Mentally Healthy School
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Further information and sources of support about common mental health issues
Prevalence of Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Issues
- At least 250,000 children in England’s schools have an identified mental health need.
- 1 in 10 children and young people aged 5 - 16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder - that is around three children in every class.
- Between 1 in every 12 and 1 in 15 children and young people deliberately self-harm.
- There has been a big increase in the number of young people being admitted to hospital because of self-harm. Over the last ten years this figure has increased by 68%.
- More than half of all adults with mental health problems were diagnosed in childhood. Less than half were treated appropriately at the time.
- Nearly 80,000 children and young people suffer from severe depression.
- The number of young people aged 15-16 with depression nearly doubled between the 1980s and the 2000s.
- Over 8,000 children aged under 10 years old suffer from severe depression.
- 3.3% or about 290,000 children and young people have an anxiety disorder.
- 72% of children in care have behavioural or emotional problems - these are some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Below, we have sign-posted information and guidance about the issues most commonly seen in school-aged children. The links will take you through to the most relevant page of the listed website. Some pages are aimed primarily at parents but they are listed here because we think they are useful for school staff too.
Support on all of these issues can be accessed via Young Minds (https://www.youngminds.org.uk/), Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/), (for e-learning opportunities) Minded (https://www.minded.org.uk/), https://www.samaritans.org/, https://www.sane.org.uk/how-we-help/emotional-support/saneline-services, https://www.rethink.org/aboutus/what-we-do/advice-and-information-service/
Abuse (domestic violence, child, sexual abuse)
NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood provides support for people affected by sexual abuse in childhood through a dedicated support line, free online resources and training.
NSPCC
The NSPCC is the children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty. Runs Childline (see below) and also a dedicated helpline for adults concerned that a child might be at risk of abuse.
One in Four
One in Four is a charity that supports people who have experienced child sexual abuse through long term low cost therapy (one to one and in groups), advocacy and through education and workshops.
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis is a national charity supporting anyone who has experienced rape. child sexual abuse and/or any other kind of sexual violence. It runs local Rape Crisis helplines and centres across England and Wales, details of which can be found on their website.
Refuge
Refuge provide help and information about domestic violence. It runs a 24/7 domestic violence helpline in partnership with Women's Aid. Refuge runs a number of safe houses for women and children escaping domestic violence as well as other services.
Survivors UK
Survivors UK provides help and support for men who have experienced sexual violence or abuse. This includes counselling and online and SMS chat support services run by professionals who specialise in the field of male sexual violence.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid are a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.
Addiction and Substance Misuse (alcohol, drugs, gambling)
Adfam – Families, drugs and alcohol
Adfam provides information and support for families affected by drugs and alcohol. Their website includes listing of helplines and local support groups available across England, as well as training and information for drug and alcohol professionals.
Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire
Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not. Run a wide range of self help groups for relatives and friends of alcoholics.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous runs self-help groups across Great Britain for anyone affected by alcohol use issues who wants to change their drinking behaviours, based on 12 step model of recovery.
https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
Alcohol Change
Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity. Driven by our vision of a world with no serious alcohol harm, we work to create five evidence-based changes: Improved Knowledge, Better policy and regulation, Shifted cultural norms, Improved drinking behaviours and More and better support and treatment
Alcohol Health Network
A UK-based social enterprise which aims to improve alcohol-related health in the workplace and in communities. Provides a range of alcohol harm reduction services, including policy advice, employee and manager training. online health checks and counselling.
https://www.alcoholhealthnetwork.org.uk/
Cocaine Anonymous
Organisation running self-help groups for those with substance use issues relating to cocaine, based on 12 step model of recovery.
https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/
Drink Aware
Independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK. The website has free drink trackers and tools to assess your own drinking levels.
DrugScience
DrugScience is an independent, science-led drugs charity which provides objective information on drugs and drug harms to the public, educators and academics.
https://www.drugscience.org.uk/
Dual Recovery Anonymous UK & Ireland
Organisation running self-help groups for those with dual diagnosis (a substance use issue alongside diagnosed mental health issue), based on 12 Step model of recovery.
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Gamblers Anonymous runs self-help groups across the UK for anyone affected by addictive gambling behaviours who wants to change. based on 12 step model of recovery.
