aged 14-19 impacted by self-harm and provides information and a moderated discussion board where you can ask questions and get support
National Self Harm Network is a national charity offering support, advice and advocacy services to people affected by self-harm directly or in a care role.
Stay Alive App is a free suicide prevention resource for the UK, from charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention.
A national charity which provides confidential support and practical advice for any children and young people under the age of 35 who may be having suicidal thoughts.
The teams offer advice and support when you feel you require an increased level of care, due to your mental health or due to emotional and psychological distress.
YoungMinds Is a national charity for children and young people who need mental health support.
Time to change is a social movement led by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness aimed at ending mental health discrimination.
SupportLine is a charity which provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.
Shout is a 24/7 text service, supported by digital mental health charity, Mental Health Innovations.
Samaritans is a charity providing non-judgemental listening support to anyone.
If you need help or emotional support visit: www.sane.org.uk to find out more, access the support forum and text care or other services supported by professionals or volunteers.
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity which offers practical help and information for anyone affected by mental illness
Free, practical information to help you to understand your child and support them through whatever they are going through.
Mind is a national charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Visit: www.mind.org.uk to find out more about the support they provide,...
Mental Health Foundation Provides information and research on prevention and mental health
Independence Trust provides a range of services aimed at supporting you in strengthening your emotional and physical wellbeing and promoting better attitudes to mental and physical health
Childline is a national free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19 where you can talk about anything big or small with trained counsellors.
CALM runs a free and confidential national charity helpline and webchat for men who need to talk about life’s problems and spreads awareness about depression and the devastating impact of suicide.
Anxiety UK is a national registered charity formed for those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression.
Young Gloucestershire (YG) is a charity that supports young people who are facing very difficult times.
Support at The Cavern provides listening support, low level interventions such as board games and adult colouring, inclusive activities such as quiz nights and offers a supportive environment for Gloucestershire adults.
On Your Mind Glos is a website providing information about to bullying, eating disorders and anxiety and where you can go for more support.
Alexandra Wellbeing House offers a preventative approach for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges and to those who may be at risk of mental health admission, crisis and/or relapse.
Tic+ is a Gloucestershire-based charity which provides confidential counselling, support and care for young people and their families.
School Nurses support children and young people aged from 5 to 19 in the community, whether they attend school or not.
An early intervention service for people aged between 14 and 65 who are at risk of, or who is experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
The CRHTT team offers advice and support for adults who require an increased level of care due to mental health or emotional and psychological distress.
One-to-one support, personal support plans and signposting to other services for adults in Gloucestershire.
For support or more information, call 01452 317 460 and ask for a member of the Autism Team.
Offering mental health support and advice on depression, emotional wellbeing with a baby, anxieties, phobias, PTSD, OCD and more.
Previously named CYPS, provides specialist NHS mental health services for children and young people, their families and carers who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, from birth to their 18th birthday. Find out more about the...
If you or someone you know over the age of 11 needs help in a mental health crisis, call our crisis team – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It can be hard to know where to turn when we’re struggling with our mental health but support is available, from NHS and council-commissioned services to local and national charities. Many services are free, confidential, and you can access them yourself without a referral from a professional.
Find out what support is available to you.
There is a wide range of support for children, young people and families in the county.
More information about additional support that is available for older people locally and nationally.
Getting help with issues you're struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do
If you think you or your partner may be experiencing mental health difficulties, you can get expert help
The past year has been a particularly challenging time for everyone but whatever you’re worried about, please reach out for support – help is available
If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch to let us know what mental health support information would be useful to you at this time
