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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Skip to content

Watch the full video

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.

My whole way of thinking has changed. I feel positive about my future and the people around me. I'm now looking forward to the future and helping others just like me!

Thank you so much for the incredible support PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 has given me. You helped me in that moment and it kept me alive.

I intend to continue to fundraise for and promote PAPYRUS. I am so proud and humbled to be involved with a wonderful charity, and to have received the support that I have.

Having been personally bereaved by suicide I understand the importance and need for our charity. I am surrounded by others who are as passionate as I am about saving lives.

* All feedback is provided by people who contact PAPYRUS. All feedback has full consent of the user and the user remains fully anonymous. Some feedback may have been adapted to keep the users anonymity.

Our latest news

Stay up to date with PAPYRUS; our news section is regularly updated with helpful advice and guidance, as well as information about our upcoming events and campaigns. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch.

Our upcoming events

Please see below some of our upcoming and exciting events including fundraisers and charity events we will be attending. For more information please get in touch.

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Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

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PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

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24/7

You can text us any time, day or night.

Confidential

Your messages with us are confidential and anonymous.

Free

It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK.

Get involved

Donations doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Simply support Shout's Big Give campaign by midday on 5 December, and your donation will be doubled!

Can you help us hit our match funding target of £50,000 and support a further 5,000 people this winter?

Find out more

Get help

Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

Find out more

I think Shout saved my life tonight... no one has ever made me feel so safe, listened to and understood

Shout texter

GET HELP

Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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FREE ONLINE SELF-HARM SUPPORT FOR 14-19'S

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FREE ONLINE SELF-HARM SUPPORT FOR 14-19'S

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"Since starting alumina it's become the highlight of my week. It's such a safe, non judgemental place which has really helped me in my recovery."

Max

"If you're thinking about joining I'd say go for it, the team are lovely and everyone who does it is so welcoming and supportive"

Abi

Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 14 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones, tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. You don't need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions - you'll just join in via the chatbox. We want to help you to find your next steps towards recovery, wherever you are on your journey.

IS ALUMINA RIGHT FOR ME?

Are you...

10-17 years old?

Living in the UK?

Someone who self-harms or worries they might?

Looking for support but not wanting to do it face to face?

Wanting to move towards a life free from self-harm?

If so...

Alumina could be a helpful step forward. If you sign up we'll begin a conversation over email to work out if it might be a good fit - and you can ask us any questions you have. The only rule we have in Alumina is that we don't talk about suicide in the groups. If that's something you are struggling with thinking about we recommend getting in touch with our friends at Papyrus who are better equipped to support you.

"I thought it would be all serious and uncomfortable because of the self-harm talk but actually, the staff have made me laugh, we've been given a space that feels relevant to our ages and most importantly we can turn up in any mood and they'll be there for us." Runa

What's a session like?

"Clicking on the link for the first time was nerve wracking and intense with lots of thoughts going through my head. But within only a few minutes of the session I had a smile on my face and felt comfortable with the staff and the group."

Sasha

"Alumina was quite different to what I expected, I thought it would just be an intense 6 weeks and it would be over like other services. But it was nothing like that - instead I felt and still feel very supported by the staff. The group and staff are like a big family who's always there for me."

Samara

"Clicking that link for the very first time was terrifying. But I knew it could be life-changing. The first session I felt welcome, I no longer felt like an outsider. It's fun, believe me!! Most days I find myself looking forward to the next session because Alumina gives me a sign of hope."

Dan

Questions

We aren't a crisis service so if you're in need of immediate support please contact one of the following:

The Mix: Offering essential support for anyone aged 12-25. For their crisis messenger support service text THEMIX to 85258.
Childline: Support for anyone up to age 18. Call, chat online or email their crisis service.
Samaritans: Call 116123 anytime if you need to talk to someone.

We've changed the shape of our support for young people. This website introduces Alumina, our online support groups for young people struggling with self-harm. We've also recently launched beheadstrong.uk offering young people all kinds of information, stories and videos about looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing. You can find links to some of selfharm.co.uk's most popular articles below.

Yes we have! We have worked with 14-19 year olds for many years but we have always heard from people who are younger (or those who care about them) asking if we do anything for younger people. Then from September 2022 we reduced our age range to 11, and found how important it was to support this age range and that our Early Intervention project was great for this age range. Therefore, from October 2023 we will be aiming our work at young people in secondary school or college (or equivalent) and those transitioning to secondary school and our age range has reduced to 10-17 years old. If you're under 13 we will need to get permission from someone with parental responsibility for you, and we will email them to explain how Alumina works and make sure they are happy with you joining a group.

We aim to group similar aged young people into groups together, so 10-13-year-olds will be offered groups together and 13-17 year olds will be in other groups together. We are happy to work with anyone until the end of their full-time education, therefore we will work with 17- and 18-year-olds so long as they are three months or more away from finishing their education at the end of August.

Meet the team

Live Webinars

We have recently started to do live webinars on YouTube on issues related to self-harm and emotional wellbeing

Supporting Young People Who Self-harm

If you're a parent, professional or friend supporting a young person who's self-harming, we recommend taking an hour to watch this webinar with our Alumina Managers. They explore why people self-harm, why young people especially self-harm, why it becomes addictive, how to break the addiction cycle, and what young people wish the adults around them understood about self-harm.