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Marijuana Anonymous UK
Organisation running self-help groups across the UK for those with substance use issues relating to marijuana, based on 12 step model of recovery.
https://marijuana-anonymous.org.uk/
Narcotics Anonymous UK
Narcotics Anonymous runs self-help groups across the UK for anyone affected by drug use who wants to change, based on 12 step model of recovery.
Progress
Progress are a consortium of consultant nurses working in a dual diagnosis and substance use settings. Their website provides information on dual diagnosis for people in treatment, carers and professionals.
http://www.dualdiagnosis.co.uk/
Talk to Frank
Talk to Frank is the national drug education service established in 2003. It provides information on legal and illegal drugs for teenagers and adolescents, including a confidential information line and live chat services on its website.
UK Smart Recovery
Provides training to help people manage their recovery from any type of addictive behaviour, including alcohol and substance use as well as gambling. sex, eating, shopping etc. through a range of self-help meetings.
Anxiety
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK is a national charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected by anxiety through information and support. This includes talking therapies and self-help groups.
No Panic
No panic is a charity which helps people who experience any kind of anxiety disorder. It specialises in self-help based recovery via their helpline and resources available on their website.
OCD Action
OCD Action is the national charity focusing on obsessive compulsive disorder. It provides support and information to those affected by OCD, and works to increase awareness of it. Runs a variety of self-help groups across the country as well as online support groups and advocacy services.
OCD UK
OCD-UK is a national charity working with and for children and adults affected by obsessive compulsive disorder. Provides a wide range of information on OCD and runs self-help services including telephone support groups, online chats and support forums.
Triumph Over Phobia
Triumph over Phobia is a UK charity which aims to help sufferers of phobias. obsessive compulsive disorder and other related anxiety to overcome their fears.
Books
Lucy Willetts and Polly Waite (2014) Can I Tell you about Anxiety?: A guide for friends, family and professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Carol Fitzpatrick (2015) A Short Introduction to Helping Young People Manage Anxiety. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Armed Forces
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
ABF The Soldiers' Charity is the national charity of the British Army. providing support for every soldier or veteran and their families for life.
Combat Stress
The UK's leading Veteran's mental health charity, providing treatment and support services for all ex service personnel, through a helpline. community and outreach support and several dedicated treatment centres.
Help For Heroes
Help for Heroes provides direct support for wounded, injured and sick veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces and their families. including mental health support.
https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
PTSD Resolution
PTSD Resolution helps veterans, TA and reservists who are struggling to reintegrate into a normal work and family life because of military trauma suffered during service in the Armed Forces. Coordinate a network of 200 accredited therapists with a focus in military PTSD.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. They also campaign to improve their lives, organise the Poppy Appeal and remember the fallen.
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
SSAFA
SSAFA is an independent charity which provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, including running free and confidential helpline support.
Bereavement
Bereavement Advice Centre
The Bereavement Advice Centre supports and advises people after a death in England and Wales. Their website and helpline provides help with the wide range of practical issues that need to be managed after a bereavement as well as signposting to other support.
https://www.bereavementadvice.org/
Child Bereavement UK
Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. Runs a dedicated helpline as well as individual, couple's and family support sessions and groups across the country.
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to providing peer support for other bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. They run a helpline as well as bereavement counselling as well as facilitated self-help groups across the country.
Dying Matters
A coalition of 32,000 members across England and Wales which aims to help people talk more dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.
https://www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters
Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust provides specialist support for bereaved families and anyone affected by a sudden infant death.
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide is the national charity to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. A self-help organisation which provides support via a range of means, including through a national helpline, via email and through running self-help groups.
Winston’s Wish
Winston's Wish is the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK. Offers practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar UK
Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, as well as their families and carers. Provide information through their website and via phone and also run national self-help support groups, online support and employment support.
Carers
Carers Trust
The Carers Trust is a major new charity for, with and about carers. They work to support carers through a wide range of information, providing respite care services and online peer support, including dedicated community for young carers under 18.
Carers UK
Carers UK aims to make life better for carers, by providing advice on a range of issues, including financial and practical matters relating to caring, and running an online peer support community of carers across the UK.
