Hounslow Youth Counselling Service

Information below and you may also wish to look in our A-Z Directory entries under B- BAME, H - Hate Crime and R - Rights. 

BBC BITESIZE
- How to Protect Yourself From Racism (video/article)
- The Difference Between Non-Racist and Anti-Racist
"There's a big difference between being not-racist and being anti-racist. I know it doesn't seem like it. I know that both of these things seem equally good, but they're not" says psychologist, author and NBA basketball player John Amaechi.

At a time when many people want to learn how they can be better allies for black people, in this BBC Bitesize video, John explains what it means to be anti-racist.

BEAM
Training movement dedicated to healing, wellness and liberation of black and marginalised communities.  Toolkit and resources section.

BLAM UK 
BLAM UK are dedicated to ensuring the all-round wellbeing of young Black members of their community in Brixton and other boroughs of London and run a series of projects and produce guides for all such as the Guide to Being Anti-Racist.

CHILDLINE - Racism and Racial Bullying
No one has the right to make you feel bad or abuse you for who you are.  Find information and advice about racism and racial bullying.

KICK IT OUT
Kick It Out is English football’s equality and inclusion organisation.Working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change, Kick It Out is at the heart of the fight against discrimination for everyone who plays, watches or works in football.

Established in 1993 in response to widespread calls from clubs, players and fans to tackle racist attitudes existing within the game. Kick It Out was then established as a body in 1997 as it widened out its objectives to cover all aspects of discrimination, inequality and exclusion.

Get involved - Join the #TAKEASTAND AGAINST DISCRIMINATION campaign.

KICK IT OUT APP - Hate Crime Reporting Tool
Report hate crime at football matches using the Kick It Out reporting tool (see App Zone). Available on Google Play and App Store.

STOP HATE UK
Call Hate Out Helpline (under 18's)
0808 801 0576
07717 989 025
A national organisation working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.

Their Call Hate Out helpline is confidential 24-hour support service for young people under 18 experiencing or witnessing a Hate Crime.

SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD
SRtRC is the UK’s largest anti-racism educational charity established in January '96, thanks in part to a donation by then Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

In addition to the direct education of young people and adults, SRtRC produces educational resources, to challenge misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in society.  Their educational films feature a range of professional football players such as Harry Kane, Dele Ali, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Pickford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Eni Aluko alongside England and Wales managers, Gareth Southgate and Ryan Giggs respectively.

Each October the charity holds a national fundraising day across the UK for schools, organisations and individuals to show their support for anti-racism and raise valuable funds for our charity.

TAPPING SOLUTION - Racial Anxiety Relief Tapping Meditation.
Dr Silas, a specialist in anxiety and trauma created a Tapping meditation for 'Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour to experience some ease from the anxiety (alongside many other emotions)... The pain we are feeling is justified, and our bodies still need a break. Whether you are having trouble sleeping, experiencing headaches, stomachaches, or a racing heart, we need to take care of ourselves so that we can connect to our own power".

TRUE VISION - REPORT IT 
True Vision has been developed so that you can report hate crimes online - you do not have to visit a police station to report.
 
YOUNG MINDS
Advice from Young Minds about what you can do if you have experienced racism.

YOUTH ACCESS - Make Our Rights Reality - Black Lives Matter Blog
Self care tips and resources in times of racial trauma. 

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS AND MORE: 

- 100 Black Voices on Racism
"We cannot change the past but we can change the consequencs of the past for the better by means of education. This book is part of that education."  A cast of 100 voices across Britain and gathering strength from the wider Pan African community, this book reveals both hopes and frustrations. Whether actress, poet, shopkeeper, Member of Parliament, Dame, or doctor, each shares about racism and adds to a colorful tapestry of optimism so future generations can pause, take stock and keep breathing.

You may also find it useful to check out other sections of this directory such as under H for Hate Crime.

ACT EARLY - Prevent radicalisation 0800 011 3764 helpline
18001 101 - police, non-emergency text phone service for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.
'It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried that someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent.  Act Early and tell us your concerns in confidence.'