"Alumina is a well thought through support service for young people; it is professional, caring and accessible to all. Signposting a young person to Alumina will help them begin their recovery journey."

DR. KATE MIDDLETON

Our Alumina advisory panel

More information about self-harm

We've moved some of our most popular articles about self-harm over to beheadstrong.uk, and you can use these links to find them:

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Free online Self-harm support for 10-17 year olds

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"Since starting alumina it's become the highlight of my week. It's such a safe, non judgemental place which has really helped me in my recovery." Max "If you're thinking about joining I'd say go for it, the team are lovely and everyone who does it is so welcoming and supportive" Abi Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm.

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Learn more about Beat, the UK's leading charity, supporting anyone affected by an eating disorder.

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Information plays an important role in helping people understand and come to terms with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

We're here to educate, offer hope and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between, we are OCD-UK.

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OCD-UK | A national OCD charity, run by, and for people with lived experience of OCD

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Information plays an important role in helping people understand and come to terms with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We're here to educate, offer hope and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between, we are OCD-UK.

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For women and girls affected by self-injury, trauma and abuse

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For women and girls affected by self-injury, trauma and abuse

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For a variety of reasons, our service is currently working with limited capacity. Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily close our webchat service.

We understand that this may feel difficult, but it is important for us to provide a consistent reliable service with as few last-minute closures as possible. It's also important for us to consider the well-being of our staff and volunteers working with limited capacity.

All our other services will be open as normal on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7pm - 9.30pm, and we will re-open webchat as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

Most read

Short and long term helpful responses to self-injury

Understand more about self-harm and self-injury

Find out some of the reasons behind self-harm and self-injury

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charity self-harm self-injury self harm distress trauma women girls

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For a variety of reasons, our service is currently working with limited capacity. Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily close our webchat service. We understand that this may feel difficult, but it is important for us to provide a consistent reliable service with as few last-minute closures as possible.

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 For people who do or are at risk of self-harm

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 For people who do or are at risk of self-harm

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By Lisa Williamson (Suicide Bereavement Service Lead) On Wednesday evening (1st November), I was invited to attend The Voluntary Sector Awards 2023 as I had

By Laura Hughes (Suicide Crisis Service Lead - Maternity Cover) The Tomorrow Project is currently inviting applications for an unpaid academic internship, which involves contributing

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Self Harm Doesn't DiscriminateNeither Do WeGet In TouchSelf Harm Doesn't DiscriminateNeither Do WeGet in TouchSelf Harm Doesn't DiscriminateNeither Do WeGet In TouchSelf Harm Doesn't DiscriminateNeither Do WeGet in Touch Previous Next Welcome to Harmless Harmless is a passionate organisation who works to address and overcome issues related to self-harm and suicide.

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Raising awareness of depression and self-harm in young people

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Raising awareness of depression and self-harm in young people

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Heads Above The Waves is a not-for-profit organisation that raises awareness of depression and self-harm in young people. We promote positive, creative ways of dealing with the bad days.
Self-harm affects around 1 in 12 young people, yet it remains an issue people struggle to handle, talk about, and understand. Sometimes, helping can be as simple as having a conversation, but a study by YoungMinds found that 71% of young people, 70% of parents, and 60% of teachers say they don't feel able to actually talk about self-harm.

In the last 10 years, hospital admissions as a result of self-harm in the UK have risen by 68%, and this figure is predicted to keep rising. By getting people to talk more openly about self-harm (in the same way that we do drug use or unprotected sex) and making people aware of the help that exists, Heads Above The Waves hopes to reduce hospital admissions as a result of self-harm.

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Heads Above The Waves is a not-for-profit organisation that raises awareness of depression and self-harm in young people. We promote positive, creative ways of dealing with the bad days. Self-harm affects around 1 in 12 young people, yet it remains an issue people struggle to handle, talk about, and understand.

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"I've never found such a supportive and dedicated forum. Someone will post in the crisis room and that same desperate person replies and supports another crisis post despite their own feelings"

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Partner counsellors

Please see our current list of counsellors. You can contact them directly or ask the Joshua Nolan Foundation to contact them on your behalf. Some counsellors are also offering online sessions due to Covid restrictions.

SUSAN SCARTH

Based in: Edinburgh
Availability: Monday to Friday 8.30am-7pm
Average response time: within 48 hours

Email Susan: susan@movementpsychotherapy.org
Mobile: 07962814630

About Susan
My background is in social work, community development, psychiatric nursing and community mental health projects, including MIND (England). Realising that creativity and awareness of the body is at the heart of healing, I completed a post-graduate training in Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) in 1992, with my masters' thesis on effective group DMT practice with women surviving domestic violence.

I am a practical person, and so my aim is to ensure therapy addresses client's issues with care and sensitivity, restoring a balance in a person's sense of being, and ultimately enabling them to realise their full potential as human beings. The range of methods of treatment I draw on in my practice include non-verbal communication, movement analysis, creative expression, psychotherapy and trauma therapy, and body-mind centering skills. The more recent trainings have brought a deeper understanding of the neuropsychology of trauma and safe and effective practices that sustain health and wellbeing.