Creativity and mental Health
Core Arts
Core Arts is a leading mental health day care service in Hackney, London, using arts and creativity to support people with mental health issues and enabling them to fulfil their potential and participate fully in their community.
Creative Response
Creative Response is an independent arts related organisation using both visual and performance related arts as a catalyst in a therapeutic environment to support people with mental health or substance use issues.
https://www.creativeresponsearts.org/
Sound Minds
London based Sound Minds is a social enterprise aiming to transform the lives of people experiencing mental ill health through participation in arts activity. Run by people with lived experience of mental ill health it runs sessions in music, visual arts, video editing and drama.
Crime Victims
Victims’ Information Service
The Victims' Information Service is a free nationwide service which helps people find local support after a crime takes place. It brings together information on what will happen after reporting a crime. people that may be involved, help that should be provided and how to complain if something goes wrong.
https://www.victimandwitnessinformation.org.uk/
Victim Support
Victim Support is an independent charity working towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. They run a confidential free helpline for anyone affected by crime as well as emotional and practical support, including advice on reporting a crime and processes involved in going to court and what happens during a trial.
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Debt
Money Advice Service
A free independent service set up by the government that provides information on all money related matters via a helpline, online information and free web chats.
National Debtline
The National Debtline is an independent charity which provides free, confidential specialist advice on managing financial debt via a helpline, online information and free web chats.
StepChange
Charity StepChange provides free advice on problem debt and debt management.
Depression
Association for Postnatal Illness
APNI provides support for all women who experience postnatal depression. Provide peer support services via phone and email.
Charlie Waller Memorial Trust
The Trust was set up in 1998 in memory of Charlie Waller, a young man who took his own life due to depression. His family founded the Trust in order to educate young people on the importance of staying mentally well and how to do so. The Trust delivers training in a wide range of settings to raise awareness of depression and to remove the stigma attached to mental ill health.
Depression UK
Depression UK is a national self-help organisation that offers support to everyone affected by depression.
PANDAS Foundation
The PANDAS Foundation provides support services for everyone affected by perinatal mental health issues (including perinatal depression and psychosis) via the phone, online communities and for partners affected by caring for someone with perinatal mental health issues.
Books
Christopher Dowrick and Susan Martin (2015) Can I Tell you about Depression?: A guide for friends, family and professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Eating Disorders
ABC (Anorexia and Bulimia Care)
Anorexia & Bulimia Care is a national UK eating disorders organisation providing ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders. Includes nutritional guidance/support and befriending services.
www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk
Beat
Beat is the UK’s leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders. Runs helplines for adults and young people, online support as well as peer support groups across the country.
MGEDT (Men Get Eating Disorders Too)
National charity raising awareness of eating disorders in men. Also provides peer support services for men affected by eating disorders.
Books
Bryan Lask and Lucy Watson (2014) Can I tell you about Eating Disorders?: A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Pooky Knightsmith (2015) Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Schools: A Guide to Whole School Support and Practical Strategies. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Pooky Knightsmith (2012) Eating Disorders Pocketbook. Teachers’ Pocketbooks
Employment and Mental Health
ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Acas provides a free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workforce relations and employment law. Supports good relationships between employers and employees, but also provides conciliation services to resolve workplace problems.
BITC (Business in the Community)
Business in the Community is the Prince’s Responsible Business Network. Its members work together to tackle a wide range of issues essential to building a farer society and more sustainable future. BITC provide a range of services, practical guidance and creative solutions that help businesses review, improve, measure and report. BITC has also launched a toolkit resource, helpful for all organisations that are exploring how to embed a wellbeing strategy into their organisation.
Fit for Work
Fit For Work is a voluntary service that offers the wider working population access to occupational health (OH) advice and support. Employers can refer employees who have been off work for four weeks or more a free ‘fit to work’ assessment. On the website you will find more information, an employers guide and a stress risk assessment tool.
Health in Construction Leadership Group
Health in Construction Leadership Group works with construction CEO’s to improve health within the sector, with a current focus on mental health. Brings together contractors, clients, the Health and Safety Executive, professional bodies, trade associations and trade unions.
www.healthinconstruction.co.uk
The City Mental Health Alliance
The City Mental Health Alliance is a coalition of organisations that have come together to create an environment in the City of London where mental health is discussed in the same way as physical health. Championed by senior business leaders, it is closely supported by UK mental health organisations MHFA England and Mind.