TRUE VISION - REPORT IT 
True Vision has been developed so that you can report hate crimes online - you don't have to visit a police station to report.
- Downloadable guide for those affected by hate crime

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence (rape, sexual assault or sexual harassment) you may find it helpful to download our HYCS leaflet  About Sexual Violence to find support options - link here. 

You may also find it useful to check resources in other sections of this directory including under the headings C for Crime, S for Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment and more.

DEFINITIONS - Rape and Sexual Assault D 
Rape is a form of sexual violence.  The legal definition of rape is 'penetration with a penis of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent'.

Other forms of unwanted sexual touching are defined as sexual assault.
Both rape and sexual assault carry the same sentences if prosecuted.

CONSENT IS EVERYTHING
"Sexual consent is where a person has the ability and freedom to agree to sexual activity".   Rape is sexual activity without consent.  This simple video called 'Tea and Consent simply explains what consent is (and isn't).

CPS
- A guide for victims of rape and serious sexual assault - What happens when a case comes to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service)
Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. The CPS are 'committed to securing justice for victims of sexual violence and this guide explains what you can expect from the criminal justice system if you decide to report what has happened to the police. This information applies to all victims of sexual violence - including women and girls and men and boys'.

GALOP
020 7704 2040
LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, if you’ve experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse.   Support LGBTQ people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

THE HAVENS
020 3299 6900 – 24/7 Support 
Information and support for all ages and for anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped within the last 12 months; Download their useful self help guide - click here for link.

THE MIX
- video about visiting a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) following a sexual assault or rape
This video by The Mix, a site for young people, explains step by step what to expect and your options if you decide to go to a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre).   It is a self referral route which does not involve the police, unless you want it to.  It allows you time to decide what you want to do without any pressure.

NHS
- Help After Rape and Sexual Assault
NHS website - information about what sexual assault is, what to do and options if you have been assaulted, services that can support you including information about the SARC's (sexual assault referral centres).

RAPE CRISIS
0808 500 2222
Provides frontline specialist, independent and confidential services for women and girls of all ages who've experienced any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives.   Contact to find details of your local centre or call the national number above or link to the website to use the online chat.

SOLACE WOMENS AID
- Rape Crisis Helpline (North London)
0808 801 0305
- Advice Line
0808 802 5565
The North London Rape Crisis Helpline is a free, anonymous service available to women and girls aged 13+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time: recent or non-recent. They offer a safe and non-judgmental space for women, whether you are already receiving support, awaiting counselling, or speaking out for the first time.

SURVIVORS' GATEWAY (London)  
0808 801 0860
The London Survivors' Gateway offers victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse aged 13+ help to access specialist services in London.  It provides information on what help is available after rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence and offer support to access these services. They work with anyone aged 13 or above regardless of gender, sexuality, disability, language, ethnicity or immigration status.  If you are a survivor and would like to access their service, please complete an online self-referral form.

SURVIVORS' TRUST
08088 010818
The Survivors' Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK and produces a wide range of resources including: 

- Check with Me First Video

Raises awareness of the challenges that survivors of sexual abuse face when accessing healthcare services, and to promote a trauma-informed approach to the provision of care for service users.

- Grounding Techniques Booklet (Download)
Ideas on how to cope with flashbacks and distress for survivors.

- Survivors' Trust & Brook - Tips for Young People A guide for survivors of sexual
abuse, assault and trauma.  A guide for people who have been affected by sexual violence or abuse to offer tips about accessing sexual health services.Click here to take a look. 

- Survivors' Trust - Guides for LGBT+ Survivors
A range of guides for LGBT+ survivors affected by rape, sexual assault and/or sexual abuse.

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.

VICTIM SUPPORT
Free and confidential emotional and practical support 24/7 for anyone affected by a crime regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police.
Not only for those who experience it directly, but also their friends, family and any other people involved. It doesn’t matter when the crime took place – you can get our support at any time, and for however long you need it.
- Advice for women booklet here about Rape and Sexual Assault:

- Advice for men booklet here.

WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK
0808 801 0660 
advice@wgn.org.uk
WGN are a free service run by women, for women in London who have been affected by all forms of violence and abuse.

Young Women's Service works to create safe and confidential spaces to get support. If you are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing any form of violence against women and girls (VAWG) contact WGN to get support. 