I believe my maturity, with many years of self-development and personal therapy, brings a wisdom and groundedness to my practice that allows clients to feel at ease, and truly seen and heard.
Specialisms:
Qualifications: BSc Hons Social Studies, MCAT (Masters in Creative Arts Therapies); CMA (Certified Movement Analyst); Diploma in Reflective Practice and Creative Supervision, SPI (1) (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy - Level 1); Body Mind Centering (BMC) modules in Infant Developmental Movement Education (IDME)and others.

DAVID SANMARTINO

Based in: Edinburgh
Availability: Monday to Friday
David currently has a 4-6 week waiting list
Average Response Time: Within 24 hours

Website: www.davidsanmartino.com
Email David: sanmartinotherapy@gmail.com
Mobile: 07939908653

About David
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people's lives and then, be able to be who I meant to be. This strong feeling led me to study a BSc in Psychology and a MSc in Forensic Psychology among other accreditations. As a therapist in the greater Edinburgh area, I am committed to the well-being of all my clients and go above and beyond to cater to their needs.

In my therapy sessions, we'll work to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behaviour. I will walk beside you the path that you want to explore, giving you support and providing you with valuable tools to cope with life's obstacles. I'm confident you'll find my personalized Individual Therapy beneficial and inspirational.

I focused my studies upon learning to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychotherapy Pluralistic approach to interview, design and administer treatments to work with trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, addictions, OCD and personal growth.
Specialisms:

CBT, DBT, Counselling & Mindfulness

Working with people suffering from "trauma, personality disorders, anxiety and depression"

Existential issues, identity and gender issues, LGBTI community.

Please note I do not work with clients under 16.

Qualifications: BA Theatre and Drama, BSc In Psychology with mention in Health Psychology and Interventions in Mental and Behavioural disorders, MSc Forensic Psychology, Currently MSc in Counselling.

ANA PULJIC

Email Ana: counselling@anapuljic.com

About Ana
I'm Ana, a qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a background in psychology and philosophy, offering both individual sessions and family therapy.

My counselling journey started with my MA (Hons) in Philosophy and Psychology, after which I finished the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills followed by the Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling. Since then, I have also completed the Foundation in Family Systemic Therapy and am currently undertaking the Intermediate Level in Family Systemic Therapy as well as completing a Masters in Human Relations and Counselling.

If you feel stuck in a loop or unable to find joy in life, I can offer my curiosity, empathy, and insights to help you find meaning in your experience. To do this, I will often draw on my background in psychology and philosophy, as well as psychodynamic therapy which looks at the unconscious processes between us and find links between what you're experiencing in the present and your early childhood and family experiences. On top of this, I use a systemic lens when working with families.

While I'm especially interested in working with existential and identity issues, I'm also experienced in working with sexual abuse and young people with attachment difficulties. Though I often work with complex trauma, many other issues are often present: from depression and anxiety to alcohol abuse and relationship problems. I feel lucky as I've had the pleasure of witnessing my clients experience positive change as these problems lessened their hold over them and they became more of their true selves. If you feel like you could work with me, I offer online or in-person sessions through First Psychology offices in Edinburgh - to request yours, please email me.
Specialisms:
Qualifications: MA Psychology and Philosophy, University of Edinburgh; Diploma in Human Relations and Counselling; Foundation and Intermediate Level in Family Systemic Therapy (current)

TOM LAWRENCE

Based in: Edinburgh
Availability: Monday to Friday
Tom currently has a one month waiting list
Average Response Time: Within 24 hours

Website: www.graceful-change.co.uk Email Tom: tom@graceful-change.co.uk
Mobile: 07887 682291
About Tom:
For the past twenty years I have dedicated my life to helping people heal, grow and make positive changes in their life. I am consistently in awe of the people I work with and the changes they make as they climb out of the deepest and darkest places, to feel lighter and more confident as they go forward in their life. I can help you make that journey.

We all need a helping hand at some stage and it is a privilege to work with folk to support them through difficult times and help them find the resources within, to feel lighter, more confident, and in control.

My purpose is to help you feel better after every session and to quickly help you with the affects of trauma and any resulting issues. And I will explain the mechanisms that cause mental health problems to give you tools to help you feel more in control, as you go through difficult, stormy waters to calm seas beyond.

I work with all people and all ages.
Specialisms:

Gently and safely releasing the affects of trauma

Depression and loss

Anxiety and anger problems

Couples and relationship issues

Addictions

Qualifications: HG.Dip.P. - Human Givens Diploma in Psychotherapy, MHGI - Member Human Givens Institute.

Jacqueline Green

Based in: East Lothian and Edinburgh
Availability: All day Monday/ Wednesday and Friday mornings

Website:
jacquelinegreencounselling.co.uk
Email Jacqueline: jacquelinegreencounselling@gmail.com
Mobile: 07504425596

About Jacques
Life can be really tough at times, and you may end up feeling overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, depressed, angry or maybe you don't know how you feel, you just know that something isn't right - well it's at these times that talking to an experienced counsellor can really help you through these tricky times and find your way forward.