Education Support Partnership
Provides free confidential counselling for teachers, including online chat services.
www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk
Mindful Employer
Mindful Employer aims to increase awareness of mental health at work and provides easily accessible information to organisations and supports staff who experience stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.
Mind’s Guide to Workplace Mental Health
Mental health charity Mind’s dedicated website section on workplace mental health provides guidance to help employers take care of themselves and their staff. Mind has also published the Employers’ Guide to Mentally Healthy Workplaces, which discusses what poor workplace wellbeing is, what a mentally healthy workplace looks like, and how to create mentally healthy workplaces.
www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work
Richmond Fellowship
The Richmond Fellowship is one of the largest voluntary sector organisations providing support for people with mental health problems. Its aim is to work towards a society that values everyone with mental health issues, through providing supported housing and employment support services to help people find work or stay in work.
This is Me
A city wide mental health campaign, first developed by Barclays as part of the Lord Mayor’s 2016 Power of Diversity programme, run in partnership with Business Healthy and the City Mental Health Alliance and supported by City AM. Aims to reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace and raise awareness of wellbeing.
www.thelordmayorsappeal.org/power-of-diversity/this-is-me
Time to Change’s Guide to Workplace Mental Health
Anti-stigma campaign Time to Change has a dedicated website section providing guidance, tips and tricks on many aspects of dealing with mental health in the workplace, including legal guidance and onwards signposting to additional resources.
www.timetochange.org.uk/get-involved/get-your-workplace-involved/support-managers
Shaw Trust
The Shaw Trust is the UK’s largest third sector provider of employment services for disabled and disadvantaged people.
Family, parenting and relationships
Family Action
Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across England. They aim to strengthen families and communities by building skills and resilience. Their support services include a focus on parental mental health issues, including issues such as perinatal depression.
Family Links
Family Links is a national charity dedicated to creating an emotionally healthy, resilient and responsible society through a range of training programmes. They train people to run parent groups in local communities and also provide step by step guides for parents on their website.
Family Lives
Family Lives is a national family support charity providing help and support in all aspects of family life. They run a dedicated confidential helpline, and provide a range of information on issues relating to parenting.
Relate
Relate is a national charity offering a range of services to help with couple and family relationships, including counselling support and therapy focusing on relationship issues.
General advice, information and support
Citizen’s Advice
Citizen’s Advice provides free, independent information and advice for people on money, legal, consumer, housing and other problems. Its website is searchable for local citizen’s advice bureaus and also has a dedicated web chat service.
Health Talk
Health Talk provides free, reliable information about health issues, by sharing people’s real-life experiences.
Men’s Health Forum
Men’s Health Forum provide free, independent health information focusing on male health issues, including particular projects around men’s mental health.
NHS Choices
NHS Choices provides a wide range of accessible information on all health-related issues, including symptoms, conditions, treatments and local NHS services available. This includes a dedicated section on mental health (under the ‘Live Well’ heading).
General mental health
Action for Happiness
Action for Happiness is not-for-profit creating a movement of people committed to building a happier more caring society, by helping people to take practical action drawing on the latest scientific research. Their vision is a happier world, with fewer people suffering with mental health problems and more people feeling good, functioning well and helping others. Its website provides many resources and evidence-based ideas for actions we can take to feel happier and help reduce and prevent mental ill health – personally, in our communities, workplaces and schools.
Mind
Mind provide a wide range of services relating to mental health, including information, support as well as research and campaigning work. The national Mind organisation also acts as an umbrella organisation to many independent local Mind organisations, which provide different services across the country e.g. therapy services, self-help groups and alternative therapies.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provide a range of support, advice and information services relating to mental illness, as well as conducting national campaigns and research. Rethink runs over 200 mental health services and 150 support groups across England, including therapy services, peer support groups and many more.
Sane
In addition to running Saneline (see below), Sane also aims to improve the lives of anyone affected by mental illness through campaigning work, research and online support services.
Together for Mental Wellbeing
Together is a national charity working alongside people with mental health issues. It provides a range of specialist support services, accommodation based support, criminal justice mental health services and advocacy.