YOU GOV - How to Report a Rape or Sexual Assault
Clearly explained advice on what you can do if you have been a victim or rape of sexual assault, whether you decide to report it or not. 

You may also find it helpful to look at our section in this directory under C - CAMHS.

ON MY MIND - Understanding Referrals
Information and support about what to expect when you have received a 
mental health referral - watch this video here or download the PDF summary here. 

Accessing support for your mental health is should always be an option if you feel you need it. However, it can sometimes be a long and complex process. To get help and support from a service, you often require a referral of some sort. 

YOUNG MINDS - Guide to CAMHS
A 'beginners guide' to CAMHS - what it is, how to get help and more.

You may also find it helpful to look at resources in this directory including under  L for Law, A for Asylum or I for Immigration.

REFUGEE COUNCIL
Work directly with refugees providing support from the moment they arrive in the UK including both crisis advice and practical support.   They are the only national service offering support to all unaccompanied refugee children who arrive alone seeking safety in England.

Guides available to areas such as access the NHS for refugees in various languages - access the weblink here.

BRITISH RED CROSS
0808 196 3651
Information, resources and a free/confidential support line offering support in more than 200 languages, 10-6pm daily.  

Supports those who are lonely, worried, impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and finding it difficult to access food or medication in the UK.

Red Cross can offer help with the urgent needs of refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants.  They can provide a variety of support including practical items including food, clothing and toiletries.  
- Wellbeing resources for adults and young people in 27 languages
- Ukrainian refugee support
- Family tracing service

RIGHTS OF WOMEN: Immigration and Asylum Law Line - 020 7490 7689
For women who need advice on their immigration status including immigration law including domestic violence, long residence and family life; rights of Europeans and their families in the UK, asylum, trafficking, financial support options. 

CHILD BEREAVEMENT UK
0800 02 888 40
Support for families and young people around the loss of a child.  Bereavement resources also available in a range of languages including Welsh, Farsi, Arabic, Ukrainian, Tigrinyan, Spanish, Swedish and Danish -link here. 

MEWso (Middle Eastern Women's Society and Organisation)
MEWSo is a women's charity run by and for women from ethnic minority communities. The majority of the communities we serve are from Middle Eastern, North African and Asian backgrounds.  Founded in 2010 by 
Halaleh Taheri after her experiences as a refugee fleeing war and revolution in the Middle East. The aim of this charity is to defend and protect women from violence both at home and in the wider community, help them rebuild their lives through tailored advice, guidance and support, and campaign for their equality and human rights to be respected.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS - translated leaflets
Translations of RCP mental health resources.

SANE UKRAINE
Set up by Embodiment Unlimited for adults (18+) this is a trauma education, tools and techniques resource for Ukrainians (ex-pats, refugees, and those staying in the country) – that need practical psychological and emotional support in the current crisis. This is led by experts and translated into Ukrainian.

Daily sessions at 19.30 Ukraine time (zoom link on website), translations from English/Ukraine. Learn about the odd but normal things you are experiencing, what you can do in these extremely challenging circumstances and connect in small groups where you can speak with your people in your language.

PSYCHOLOGY TOOLS: Trauma Resources translated into Ukranian including:

- How Trauma Can Affect You
Illustrated information for children and young people describing common reactions to traumatic events including feeling scared, having unwanted memories, or having nightmares and sleeping badly.

Symptoms experienced post-trauma can be physically and emotionally powerful, and can feel especially disturbing if the person doesn’t know why they are occurring. This resource can help children and adolescents to understand that they are experiencing normal reactions to powerful events. It can also be used to help wider family and other people to understand how young people might be feeling.

- Reactions to Trauma (18+ resource)
Information for adults which describes symptoms which commonly follow trauma – including re-experiencing symptoms, hyperarousal, and avoidance. It also gives helpful pointers about what to do to help someone who has experienced trauma.

MIGRANT HELP UK
Protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma.

MIGRANT CHILDREN'S PROJECT - CORAM
Children's Legal Centre
This project can provide one off advice via email mcpadvice@coramclc.org; connects you to expert advice from a solicitor, legal advice on issues affecting children or young people subject to immigration control.

