The latest news reveals that many mental health services are struggling to meet the minimum standard of care. So, where can you access quality mental health support?

Recent events like the cost of living crisis and world traumas have greatly impacted the nation’s mental health. The effects can be felt beyond our personal lives, echoing in the workplace and the wider community.

The Quality Care Commission, or CQC, is responsible for assessing over 900 mental health units in England. A number of these services, both in the private sector and run by the NHS, have been downgraded and could risk being shut down, according to a BBC report.

A study by Vitality Health Insurance also found that 71% of people recognise that mental health conversations are more prominent at work. Despite this, 75% of employees feel that physical health is taken more seriously than mental wellbeing.

To add to this, alarming reports that the Metropolitan police are set to stop responses to mental health calls have left many people concerned about where else they can turn to.

Fortunately, there are a number of resources available both in-person and online that offer mental health support. Whether you’re looking to get help for yourself or a loved one, you’d like to learn more about supporting colleagues in the workplace, or you’re looking to be involved with a charity, we’ve listed just some of these avenues below.

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If you are in crisis and are concerned for your own safety, call 999, or go to A&E.

Listening lines

If you need to talk or just want someone to listen, there are various helplines available.

  • Call Samaritans on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org.
  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers support to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 689 5652 from 6pm – Midnight every day.
  • The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) can be contacted from 5pm to Midnight daily at 0800 58 58 58 or use their online chat service.
  • Text SHOUT to 85258 if you don’t want to talk on the phone. This is a 24/7 service that offers support if you are in crisis.
  • Use the Nightline website to find out if your college or university offers a nighttime support service (run by students, for students).
  • For those who identify as LGBTQ+ and require support, contact Switchboard on 0800 0119 100 from 10 am to 10 pm.
  • The Silver Line is a helpline for older people. Contact them 24/7 on 0800 470 80 90.
  • If you’re a young person looking for support, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or chat to them online.

If you’re looking for support with a particular problem, take a look at our A-Z guide.

Find out more about Happiful and our mission to create a healthier, happier, and more sustainable society.

Professional support

If you feel you’d benefit from some professional support, you can find qualified professionals on the Happiful Directories.

Counselling

Counselling Directory seeks to connect people with a therapist easily. Talking therapies can be really important in helping us to manage our day-to-day lives.

Find out more about counselling.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can be an incredibly powerful tool in helping you make lasting changes, from overcoming fears and phobias to breaking habits. Find out more and contact a hypnotherapist on Hypnotherapy Directory.

Coaching

If you’re feeling a little stuck and are in need of some guidance in any area of your life, coaching could be for you. Find out more on Life Coach Directory.

Nutrition

If you’re looking for nutritional support, whether that’s in making dietary changes, managing an existing condition or preparing for a sporting event, you can find a nutritional professional on Nutritionist Resource.

Complementary therapy

Are you looking to manage stress and improve your overall wellbeing? Holistic therapists work with the body, mind and spirit to support you through life.

Find out more about complementary and alternative therapy.

Online reading

At Happiful, we have an abundance of articles that provide information and support on a variety of subjects, including how to support those around you. Here are a few resources that you might find helpful:

You can access all this information and more on the Happiful app. Use it as part of your everyday wellbeing tool, or dip into it whenever you feel like you need it.

If you’re struggling financially and it’s impacting your mental health, find out more about accessing an Employee Assistance Programme.

However you choose to seek support, Happiful is here to support you.