Books
Amita Jassi and Sarah Hull (2013) Can I Tell you about OCD?: A guide for friends, family and professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Susan Conners (2011) The Tourette Syndrome & OCD Checklist: A practical reference for parents and teachers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Learning disabilities
Mencap
Mencap works in partnership with people with a learning disability, their families and carers to provide a range of support services.
Hft
Hft is a national charity providing services for people with learning disabilities throughout England through personalised support services.
Generate
Generate is a charity which aims to support the lives of people with a learning difficulty.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Switchboard
Confidential support, information and referral services for the LGBT community, including online chat services.
Stonewall
Stonewall supports all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people with a range of help and advice services and by working in partnership with businesses and communities to tackle issues related to discrimination.
Nutrition and mental health
Food for the Brain
Confidential support, information and referral services for the LGBT community, including online chat services.
Older people
Age UK
Age UK provides a range of information and support services for older people and those caring for them. Includes befriending services to combat loneliness in elderly people, which may contribute to mental health issues.
Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society provides a range of information and support services for anyone affected by dementia.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia, including nursing support through their team of Admiral Nurses.
Personality disorder
Emergence
Emergence is a service user led organisation with the overarching aim of supporting all people affected by personality disorders, including services users, carers, family and friends and professionals.
Personality Disorder – No longer a diagnosis of exclusion
The website for the Department of Health’s National Personality Disorder Programme, which provides a range of resources, including a service finder and details of pilot projects relating to personality disorders.
www.personalitydisorder.org.uk
Personality Disorder – Knowledge and Understanding Framework
The Knowledge and Understanding Framework is the national training framework to support people to work more effectively with personality disorder.
www.personalitydisorderkuf.org.uk
Physical first aid
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross is one of the largest providers of accredited first aid training in the UK.
St John Ambulance
St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid charity, with an aim to teach everyone simple, lifesaving skills.
Psychosis
Action on Postpartum Psychosis
Action on Postpartum Psychosis is a network of women with lived experience of postnatal psychosis, professionals and academics in the field. It offers peer support to families affected by postnatal psychosis, raise awareness and supports research into it’s causes.
Hearing Voices Network
The Hearing Voices Network is committed to helping people who hear voices, see visions and experience tactical sensations and those that support them. They run a range of self-help groups and deliver training for professionals and the general public.
Voice Collective
The Voice Collective is a London wide project that supports children and young people who hear voices, see visions or have other unusual sensory experiences. It also offers support for parents/families and training for professionals.
Refugees
Refugee Council
The UK’s largest organisation working with refugees and asylum seekers. Includes the provision of specialist therapeutic services targeted to the needs of these populations.
Research and policy
Centre for Mental Health
The UK’s leading authority in mental health research. Using research to change people’s lives.
www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk
DrugWise
DrugWise provides a comprehensive resource of research information, statistics and reports relating to drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Mental Health Foundation
Improving the lives of those with mental health problems or learning difficulties, through research, policy work and running awareness campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week.
Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional medical body responsible for oversight of psychiatrists in the UK. It provides training, conducts research and sets standards for the profession, and also provides information for the general public on mental health issues and mental health services and treatments.
Public Health England
Public Health England is the national public health agency. It aims to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Its site provides public health research and policy publications.
Self-harm
Harmless
Harmless is a user led organisation that provides a range of services about self-harm, including support, information, training and consultancy to people who self-harm, their friends and families and professionals. Includes resources on alternative coping strategies.
selfharmUK
selfharmUK is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm, providing a safe place to talk, ask any questions and be honest about what is going on in their lives. It allowed people to share their personal stories around self-harm and receive some answers online. Run by national charity Youthscape.
NSHN (National Self Harm Network)
The National Self Harm Network offers an online moderated support forum for people affected by self-harm.
Self Injury Support
Self-injury support is a national organisation that support girls and women affected by self-injury or self-harm. They run a dedicated self-injury helpline, as well as text and email support for girls and young women under 24 years of age and supports self-injury self-help group.
Books
Pooky Knightsmith (2015) Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Schools: A Guide to Whole School Support and Practical Strategies. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Keith Hawton and Karen Rodham (2006) By Their Own Young Hand: Deliberate Self-harm and Suicidal Ideas in Adolescents. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Carol Fitzpatrick (2012) A Short Introduction to Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Who Self-Harm. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Self help apps and online resources
Big White Wall
A safe online community of people who are anxious, down, or not coping who support and help each other by sharing what’s troubling the comma guided by trained professionals. Also available as an app.