RIGHT TO REMAIN
Charity offering advice and information about the UK immigration and asylum system.

RIGHTS OF WOMEN
Immigration and Asylum Law Line - 020 7490 7689
For women who need advice on their immigration status including immigration law including domestic violence, long residence and family life; rights of Europeans and their families in the UK, asylum, trafficking, financial support options.

THRIVE LONDON
Supports the Aphghani community in London including refugees.  'Help with your concerns and worries' guides available in English, Dari and Pashto to support Aphghani refugees.

TOGETHER WITH MIGRANT CHILDREN
01865 528658
Support for migrant young people and children.

THE BIKE PROJECT
The Bike Project donate refurbished bikes to refugees and asylum seekers. Find out how to register for a bike here.  Bikes are great for wellbeing, help to improve mobility and boost independence.

WHO - Doing What Matters in Times of Stress Guide
Illustrated guide to managing stress - available in a range of languages including Ukrainian and Arabic - link above. 

YOUNG ROOTS (Croydon/Brent)
London-based charity working with young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25, most of whom are alone in the UK without their families. They support young people to improve their wellbeing and fulfil their potential, through intensive one-to-one Casework, youth and sporting activities, English language mentoring, youth leadership and access to specialist therapeutic and legal advice.

You may find it helpful to look at other sections in this A-Z Directory such as C for Consent, F for Friendship, S for Sex and Sexuality.

What makes a healthy or unhealthy relationship?
Healthy relationship's typically have some common ingredients for success including trust and support, equality, good communication, mutual respect, fairness, kindness, compromise, honesty and accountability and the chance to be yourself.  

In a healthy relationship you should not feel that someone is trying to pressure, manipulate, threaten or exert control over you or make you do things that you do not really feel comfortable with whether that's sexual, emotional, physical, financial or psychological.   

Here are some organisations offering advice if you are not sure about the relationship you are in or feel unsafe:

AMAZE
"More info, less weird",  Amaze aims to take the awkward out of sex ed. Real info in fun, animated videos that give you all the answers you actually want to know about sex, your body and relationships.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 0800 58 58 58
Information, support and advice across a range of issues including:
- Calm Guide to Relationship Breakdown - link here.

CHILDLINE
Information and support about relationships and other wellbeing interest areas.

REFUGE DIGITAL BREAK UP TOOL 
This interactive tool is designed to provide awareness and understanding of the various digital platforms a partner might have access to, whether it’s social media accounts, online banking, or live location through apps such as Uber and Strava. The tool also provides women with the necessary knowledge to help them secure these digital platforms against potential tech abuse from a partner or ex-partner.

RELATE
Support, information and advice on all aspects of relationships and relationship breakdown.

RESPECT NOT FEAR
Information to 'help young people recognise unhealthy and abusive traits in their relationships'.  Covers healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, sexual abuse and much more.  Includes personal safety support here - tips to help you stay safe if you are in an abusive relationship or trying to end a relationship safely. 

SCARLETEEN
Offering 'Sex Ed for the real world..., inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationship info for teens and emerging adults.'

Resilience is often described as the ability to bounce back and adapt when we hit tough times.  It's the ability to change and continue to develop.  The good news is, it's something we can build and develop!  Check out the resources below:

KIDS HELPLINE  - About Resilience
Kids Helpline have useful information about resilience and what you can do to strengthen it.

YOUNG MINDS
Watch a short film by Young Minds about resilience which explains what it means to young people. 

BOOKS, BLOGS, VIDEOS, VLOGS AND MORE:

- Boing Boing's Re-Mit: Resilient Minds Toolkit for Young People

- Matt Haig - The Comfort Book
A 'big warm hug of a book' that is described as a 'Manual for self love and resilience'.

- Marcus Rashford - You Are A Champion
England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE has written a book about being comfortable with who you are, navigating adversity, leaving your comfort zone and finding your voice to stand up for yourself and others. Aimed at 10 - 15 year olds. Click below to see more.

TOUGHER MINDS - Free Webinar
We can improve resilience and leadership skills to make ourselves feel better and Tougher minds offer a free 'Habit Mechanics' taster workshop to help you on your journey. 

