Hounslow Youth Counselling Service

GOV UK - Government Guidelines
Government guidelines on the wearing of masks - when to wear them, how to make them; rules and law relating to face masks.

MIND
Information, requirements and tips about face masks and how to manage face mask anxiety. 

ANXIETY UK
More tips on how to reduce anxiety about wearing face masks.

NEWSROUND - Advice for Communicating with Deaf People
Newsround TV article explaining how to communicate with deaf people while wearing a mask.

Please note: always consult your GP or appropriate health professional before taking medication, the sites below do not offer medical advice.

YOUNG MINDS
General information about medication, previously based at Head Meds, including thinking about or getting prescribed medication, support in taking medication, addiction and more.  Use this link for their Medications Glossary.

BUMPS (Best Use of Medicines In Pregnancy)
Website offers evidence-based information about use of medicines in pregnancy, in the form of freely available patient information leaflets called 'Bumps' ('Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy').

MEDICINE.ORG
Browse and access patient leaflets on different medicines here. 

This section includes services directed to those who are biologically male or who may identify as men.

You may also find it helpful to look at other sections in the A-Z Directory for support including Gender Identity.

INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 
On November 19 International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. IMD highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men’s well-being. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is to improve gender relations and promote gender equality not only for men but for women too. 

BAGGY TROUSERS - "Have the Guts to Check Your Nuts" 
A charity who raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, actively promoting the benefits of early detection and visiting the GP if they detect any of the signs or symptoms.  Follow this link here showing you how to 'check your nuts'. 

BREAKING THE SILENCE
Breaking the Silence provide a completely confidential service for men of Asian, African and African-Caribbean origin, aged 13 and over across a wide range of issues.  Their experienced counsellors are qualified in a range of therapies. 

BROOK - Advice about Erections
Information to support young people.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
A site for young men aged 15-35 to help with a wide range of issues affecting wellbeing and mental health.

COPPAFEEL
"Everyone has breast tissue and people of all genders can get breast cancer. To be clear and consistent, we (Coppafeel) use the word ‘breasts’ in our health information, rather than boobs, pecs or chest." Link to Breast Cancer in Men section.

JAMES' PLACE
Offer men aged 18+ who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a homely environment - centres in London, Liverpool and Newcastle.  Please see website for opening times and eligibility criteria.

MALE SURVIVORS' PARTNERSHIP
0808 800 5005
Self Help Guides
MSP is a network of organisations working with male victims/survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.They provide links to national and local support services for anyone looking for specialist help.  Click link above to access self help guides across a wide range of issues.

MANKIND 01823 334244
Information, support and signposting including a confidential helpline, for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK. Also support friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.

MENS' HEALTH FORUM
The Men's Health Forum is a charity supporting men's health in England, Wales and Scotland.
Includes 'Know your knob' guide to everything to do with the penis include concerns around erections, testicles, pain and penis size. 

ORCHID 0808 802 0010
Charity working to raise awareness about and support those impacted by male cancers such as penile, testicular and prostate cancers.  Information and resources including guides such as Ball Basics to help you keep an eye on testicular health.

PROSTATE CANCER UK 0800 074 8383
Advice, information, support and awareness raising about prostate cancer.  Support includes a 'Risk Checker' on the website  and a simple guide 'Know Your Prostate' to help you know and identify possible signs of prostate problems.

RESPECT - Mens Advice Line 
0808 80 10 3278 or info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential helpline and support for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them. Offer advice and emotional support to men who experience abuse, and signpost to other vital services that help keep them and their children safe.

STRONG MEN
A bereavement charity for men aged 18+ to help men tackle the mental, emotional and physical health conditions brought about by bereavement.    Sign up for their newsletter, read the blog or contact the Man2Man service for peer support.

SURVIVORS' UK  
Chat online or Message +44 7491 816064 on WhatsApp.
Offers a range of support services for male survivors of rape or sexual abuse.  Established for male survivors but also welcomes anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that we are the right fit for them.

TALK CLUB (over 18s)
A talking and listening community for men over 18.  

THE BOOK OF MAN 
Described as the 'voice of a new type of man', it is a support network offering advice and inspiration to modern men in a time of great change.

Membership available - discounted student rate offered - with articles and information tackling topics such as toxic masculinity and more.

TINY HAPPY PEOPLE (BBC)
Explore simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development.  Resources include: 
- New Dad's Guide to Good Mental Health - support for new dads in making the adjustment to a new baby on the scene.

VICTIM SUPPORT 
Advice and support, 24/7 for anyone affected by any crime.  
Information for men guide here about rape and sexual assault

- Link to Advice for Men booklet here.