CBT Online
An interactive site that teaches people cognitive and behavioural therapy skills to prevent and cope with depression.
Down Your Drink
Down Your Drink is a free website based program allowing people to look more closely at their drinking and examine ways of cutting down. Developed by a team of researchers at University College London and endorsed by alcohol concern.
Elefriends
Run by mental health charity Mind, Elefriends aims to provide a safe, support online community everyone can share experiences relating to and get support from people with similar experiences.
FearFighterTM
A NICE guideline approved, evidence based online program for generalised anxiety, panic and phobia. uses CBT principles.
http://fearfighter.cbtprogram.com
Get Self Help
The website offer free cognitive behavioural based self-help and therapy resources, including worksheets and self-help mp3’s.
Happyhealthy
Health app linking brief daily reflection exercises to allow people to make more mindful decisions about lifestyle, exercise, nutrition and sleep to manage mental wellbeing.
Headspace
App based around teaching mindfulness meditation principles to improve wellbeing.
Moodscope
Web-based mood tracking and management platform.
Moodpanda
Moodpanda is an app-based platform allowing people to track their moods.
Sleepio
App for sleep management combining cognitive behavioural principles and the latest in sleep research.
Stay Alive App
The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention pocket app for the UK, developed by Grassroots Suicide prevention. It allows users to create a list of resources and strategies to stay safe from suicide and links into crisis support available.
http://www.preventsuicide.org.uk/stay_alive_suicide_prevention_mobile_phone_application.html
The Tidal Model
The Tidal Model is a philosophical approach/mental health recovery model mental health nurses and people using mental health services.
Wellbeing Podcast
The Mental Health Foundation has created a series of free audio podcasts to improve wellbeing, including guided relaxation, mindfulness practice and overcoming fear and anxiety.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP®)
Provides information on using WRAP® as part of mental health recovery approaches.
WorkGuru
Web-based stress management programme providing tools to build resilience and manage stress in a workplace setting.
Self-help books
8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience – C Costin 2012
An exploration of recovery from eating disorders, weaving together professional and personal accounts.
10 Keys to Happier Living - A Practical Handbook - King. V 2016
A readable, insightful and practical book covering the key areas we can take action in to enhance our happiness and psychological wellbeing and help reduce and prevent depression and anxiety. It provides a menu of evidence-based ideas for practical actions we can take in our daily lives and explains why these matter.
Beating the Blues - Tanner, S. & Ball, J.1991
A very readable step-by-step self-help programme for depression using cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Coming Through Depression: A Mindful Approach to Recovery - Bates, T. 2011
A practical guide to recovery from depression using mindfulness-based approaches.
The Compassionate Mind - Gilbert, P. 2010
By the inventor of compassion-focussed therapy, this book explores how developing compassion for self-help and others can contribute to mental wellbeing and build resilience.
The Complete Family Guide to Schizophrenia: Helping Your Loved One Get the Most Out of Life - Mueser, K. T. 2006
An exploration of how to support someone with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Coping with Bipolar Disorder: A CBR-lnformed Guide to Living with Manic Depression - Jones, S. 2009
A self-help guide to bipolar disorder, influenced by cognitive behavioural principles.
The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and Their Families - Compton, M. T. 2009
A helpful guide to psychosis, early warning signs, treatments allowing families and patients to better navigate an initial episode of psychosis.
Getting Better Bite by Bite: A Survival Kit for Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders - Schmidt. U. 2015
A self-help guide to bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles.
A Head Full of Blue - Johnstone. N. 2003
A personal account of the effects of suffering from depression, anxiety disorder and alcoholism.
I Had a Black Dog: his name was depression - Johnstone, M. 2007
A graphical exploration/comic book providing an insight into what it is like to experience depression.
Living with a Black Dog: How to take care of someone with depression while looking after yourself - Johnstone, M. 2009
A graphical exploration/comic book providing an insight into what it is like to care for someone who experiences depression.
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World - Williams, M. & Penman, D. 2011
Based on Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) this self-help book teaches simple meditation strategies to break the cycle of depression, stress and anxiety.