As an adult and young person's counsellor, I can help you navigate your way through this. Working together, at your own pace, we can pay attention to all of your story - even the most difficult parts - so that we can start to understand yourself on a deeper level, learning to accept yourself along the way.

Being a person-centred counsellor, and working with people of all ages, I draw on various tools and techniques to help you get the most out of therapy, meeting your individual needs and supporting you through whatever comes up.

My career in mental health stems over a decade, and since qualifying as a counsellor, I have worked in schools, various charities (bereavement, lone parent, young person's), GP surgeries and in private practice.

My qualifications and further training are BACP and COSCA approved. I work with young people age 12+ and all adults. I am currently offering online or phone counselling with the hope to include face-to-face after the summer.
Specialisms:

Adolescents

Childhood trauma

Relationship difficulties and attachment

Bereavement & grief

Self harm/ suicide ideation

Lone parents and Blended families

Pre and Postnatal difficulties

Qualifications: BSc Social Science Degree, Cardiff University; Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Skills levels 1-4, Edinburgh College, COSCA accredited; Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, Strathclyde University, BACP accredited; Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People, Strathclyde University, COSCA accredited.

Mia Zielinska

Based in: Edinburgh
Availability: Not currently available

Website: www.arunacounselling.com
Email Mia: mia@arunacounselling.com
Mobile: 07722734854
About Mia:
I offer a quiet, safe, confidential space where you can take time to talk about what you're experiencing. I work with adults on a variety of issues and am particularly interested in grief, depression, bereavement by suicide, and suicidal thoughts. I work by exploring with you your experiences, feelings, and unconscious processes. I help you understand how these might affect your relationships with others and with yourself.

Sharing painful or confusing thoughts and feelings can make us feel vulnerable and trust takes time. I provide a professional and therapeutic space where we explore these issues together. In therapy it's important you feel heard, understood, and accepted. In essence, the idea is that through talking and exploring deeper feelings and meanings, you begin to feel more at peace within yourself. If you want to know about my availability or to arrange for a phone consult, I welcome your inquiry.

Specialisms: Depression, Bereavement, Suicidal thoughts, Bereavement by suicide, Panic attacks, Self-harm, Anxiety, Low self-esteem, Trauma, Stress, Relationship issues, Academic/work issues

Qualifications: Post-grad diploma in counselling, University of Edinburgh; Post-grad foundation, group analysis, IGA; certiticate buddhist psychology and other centred therapy, Tariki Trust.

Victoria Pollard

Based in: Ayrshire. All appointments online or by phone.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Website: www.victoriapollard.co.uk
Email: vjpollard@icloud.com
About Victoria:
Whatever is troubling you, I am here to listen. My aim is to support you in talking through your concerns and emotions so that you can make better sense of your own thoughts and feelings. By doing so I hope to help you find a positive way forward.

With a background in HR I made a decision a number of years ago to step away from the corporate world, instead working creatively with textiles and ceramics before gaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy through the University of Aberdeen, via Persona Training and Development. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).

Having experienced both seats in the counselling room, I understand first hand the importance of feeling trust and safety within the relationship. Having the opportunity to talk through my own issues not only helped me to better understand myself but also led me here, offering the same service to others.

Alongside my private practice I also volunteer as a counsellor for Waterside Counselling in Paisley, and have several years experience as a volunteer listener with Samaritans.

I have experience of working with long and short term clients, dealing with issues ranging from stress at work and bullying to relationship/family concerns and loss. With my background I understand the wide variety of stresses that may arise within the working world. A further particular area of interest and experience for me is infertility and pregnancy loss.

I currently offer online and phone-based counselling to adults across the UK.

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Our Counsellors - The Joshua Nolan Foundation

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Please see our current list of counsellors. You can contact them directly or ask the Joshua Nolan Foundation to contact them on your behalf. Some counsellors are also offering online sessions due to Covid restrictions.

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The Junction - Young People, Health & Wellbeing is an award-winning organisation established in 2005 in response to local action research: 'Safe & Sorted? Not in Leith.' Here at the Junction we take a holistic approach towards young people's health & wellbeing.

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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Crew neither condemns nor condones drug use: we exist to reduce harm, challenge perceptions and help people make positive choices about their use of cannabis, stimulant and other social drugs and sexual health by providing non-judgemental, credible and up to date information and support.

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How we can help

Sometimes our thoughts and feelings can overwhelm us. It helps to get some Breathing Space. Pick up the phone - we're here to listen.

Information & support

The whole spectrum of life is reflected in the calls we receive to Breathing Space. The sooner you talk to us the better you might feel. (Please note that Breathing Space is a service for people in Scotland)

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Breathing Space is a free confidential service for people in Scotland. Open up when you're feeling down - phone 0800 83 85 87

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Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

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National charity helping people with Anxiety - Anxiety UK

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Become a Member of Anxiety UK. We pride ourselves on being user led, with many on our staff and volunteer team having personal experience of anxiety.