What are Resilience Skills?
7 linked skills are the ingredients for resilience according to Dr Ginsburg:
– Competence: knowing how to handle a (stressful) situation well and having the skills to face challenges.
- Confidence: believing in yourself and your abilities. 
- Connection: Having a sense of community with family, friends and wider communities that help us to feel stronger.
- Character: having self esteem, empathy, and a sense of right and wrong and moral values.
- Contribution: feeling you are part of something bigger and have a role to play.
- Coping - having social skills and healthy coping strategies to help you de-stress
- Control: a sense of being able to choose and make decisions.

UNI OF EXETER/CEDAR - Enhancing Your Resilience Self Help Workbook

MANAGING REVISION & EXAM STRESS

- HYCS Exam Stress Pocket Guide
Top tips to help you navigate exam stress.

- HYCS' Self Care Kit
Packed with ideas to help you stay calm and deal with panic or worry. Check out our 'calming and grounding tips' here or try out the worry buster ideas here.

REVISION TOOLS & RESOURCES:

BBC BITESIZE
You can use BBC Bitesize to help with your homework, revision and learning. Find free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes by level and subject. Covers primary, secondary and post 16 options.

GET REVISING
A range of revision tools - linked to the Student Room.

GRAMMARCHECK
Free online spelling and grammar checker

GRAMMARLY
Grammar and plagiarism checker.

S-COOL
Revision resources for GCSE and A level.

STUDYWISE
Resources for GCSE and A Level revision - many available free of charge.

APPS:

BBC BITESIZE - Revision App

FLORA
Free download - Flora blocks distracting apps, such as Facebook, Instagram or games, in a fun way to help you focus on what’s more important in real life.

QUIZLETS
An app including flashcards, an AI Learning Assistant and new expert explanations so you have a 'suite of science-backed study tools at your fingertips'.

CITIZENS ADVICE
National Advice Line 0344 411 1444
Gives people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. Their network of charities offers confidential free advice online, over the phone, and in person on issues such as housing, immigration, law, debt and money, benefits, health and more.

DISABILITY RIGHTS UK
Disabled Students' Helpline - 0330 995 0414
Personal Budgets Helpline - 0330 995 0404 personalbudgets@disabilityrightsuk.org Provides information, advice and useful factsheets across a wide range of issues for anyone with disabilities.

EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The EHRC is about promoting and upholding equality and human rights ideals and laws across England, Scotland and Wales. They can provide support and advice about this for individuals and organisations. 
- Link to downloadable guide to discrimination.

EASS - Equality Advisory Support Service
The EASS has a Helpline to give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. The service is free and fully accessible by phone, email, fax, post, video link for those who wish use BSL and has access to advocacy services for those with mental ill health and people with a learning disability. 

FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)
National body offering consumers advice about rights with banking, insurance, pensions and mortgages. Also provide advice about how to avoid financial scams and complain about firms.

MP SURGERIES
Most MPs hold surgeries in their constituency to give people an opportunity to meet them and discuss matters of concern. MPs usually hold surgeries once a week and advertise them locally or online. A MP may take up an issue on a constituent's behalf.  Use this site to find out who your local MP is.

These are sessions where you can speak to your local MP(usually) by appointment to discuss issues affecting them or problems they are facing including issues about benefits or immigration status, a concern about the local area, or  a national policy.

Your MP will hear what you have to say and may make suggestions of how to deal with it or may offer to look further into your case to help with a solution. 

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
Every child has rights, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status.

The UNCRC is the most widely recognised and complete statement of children’s human rights produced.  It contains 54 'articles' which cover all aspects of a child’s life and it also sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all children everywhere are entitled to.  The Convention also says how adults and governments have to work together to ensure that all children can enjoy their rights.

Link here to a Unicef PDF summary of the UNCRC articles.

See also under H for Homelessness.

MISSING PEOPLE
116 000
Support for the 180,000 people who run away and go missing each year. Missing People help those thinking of or who have run away and also provide support for family and friends of those who are missing.

NIGHT STOP
Nightstop provides emergency overnight accommodation for young homeless people who are facing a night on the streets or sleeping in an unsafe place. 

RUNAWAY HELPLINE
Free Call/text on 116000
Support and advice for anyone who has run away or is thinking about running away from home.