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS, PODCASTS AND MORE :
- The Secret Lives of Men - James Hawes

Author James Hawes is on a mission to help men to develop emotional fitness.  Described as a 'toolbox for men', it includes 50 practical tips to build emotional muscles, info' on what other men think and feel and tips on improving relationships. Order from Amazon here.

Time To Talk Podcast with Alex Holmes
This podcast is a space for honest conversations about mental health, masculinity, and living with intention.

Hosted by mental fitness coach and hypnotherapist Alex Holmes, the podcast challenges outdated notions of manhood and explores how minimalism—both emotional and physical—can enhance well-being.

Listed below resources to support Mental Health and Wellbeing.  You may also find it helpful to check out other areas of this directory including Advocacy and under listings for particular mental health concerns such as Anxiety or Depression. 

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
A site for young men aged 15-35 to help with a wide range of issues affecting wellbeing and mental health.

CAMHS - Hounslow Borough
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services support young people under 18 within Hounslow Borough.

CHILDLINE - 0800 1111
24/7 confidential support for young people to age 18 about anything that's worrying you.  Call, chat online or email.  Watch this video to find out more - link here.

CWT (Charlie Waller Trust)
Resources and support across a range of mental health worries including videos, downloads and resources including (click titles for link):

- Mental Health Resources Library For Young People (charliewaller.org)

- Asking for help | A guide to talking about your mental health (charliewaller.org)

NHS - Every Mind Matters
Helps people to manage common mental health problems and support others with a wide range of wellbeing tips and resources.

GETTING IT ON
Regional charity for South West London providing information and services for 13-19 year olds on sexual and mental health issues, drugs & alcohol and relationship problems.

HEAD TALKS
Mental health support site covering mental illness and recovery- Head Talks aims to 'inform, inspire and engage those interested in mental health and wellbeing. You will find people speaking from the heart and from their own experience, as well as a wide range of experts and healers sharing their tips and insights to help us work towards better mental health and wellbeing'.  Includes a free talk 'mental wellbeing children and teenagers' with lots of useful advice and tips. 

HOUNSLOW - WELLBEING AND RECOVERY COLLEGE
bookings.recoverycollege@westlondon.nhs.uk
The Wellbeing & Recovery College is a training and resource centre for Hounslow Borough which develops and delivers a wide range of courses and tools to support wellbeing and the self-management of mental health difficulties - from anxiety and OCD support to exploring spirituality, Tapping, Mindfulness, Walking Football, Stitching and Drumming workshops.  The courses are open to those using the Trust’s mental health services, staff, carers, families and supporters.
- Spring 2024 Prospectus. 

INSPIRE 028 9032 8474
Provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland.

MADE OF MILLIONS
Global mental health resource for young adults and above providing information on a wide range of mental health conditions with information and advice including the Diagnosis and how it works, information on treatment and how to get help.

THE MIX - 0808 808 4994
Crisis Messenger - text THEMIX to 85258.
Free information and support for under 25's in the UK. Get advice about sex, relationships, drugs, mental health, money, housing and jobs.

NHS MOODZONE 
Information on common mental health concerns.

ANNA FREUD - ON MY MIND 
From self care strategies, the AFC Crisis Messenger Service and information about treatment options, this is a hub of mental health support information.

OUR TIME
Our Time supports children and young people who have a parent or guardian with a mental illness or mental health difficulty offering information and support.

POHwer - 0300 456 2370
or email pohwer@pohwer.net
A charity who provide information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion.  

Qualified professional advocates can support children and young people through a range of services.

They work face to face with children and young people who are receiving treatment on a mental health unit - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).   CAMHS advocacy support is provided within both private and NHS hospitals across the country.

Young people can refer themselves or be referred by a third party to the service or speak to the advocate during a regular drop in. 

RETHINK
0300 5000 927
Support for mental health issues and those severely affected by them.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS (RCP): Mental Health Advice 
Advice and information leaflets available on a range of mental health issues.

- link to Translations of RCP leaflets are available in many languages.

SANE LINE
Information and support on mental illness.

TEEN BREATHE - Magazine & Blog
Teen Breathe is a bi-monthly magazine for ages 8-14 covering topics including mindfulness, wellbeing, creativity and health.  Also have Insta page and blog.

VOICEABILITY
Support provided in many areas, check website for your local office.
Hounslow support - 0300 330 5471 (Helpline Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. We provide free and independent advocacy and user involvement services.

LOCAL WELLBEING SUPPORT:
HOUNSLOW & RICHMOND BOROUGHS:

ChatHealth Text Service - School Nursing Team (Hounslow & Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust) - 07507 333176 
Young people aged 11-19 attending secondary school in Hounslow Borough can text the school nurses' team for confidential advice and support - if you are worried about any aspect of your health, feeling stressed about anything text 07507 333176 and a member of the NHS school nursing team will come back to you within 24 hours from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

CRISIS LINES LONDON - Find an Urgent Mental Health Crisis Line
Every London mental health trust has put in place a 24/7 crisis line for people of all agews which are free and can provide advice and support 365 days a year.