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel Changing the Way You Think - Greenberger, D. & Padesky, C.A. 2015
A self-help guide to overcoming emotional distress using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
The Mindful Way Through Anxiety: Break Free from Chronic Worry and Reclaim Your Life - Orsillo. S. M. 2011
A mindfulness-based self-help approach to anxiety.
The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeling Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness - Williams. M. 2007
A mindfulness-based self-help approach to depression.
Overcoming Anxiety: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Kennerley, H. 2014
A self-help guide to anxiety based on cognitive behavioural therapy.
Overcoming Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Workbook for Managing Your Symptoms and Achieving Your Life Goals - Bauer, M. 2009
A step-by-step self-help guide to bipolar disorder.
Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Cooper, P. 2009
A step-by-step self-help guide to bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Overcoming Depression – A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques – Gilbert, P 2009
A self-help manual for depression based on cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Overcoming Mood Swings: A self-help guide using cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Scott, J; 2010
A self-help manual for anyone experiencing mood swings between depression and mania, based on cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Overcoming Obsessive CompuIsive Disorder. A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Veale, D. 2009
A self-help manual for obsessive-compulsive disorder based on cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Silvoe. D 2009
A self-help manual for panic disorder based on cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness: A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavoural Techniques – Butler G 2009
A self-help guide to social anxiety based on cognitive behavioural therapy.
Overcoming Traumatic Stress – A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques - Wetmore, A 2009
A self-help guide to PTSD based on cognitive behavioural therapy.
Sober for Food – New Solutions for Drinking Problems - Advice from Those Who Have Succeeded - Fletcher, A 2002
An exploration of recovery from problem drinking, taking account of varied lived experience.
Quiet the Mind: An Illustrated Guide on How to Meditate - Johnstone, M. 2012
A graphical exploration/comic book providing an insight into what it is like to meditate.
Stigma
Time to Change
Time to Change is the main national anti-stigma campaign, run by leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness
Students (Higher Education)
Nightline
The nightline association provides listening, support and information helplines run by university students for university students, including about mental health issues
Student Minds
Student Minds is the UK's student mental health charity, aiming to provide students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to talk about their mental health and support their peers.
Suicide prevention
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
ASIST is a 2-day training course that teaches people how to intervene when someone is suicidal.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably is a charity which exists to prevent male suicide in the UK. They run a dedicated support line and online webchat for men who are experiencing emotional distress or who are in crisis. It also seeks to challenge a culture that prevents men from seeking help when they need it.
Grassroots
Grassroots is a small charity focused on suicide prevention through training, consultancy and project work, including the #StayAIive app for those at risk of suicide or worried about someone else. Providers of ASIST training.
Papyrus
Papyrus is the national charity for the prevention of young suicide. It runs HOPELineUK, a dedicated suicide prevention hotline for anyone up to the age of 35 who may be feeling suicidal, or anyone who is concerned about a young person.
Books
Keith Hawton and Karen Rodham (2006) By Their Own Young Hand: Deliberate Self-harm and Suicidal Ideas in Adolescents. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Terri A.Erbacher, Jonathan B. Singer and Scott Poland (2015) Suicide in Schools: A Practitioner’s Guide to Multi-level Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention. New York: Routledge
Young people
Anna Freud Centre
A children's mental health charity providing specialist help and training and carrying out research.
Childline
Provides free confidential counselling and emotional support for children and young people. Online chat services with a counsellor are also available on the website.
Place 2 Be
Place2Be provides emotional and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools to build children’s resilience through talking, creative work and play.
Kooth
Provides free online support for young people delivered by qualified counsellors via chat based services.
Stem4
STEM4 aims to improve teenage mental health by stemming commonly occurring mental health issues at an early stage.
The Mix (formerly Get Connected)
The Mix (formerly Get Connected) is the UK's free, confidential helpline service for young people under 25 who need help but don't know where to turn. It provides information on a wide range of issues, including mental health related topics. Help can be accessed by phone, email or webchat, and it also runs a free telephone counselling service.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds is the UK's leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people through campaign, research and policy work. They also operate a parent helpline (see above) for any parents concerned about their child's mental health, and resources for professionals working with young people.