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BRAVE Online | Online help for worried kids

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stem4 - supporting teenage mental health

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stem4 is a charity that supports positive mental health in teenagers. Mental health information, apps and education. Founders of Youth Mental Health Day.

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Mindfulness activities for young children

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Mindfulness activities for young children

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We guide you to teach your children focus, calm, sleep, gratitude, kindness, resilience and positive mental health.

Wee Seeds is a programme of resources to teach children wellbeing skills, through scientifically proven techniques like mindfulness, meditation and movement.

1 in 6 children is suffering from poor mental health today, with 50% of problems established by age 14. We believe prevention is better than cure.

All our resources and exercises are designed for children aged 3-8 and approved by parents.

Get access to an ever-expanding online library of wellbeing resources, a support community of parents and monthly talks to learn to better support your child's wellbeing and mental health.

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We guide you to teach your children focus, calm, sleep, gratitude, kindness, resilience and positive mental health. Wee Seeds is a programme of resources to teach children wellbeing skills, through scientifically proven techniques like mindfulness, meditation and movement. 1 in 6 children is suffering from poor mental health today, with 50% of problems established by age 14.

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Looking for advice on how to sleep better? Tweak your routine and understand the science behind your sleep patterns.

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We give hope and help to thousands of children and families each year and work in communities throughout England and Wales to help keep children safe. Our vision is for all children to grow up in supportive communities safe from bullying and harm.​ Our mission is to provide practical support, training, and advice to challenge bullying and protect young lives.

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respect me, Scotland's anti-bullying service, was launched in March 2007. The service is fully funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - For information on our continued delivery of service during the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit the news section of our website.

Our vision is of a respecting, just, equal and inclusive Scotland in which all children and young people can live free from bullying and harassment and are encouraged to reach their full potential. Our work is driven by a focus on children's rights.

We work with all adults involved in the lives of children and young people to give them the practical skills and confidence to deal with children who are bullied and those who bully others.

We aim to build the capacity of these adults to effect change and challenge bullying and stigma at an individual, school, family, community and societal level. We also campaign at a national level to raise awareness of the service and the impact that bullying can have.

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Respect Me | About Us | Our work towards an equal and inclusive Scotland

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respect me, Scotland's anti-bullying service, was launched in March 2007. The service is fully funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - For information on our continued delivery of service during the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit the news section of our website.

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The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is the only UK-wide charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse.

Every day, children and young people across the UK suffer sexual abuse, most commonly at the hands of someone they know. Latest research suggests at least one in six children aged 11-17 become victims.

We work to prevent abuse from happening in the first place - and to prevent it from happening again if it already has.

Where abuse has already taken place, we work with all those affected including adult male and female abusers; young people with harmful sexual behaviour; children with concerning sexual behaviours; and other family members. But we also work in families and with adults and young people where there has been no abuse, to help them keep themselves and others as safe as possible.

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About | How We Tackle Child Sexual Abuse

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We work to prevent child sexual abuse from happening in the first place - and to prevent it from happening again if it already has. Find out how.

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You can make a difference... Get a full rundown of our digital services for young people during the pandemic Find out more There's loads of ways you can help us make Scotland the best place to grow up for LGBTI young people Find out more

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The Proud Trust is an LGBT+ organisation that supports LGBT+ young people through youth groups, peer support, mentoring programs and the Proud Connections chat service.

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Helping gender diverse young people and their families

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Helping gender diverse young people and their families

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Amina - The Muslim Women's Resource Centre

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Amina - The Muslim Women's Resource Centre (Amina MWRC) is an intersectional organisation, based in Scotland, that empowers and supports Muslim and BME women by serving as a vital link between them and the barriers they face everyday.

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Saheliya is a specialist mental health and well-being support organisation for black, minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls (12+) in the Edinburgh and Glasgow area.

Our staff are from a variety of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we all have an understanding of how race, gender and culture affects the mental well-being of black and minority ethnic women and girls.

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Saheliya is a specialist mental health and well-being support organisation for black, minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls (12+) in the Edinburgh and Glasgow area. Our staff are from a variety of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we all have an understanding of how race, gender and culture affects the mental well-being of black and minority ethnic women and girls.

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That's what we offer.

That's what you deserve.

Black Minds Matter UK is a fully registered charity connecting Black individuals and families with free therapy by qualified and accredited Black therapists.

We've teamed up with a collective of Black therapists, who work tirelessly alongside us to remove stigma and redefine mental health experiences for Black individuals.

We take pride in offering a safety net of culturally relevant mental health support and have grown a community of people who value equality in mental health care. Together, we are demanding better resources and treatment for Black people and acknowledging that the status quo is simply not good enough. Empowering Black individuals with support and safe spaces, every step of the way.

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Black Minds Matter UK is a fully registered charity connecting Black individuals and families with free therapy by qualified and accredited Black therapists. We've teamed up with a collective of Black therapists, who work tirelessly alongside us to remove stigma and redefine mental health experiences for Black individuals.

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CELEBRATING LGBTQI PEOPLE OF COLOUR

WHAT IS RAINBOW NOIR?

