Need someone to talk to?
We all struggle with how we feel.
Problems with friends, family or school make us anxious, depressed, angry or scared and we need to talk to someone, but find it difficult to talk to people we know.
Check the following services that can help you talk things through, support you without making you feel judged, and in confidence.
For immediate help
If you need help now talk to a family member, a friend or a neighbour. Ask if you can spend a few moments with them to help you relax.
If you:
- are in immediate danger or harm, please call 999
- urgently need medical help or advice, but it’s not life threatening, please call NHS 111
- want to talk to someone about how you feel, what you’re experiencing or how to deal with someone else's behaviour, contact Samaritans 116 123.
kooth
kooth is a free, safe, secure and anonymous means of accessing support with your emotional health and wellbeing needs from a professional team of qualified counsellors.
It is available if you:
- are 11-18 years, up to age 25 if you have special educational needs and/or are a care leaver
- live and/or go to school in Slough.
kooth offers:
- online counselling and emotional well-being support
- discussion boards with peers
- live forums, information and advice
- live webchats with a qualified counsellor available 12 noon–10pm on Monday to Friday and 6pm–10pm at the weekend.
Checkout the YouTube video on kooth. Please note: if you access the video on YouTube the subtitles maybe auto generated. Some videos may not have subtitles and may autoplay.
Number 22
If you:
- are 11 years and above
- live and/or go to school in Slough
- want to talk about your problems or worries
- want support to make decisions to bring about positive changes in your life
check out Number 22.
You decide what to focus on and whatever the issue, Number 22 counsellors won’t be shocked and they will not judge you.
They will listen and help you decide how you want to move forwards.
To be added on the waiting list:
- call 01628 636661 (answer phone service)
- email info@number22.org
- complete Number 22 enquiry form.
Talking Therapies
Are you 17+ and feeling anxious, depressed or stressed?
Start feeling better with NHS Talking Therapies free and confidential treatment and support with low mood, anxiety and worry.
You can:
- sign-up to NHS Talking Therapies online
- call 0300 365 2000 (press 2)
- ask your GP to refer you.
Check out NHS Talking Therapies.
Childline
Are you:
- feeling sad, unhappy or depressed
- worried about your future?
Check Childline's YouTube video on 'Feeling unhappy, sad or depressed'. Please note: if you access the video on YouTube the subtitles are auto generated. Some videos may not have subtitles and may autoplay.
Childline offers information and advice on:
- bullying, abuse, safety and the law
- you and your body
- your feelings
- friends, relationships and sex
- home and family
- school, college and work.
The tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration help you feel more in control.
To contact Childline:
- call for free on 0800 1111
- sign up for an account on Childline to email
- chat with a Childline counsellor online.
If you are deaf you can also use SignVideo to chat with a Childline counsellor in BSL.
The Mix
Do you want to:
- discuss an embarrassing problem
- ask a weird question
- talk about a 'please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud' thoughts that people under 25 have
- get information and advice about money, mental health, homelessness, jobs, break-ups, drugs?
The Mix provides free, confidential support for young people between 11 to 25 years via online, social and mobile.
You can:
- call the helpline for FREE on 0808 808 4994
- speak to a trained helpline supporter on The Mix One to one chat service.
- email using the online form on The Mix website
- use the free texting crisis messenger service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by texting THEMIX to 85258
- request for counselling using the online form on The Mix website
- check The Mix website for information, discussion boards, support groups, apps and tools.
The Samaritans
Samaritans helpline 116 123 provides 24/7 emotional support if you:
- need someone to talk to
- are having a difficult time
- are struggling to cope
- want to self-harm
- have thoughts of killing yourself
- want advice or support for a specific situation
- are worried about a friend.
You can:
- call 116 123 any time, day or night for FREE
- email jo@samaritans.org
- write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS
- try Samaritans self-help app
- check Samaritans website.
Shout
If you are a struggling to cope with whatever you are going through, Shout can provide 24/7 text support.
Texts are free from:
- EE
- O2
- Vodafone
- 3
- Virgin Mobile
- BT Mobile
- GiffGaff
- Tesco Mobile
- Telecom Plus.
Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
For help, text SHOUT to 85258.
Papyrus - support with thoughts of suicide
Papyrus HOPELINE247 is a free, confidential space to talk about your thoughts of suicide with trained advisers.
The helpline also supports others who are concerned and professionals.
You can:
- call 0800 068 41 41
- text 07860 039967
- email pat@papyrus-uk.org
- check Papyrus website.
Beat
Beat offers:
- a non-judgemental space to share feelings and thoughts around eating disorders
- support to explore options for help
- information to support someone with an eating disorder.
You can:
- call 0808 801 0677
- email help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
- check Beat website.
Young Minds
Young Minds helps you:
- understand more about how you feel
- find ways to feel better
- support someone who is struggling.
Check Young Minds for support when you feel:
- alone and misundersood
- angry and out of control
- down and unable to cope
- sad due to breavement
- lonely
- like self-harming
- ovewhelmed
- stuck.
The Children's Society
Are you looking to learn more about a particular mental health issue? Perhaps a friend has been feeling anxious, your parents are more stressed than usual, or you've been feeling low and not sure why.
Check The Children's Society website for information on:
- anger
- anxiety
- body image
- bullying
- depression
- emotional resilience
- identity
- loneliness
- mental resilience
- pregnancy
- self esteem
- stress.
Anna Freud
Anna Freud website offers resources on:
- prioritising your mental health and wellbeing
- understanding treatment options
- knowing your rights
- support for LGBTQI
- dealing with a loss or bereavement
- supporting friends with mental health
- impact of social media on mental health
- understnading referrals.
NHS Every Mind Matters
Check NHS Every Mind Matters for:
- videos on exercise, sleep and how to take care of yourself on social media
- self-care ideas
- support available.