MINT team - London (Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham and Hounslow)
Mental health integrated network teams (MINT) provide community-based treatment and care for adults aged 18+ with a wide range of mental health difficulties.  Most people will access MINT services via their GP but you may be referred following care from acute mental health services, or by emergency or social care services. 

SAFE SPACE HELPLINE
0203 475 5185
(Hounslow Borough, Over 18's)
Specialist mental health support for those 18+ in London Borough of Hounslow delivered by Mind with access to emotional support, signposting and advice to improve mental health wellbeing.

SPEAK CAMHS Helpline
0800 328 4444 option 2
(Ealing, Hammersmith, Fulham and Hounslow areas) 
If you are a young person living in the above areas and you are worried about your mental health you can call 'Speak CAMHS' for support.  Parents, carers and professionals can also call the helpline if they are concerned about a young person's mental health.

Opening hours - 
Monday to Friday: 8am to 11pm                    Weekends/Bank holidays: midday to 8pm
Outside these hours, crisis calls will be passed to an out of hours CAMHS professional. If they're not available to talk straight away, you can arrange a call back.

WILDMIND PROJECT
(Hounslow, Kingston and Richmond UK)
Local support for 11-25 year olds - either self refer or via a professional.  The Wild Mind Project is offering a safe, confidential space in nature for you to share your feelings with young people who are also struggling. Nature can help, it really can, and creative activities give you the chance to express yourself without judgment. 
Check out the website to find details of the next FREE programme in your area for you to join.  

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS, PODCASTS AND MORE

- Mental Health and Me by Andy Glynne
Mental health from the point of view of young people.

What is MHFA? 
Just as First Aid is the help we give to someone who is experiencing physical health issues before professional help can be sought, MHFA is the help we offer to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem before professional help can be sought. 

It aims to help people to be able to recognise common signs of mental health difficulties, to enable them to provide initial help and to then be able to support the person in getting access to professional help. 

MHFA England
MHFA England offer training courses in mental health first aid - find out more at their website (link above). 

“Wherever you are, at any moment, try and find something beautiful. A face, a line out of a poem, the clouds out of a window, some graffiti, a wind farm. Beauty cleans the mind.” ― Matt Haig, Reasons to Stay Alive

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps
Check out the Calm, Headspace and Insider Track apps in the HYCS App Zone.

.Be - A Little Book of Mindfulness
In this booklet, .Be have brought together a collection of expert advice to help you get started building a habit of mindfulness.

CALM
Website for a leading app for sleep, meditation and relaxation, with over 50 million downloads and over 700,000 positive reviews.   Check out the Calm app in the App Zone.

GOODFUL
A mindfulness meditation for when feeling anxious, click the link to calm yourself physically and mentally.

HEADSPACE
Headspace have a meditation app (see App Zone) and also a Netflix 8-episode series - link to the trailer here which shows how meditation can help in your daily life. From tackling stress to embracing gratitude, each episode first teaches the basics and techniques of the practice, and then concludes with a guided meditation.

MINDFUL
Ideas and resources to help you practice meditation and mindfulness.  

TARA BRACH - Mindfulness Meditations
Mindfulness expert Tara Brach offers a range of free meditations.

You may also find it helpful to look under other areas of this Directory including Bereavement, Fertility and Fertility Concerns or Pregnancy.

MISCARRIAGE ASSOCIATION 
If you’ve been affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, the Miscarriage Association hope their website will provide the information that you’re looking for.

SEEN - Pregnancy Crisis Centre
020 8892 8483 or text 07776 482350
A free and confidential service for women who are facing an unintended pregnancy or who are dealing with a pregnancy loss (whether through termination, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm loss or stillbirth).  They are committed to offering professional standards of non-directive care to support you.

You may also find it useful to look at other sections of this A-Z Directory including Asylum Seekers, Refugees, Crime, Trafficking.

MODERN SLAVERY HELPLINE
08000 121 700
Free, confidential helpline run by Unseen. Support available in 200 languages.

MODERN SLAVERY LEAFLET - available in 11 languages
Government leaflet to support those affected by modern slavery/trafficking.

SALVATION ARMY HELPLINE
0300 303 8151

ANTI-SLAVERY INTERNATIONAL 
International human rights organisation in the world who work to eliminate all forms of slavery and slavery like practices throughout the world.

MIGRANT HELP UK
Protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma.  Specialist support for those affected by modern slavery and human trafficking - link here. 