RAINBOW NOIR w a s established in Manchester in February 2013 , founded by 4 black queer women who were inspired to create a space in the city led by and for our community.

We are a volunt eer-led social group, we celebrate, elevate and advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans , Queer and Intersex People of C olour (LGBTQI PoC).

We use "Queer, Trans, Intersex People of Colour" (QTIPoC) interchangeably with LGBTQI PoC as collective terms to describe our community.

We are committed to creating a space of our own, places to feel safe, where LGBTQI people of colour can meet, hang out, form friendships and find community. We facilitate a bi- monthly social space in person and a lively WhatsApp group chat.

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Our mission is simple:

1. To create spaces where LGBTQI people of colour can connect with community and affirm identities.

2. To raise the visibility of LGBTQI people of colour and our experiences in Manchester, Greater Manchester and beyond.

3. To platform our community's excellence.

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Save the dates for our 2023 QTIPOC meet ups:

Thursdays 7pm -9:30pm atMosaic Space, 2 Dale St,* 12th October
new address, NOT Milk & Honey)

Northern Quarter, MCR, M1 1JW
on the following dates:

* 14th December

who are rainbow noir?

KEEPING IN THE KNOW

View and add to our live Community Notice board on Padlet here

Join our Mailchimp mailing list and view previous mail outs here

Quick links for all things Rainbow Noir on our Linktree here

FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS @RAINBOWNOIRMCR

DONATE

All the work undertaken by RAINBOW NOIR is done by volunteers in their spare time. If you would like to donate to the work that we do, you can donate via the PayPal link below.

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CELEBRATING LGBTQI PEOPLE OF COLOUR WHAT IS RAINBOW NOIR? RAINBOW NOIR w a s established in Manchester in February 2013 , founded by 4 black queer women who were inspired to create a space in the city led by and for our community.

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Health, safety and well-being of Minority Ethnic children and families

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Health, safety and well-being of Minority Ethnic children and families

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roshni is a national charity tackling a range of minority ethnic (ME) issues across Scotland. They are primarily concerned with the health, safety and wellbeing of ME children and families.

"Our projects include the Tackling Forced Marriage Initiative, which provides culturally sensitive support including a helpline, counseling and befriending as well as an online resource centre. We have also developed the Ethnic Survivor's Forum, which offers support to adult survivors of childhood abuse."

roshni also provides a number of consultancy and training services. roshni Research & Consultancy is available to carry out research and develop strategies, including training, to ensure that organisations are informed on issues that affect minority ethnic communities and are able to provide appropriate and effective services.

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roshni is a national charity tackling a range of minority ethnic (ME) issues across Scotland. They are primarily concerned with the health, safety and wellbeing of ME children and families. "Our projects include the Tackling Forced Marriage Initiative, which provides culturally sensitive support including a helpline, counseling and befriending as well as an online resource [...]

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East and Southeast Asian (ESA) people identify with cultures and ethnicities coming from Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (North and South), Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

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East and Southeast Asian (ESA) people identify with cultures and ethnicities coming from Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (North and South), Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

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Supporting the Central Eastern European Community in Edinburgh

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Supporting the Central Eastern European Community in Edinburgh

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Feniks - Counselling, Personal Development and Support Services Ltd

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Feniks was set up in 2007 as a charity supporting integration and aiming at improving the wellbeing of the Central Eastern European Community in Edinburgh. We seek to help individuals and families who have moved away from their homeland in facing the challenges which can result from immigration. Difficulties may arise in one's personal life or work which necessitate contact with a therapist. In addition, deeper psychological issues may surface which require such contact on a longer-term basis.

The breadth of knowledge and experience of our professional team (gained both in Poland and the UK) allows for the provision of comprehensive psychological help for adults. It is hoped that the quality of life and personal wellbeing of those with whom we work may then rise to a level sufficient to allow them to function effectively and happily within society.

Feniks engages in research projects that bring to light inequalities affecting the Polish and other EU nationals. For instance, research with the NHS

Social isolation is believed to be one of the major factors affecting mental well-being of the the immigrants. Thus, the aim of our group activities is targeting this particular issue and creating opportunity for the participants to develop meaningful relationships. We organise groups for the particularly isolated people, such as young Polish young parents and Polish people of 50 and over years old. Our Leith Conversation Cafés, however, are open to anyone new to Edinburgh, interested in getting to know new people and conversing about the topics related to migration and adaptation to the new culture.

Since the Brexit referendum, Feniks has been representing the needs of the vulnerable EU nationals in Scotland and thus introduced the EU Settlement Support Service to secure their rights to remain in UK.

The key Feniks's objective is developing social capital, which we achieve through creating volunteering opportunities and supporting career development of the young CEE professionals. FENIKS involves volunteers and we accept applications from CEE students for Erasmus internships, who are involved in running the organisation and delivery of the projects.

Feniks has been recognised as the counselling organisation by the Edinburgh University and we offer placement opportunity for counselling students, who can speak one of the Central Eastern European languages.
We initiated Polish Psychologists Networking Group to create a supportive environment for Polish psychologists, therapists, coaches and mentors for further career development and cooperation to the benefit of the community. Befriend Depression is an annual campaign of free workshops and counselling sessions for Polish people in Edinburgh and beyond.

We also work with NHS Lothian and Public Health Scotland to improve access to information and healthcare through campaigns such as improved health messaging for the Polish community, research on vaccination hesitancy and health screening uptake, while we will also promote COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

An important emerging part of Feniks's work is the participation and representation of the CEE community in public life by attending the Cross-Party Group on Poland and partnering in the Vote! You are at Home campaign promoting attendance in local and national elections amongst the Polish community in Scotland. We further contribute to the Ethnic Minority National Resilience Network (EMNRN) by BEMIS, setup in response to the pandemic lockdown to identify the short and long-term needs of BAME communities in Scotland and to represent their collective voice at appropriate committee meetings of the Scottish government.

Feniks actively supports and facilitates research within CEE communities to identify and raise awareness of their needs and barriers to equality. For example, 2016 and 2019 research between Feniks and the Robert Gordon University identifed that Brexit is signifcantly impacting the mental health of EU nationals, while 2018 and 2020 research between the Scottish Public Health Network (ScotPHN), See Me Scotland and Feniks identified that Polish men in Scotland were 1.6 times more likely to complete suicide than Scottish menand experienced systemic barriers in receiving help.

Feniks works in close partnership with Health All Round, Respekt-Safer Families, Edinburgh Women's Aid, Shakti Women's Aid, ELREC, Polish Consulate and Police Scotland. We are involved in the research projects delivered by NHS Lothian Health Board and Glasgow University.

As the organisation we represent interests of the Polish community at the Cross-Party Group on Poland in Scottish Parliament as the leading organisation of the Wellbeing Subgroup. We are also members of Lothian Health Initiatives Forum; Equalities and Rights Network, New Europeans and Polish Professionals Network.

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Feniks - Counselling, Personal Development and Support - Edinburgh

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Feniks was set up in 2007 as a charity supporting integration and aiming at improving the wellbeing of the Central Eastern European Community in Edinburgh. We seek to help individuals and families who have moved away from their homeland in facing the challenges which can result from immigration.

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HandsOn provides help and practical advice for supporting children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. This website is for parents, carers and people who work with children and young people in Fife. HandsOn was developed by Playfield Institute, a part of Fife CAMHS, along with…

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Support for parents of children with complex needs

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Support for parents of children with complex needs

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Kindred is a Scottish charity that supports parents of children with complex needs with advocacy, information and emotional support.

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MindEd is suitable for all adults working with, or caring for, infants, children or teenagers, adults and older people, including people with a learning disability and autistic people; all the information provided is quality assured by experts, useful, and easy to understand. We aim to give adults who care for, or work with people:

the knowledge to support their wellbeing

the understanding to identify a child, young person or adult at risk of a mental health condition

the confidence to act on their concern and, if needed, signpost to services that can help

MindEd is multi-professional, and can be used by teachers, health and mental health professionals, police and judiciary staff, social workers, youth service volunteers, school counsellors among others to support their professional development.

All registered learners can access a learning path tailored to their needs.

Throughout the MindEd site we make use of images and videos. In all cases, except where specifically noted, these images and videos use actors and are not intended to represent any specific person.

Disclaimer

Please note that the advice provided on MindEd is written and quality assured by experts in mental health and is accurate and comprehensive as possible. It is however only general advice and should not be used as a substitute for any individual advice you might receive from consulting your own doctor/mental health professional. Please use your own judgement when deciding how best to apply our information to any specific situation or proposed treatment. This applies to any clinical professionals, who should use their own clinical judgement when interpreting the information on MindEd and deciding how to best apply it in the treatment of patients.

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MindEd is suitable for all adults working with, or caring for, infants, children or teenagers, adults and older people, including people with a learning disability and autistic people; all the information provided is quality assured by experts, useful, and easy to understand.

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We are a national charity which aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face family difficulties.

Since 1988, Care for the Family has sought to promote strong family life and help those who face family difficulties. Our work has been focused on the UK, but increasingly through digital technology, we are reaching a wider audience.

We focus primarily on the following areas of family life: marriage, parenting and bereavement. Our aim is to be accessible to every family whatever their circumstances and to create resources and support that are preventative, evidence-based and easy to apply.

Every family and marriage is unique. Parents may have one child or many, be fostering or adopting, be parenting a child with additional needs, parenting alone or apart from their children. Couples may have been together for many years or just beginning their marriage adventure. Whatever the context and circumstances we want to do all we can to support both marriages and families to help them thrive.

However, we also know that on every journey they will experience difficult times as well as the good. Our telephone befriending services are there to support them when the going is tough. In particular, we are aware that all will experience grief and loss during their lifetime. We want to help those who are living with loss to discover hope for the future, and the strength to rebuild their own lives and the lives of those that they love.

Motivated by our Christian faith, ethos and compassion we are committed to supporting families of all faiths or none, with outstanding services and resources. For marriage preparation, relationship tips, and help in the testing times. From birth to the teenage years and beyond. For bereaved parents, those widowed young and anyone supporting bereaved people.