UNSEEN
08000 121 700
UK charity providing safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.  Run the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and work with individuals, communities, business, governments, other charities and statutory agencies to stamp out slavery for good.

GOV UK - Support for Victims of Modern Slavery Leaflet
A leaflet outlining the support available for victims of modern slavery in 11 foreign languages.

If you are struggling to make ends meet, you may also find it helpful to look under the section Poverty in this A-Z directory to access money-saving support ideas and organisations.

BUTTLE UK
A charity dedicated to helping children and young people in crisis in the UK: those living in financial hardship and dealing with multiple challenging social issues.  Offer Chances for Children Grants to those in need.  Their grants offer a 'holistic funding package designed to meet the multiple needs of vulnerable children and young people. The grants meet immediate practical needs by paying for household items, but also meet a child’s longer-term educational and emotional needs'.
Follow this eligibility checker link.

CITIZENS' ADVICE
Citizens Advice offer advice around money and debt and you can access their handy budgeting tool to assist you - budgeting tool link here. Debt and money advice information here - Debt and money - Citizens Advice.

DISABLED STUDENTS ALLOWANCE  (DSA)
Government website explaining how you can get financial help via the DSA if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability.  Check eligibility and how to apply here.

FINANICAL SUPPORT LINE FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE - 0808 196 8845 
The national Support Line is run by Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) and Money Advice Plus. It offers specialist advice to people experiencing domestic abuse who are in financial difficulty. 

It aims to empower people who have experienced or are experiencing abuse to regain control of their finances. Advisors on the line will always take your safety and well-being into account when giving advice.

FUEL BANK FOUNDATION
Prepaying for energy but not having the money to do so means living without heat and light. FBF can provide people with the financial support and practical advice that they need to get back on their feet.

GOV UK - Help for Households
This government site allows you to see what support is available to help with the cost of living and you can also find out how to save money with energy saving tips.

GOV UK - How to Apply For Undergraduate Student Finance
Check if you’re eligible for student finance, find out how much you can get, how to apply and when you start repaying.

MONEY ADVICE PLUS - 08081 963699
MAP helps and supports people experiencing difficulty managing their money or financial affairs and run a national telephone advice service.

MONEYHELPER 0800 138 7777
MoneyHelper is a government site which brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.  Advice on everything from benefits and pensions to debt and budgeting.

MONEY SAVING EXPERT 
- Teen Cash Guide: (link here)
A practical 'teenage survival guide to living in one of the most competitive consumer economies in the world'.
- Energy Saving Tips - (link here). 

NATIONAL DEBTLINE
Freephone 0808 808 4000
Independent charity, providing free, impartial debt advice by phone and online via webchat or the Digital Advice Tool -  which is great if you like doing things online. (They ask you the same questions that they would on a call).

OFGEM - advice if you are struggling to pay energy bills
Your energy supplier can help if you are having difficulties with your gas and electric bills. You can get other grants and benefits too.  Your options will depend on your situation

PAYPLAN -  0800 280 2816
Debt advice that is free, confidential and impartial.

PRINCE'S TRUST with MAS - Money Advice
Prince Trust have partnered with Money Advice Service (MAS) to bring you a range of top tools to support your finances including a savings calculator and budget planner.

STAND ALONE - Student Finance Guide
Stand Alone support people who are estranged  - this guide is to student finance options.  There is also a checklist (link here) for sending information to student finance. 

STEP CHANGE
National Charity for debt advice - free debt advice that is based on a comprehensive assessment of your situation. They then provide practical help and support for however long it’s needed.

STUDENT FINANCE - www.gov.uk
Funding and finance for students - here you can check eligibility, costs, register, apply for and manage student finance, loans, sponsorship, getting help with studying. 

TURN2US
A national charity aiming to help people when times get tough including providing financial support to help get people back on track.  Advice and information including for young people.

UCAS - About Student Finance
Information about undergraduate tuition fees and student loans. How much are tuition fees and how are you going to pay for them? Find out how to fund your studies and how to apply here.

SMIRA - Selective Mutism Information and Research Association
SMIRA is a UK national charity providing information & support to people with selective mutism, their families & professionals in health and education fields working with them.  Selective Mutism, sometimes called Situational Mutism, is an anxiety-based disorder and those with SM speak fluently in some situations but remain consistently silent in others. 

SMIRA helps those with SM, their parents and professionals to have an opportunity to feel less isolated and share ideas with others who have experienced similar problems in either home, school or treatment situations. 

I SPEAK
Selective mutism in the words of people with selective mutism.  Book available (see below):

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS AND MORE

- Selective Mutism in our Own Words by Carl Sutton & Cherly Forrester (Book) 

A collection of stories from people living with Selective Mutism.