Couple support

Prepare for marriage, married life, supporting couples, The Marriage Challenge, Marriage by Design

Find out more

Parent support

New parents, everyday parenting, additional needs, single parenting, step-families, adoption and fostering

Find out more

Bereavement support

For bereaved parents, those widowed young and anyone supporting bereaved people.

Find out more

Connect with us through our various social media

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We are a national charity which aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face family difficulties.

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Parenting and Family Support - Family Lives (Parentline Plus) | Family Lives

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Parenting and family support from Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus) through our website, helpline 0808 800 2222, email service at askus@familylives.org.uk, live chat and local services.

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How to not need a holiday after the holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time for single parents, Natalie is a volunteer in our Wellbeing Digital Group and recently held an online workshop where she shared her 'go to' tools for managing the...

Read more

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We are Gingerbread, the charity for single parent families. We provide expert advice and practical support for single mums and dads in England and Wales.

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Our parenting coaches write our advice articles and are available to support you via live chat. They'll listen, take time to understand your situation, and offer ideas to help. Between them, they've seen and heard every kind of parenting question or worry. They're qualified support workers, childminders, play practitioners and teachers. They're parents and carers, just like you. Find out more about them on this page. Or read what parents and carers say about our support.

Sharon

I have worked with children and families for 13 years. I'm experienced in early years, supporting families with child development, speech and language, play, behaviour. I'm also a qualified IAIM baby massage instructor.

"Yesterday I was at breaking point. Today I feel hopeful and positive that I can deal with things and make a positive change. Thank you so much!"

"The parenting coach was absolutely brilliant. They helped me so much with great advice, links for more support and giving me the confidence that I am on the right tracks with my son. It's like a weight has been lifted, knowing that I can access free support at such a high level. I cannot recommend and thank them enough."

"Amazing help - a quick resolution to a massively devastating incident which now doesn't look so bad."

"Absolutely fabulous. They've left me feeling more positive with the support and the links she's left for us ... The most understanding, patient, helpful person I've spoken with in a long time. Wonderful. I could really go in for ages how great they've been but I best leave it there. Thank you again.

Go to our live chat page now or view our online advice.

At Action for Children, we believe that every child should grow up safe and happy. That's why we provide support to help them thrive and offer help when times get tough. We believe in building solid foundations and spotting problems early. We work on the ground with families, through more than 476 local services. We're also in schools, online, and talking to the government. We support more than 387,000 children, young people and their families in the UK every year. Find out more about our work on our main website.

Spring Nurseries

Action for Children also runs Spring Nurseries, offering award-winning, affordable early years education and childcare. All nurseries are rated 100% Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, or equivalent standards in Scotland and Wales. Spring has 44 nurseries across the UK, providing high-quality care from birth to five years. We help children with key milestones like speech, language and physical coordination. We support them to learn, have fun and make friends. And we'll work with parents to ensure you are involved in your children's learning.

Find out more about what's on offer at the Spring Nurseries website.

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About - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Our parenting coaches write our advice articles and are available to support you via live chat. They'll listen, take time to understand your situation, and offer ideas to help. Between them, they've seen and heard every kind of parenting question or worry. They're qualified support workers, childminders, play practitioners and teachers.

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Young people and Parents/carers mental health support

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Young people and Parents/carers mental health support

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HappyMaps - Find the best support, advice and information on young people's mental health, all in one place. For Parents, Professionals and Young People.

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Read reviews

"I think this is a fabulous resource-very clearly laid out with the full range of supports available, from parenting tips through to professional help" (Parent)

"This is great to recommend to parents when they are worried about their children. It's the best website for mental health issues that I've found" (Teacher)

"Excellent. I work for CAMHS Bristol and regularly recommend this website" (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

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Home - HappyMaps: Help and Resources for Children's Mental Health

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An award-winning website on children's mental health collating sensible and professional advice on common problems. With new self-help pages for young people.

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Child Mental Health Support |Bridge the Gap| Derby England | Emotional Literacy

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A C.I.C supporting child mental health & family wellbeing, online and locally in Derby. We support the mental health of chiildren, parents and teachers. Our services and support are accessible and proactive. Friendly, supportive community and team. Early Intervention - Never judged, always heard.

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Supporting your child with anxieties and worries

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Supporting your child with anxieties and worries

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Supporting Your Child with Fears And Worries - SelfHelp Guide CAMHS NHS Lothian

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Resources for Overcoming Anxiety and Worry v2.0

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This is a test

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Tellmi is a safe, anonymous app where you can talk about absolutely anything.

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Tellmi is a safe, anonymous app where you can talk about absolutely anything.

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Tellmi is a safe, anonymous app where you can talk about absolutely anything. From anxiety to autism, dating to depression, or self-harm to self-esteem, sharing your experiences with our awesome community helps you to feel better. Our moderators check everything to keep you safe and our in-house counsellors are always on hand if you need extra support.

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Tellmi is a safe, anonymous app where you can talk about absolutely anything. Sharing your experiences with our awesome community helps you to feel better. Our moderators check everything to keep you safe and our in-house counsellors are always on hand if you need extra support.

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A guide to sleep for better teenagers.