Hounslow Youth Counselling Service

You may also find it helpful to check out other sections of the Directory including E for exclusion, S for SEND.

ADVISORY CENTRE FOR EDUCATION (ACE) Advice and Education Training
0300 0115 142 - Parents/Pupils advice line
Provide independent advice and information for parents on education issues in England.  Their advice and information is based on current education law and guidance and covers state funded education for children aged 5-16 years in England only. Advice and information aims to give parents up to date knowledge of law and guidance as well as practical advice on how to work with their child's school to resolve any concerns.  

ANNA FREUD NCCF: Moving Up! - 'The transition to secondary school'
An animation to help year 7 and 6 pupils feel more confident, less anxious and better equipped to cope with the changes associated with moving to secondary school.

CHILDLINE
Support and general advice including advice about difficulties at school. 

Investing in self care is an important way in which you can start to help yourself when things feel tough, in addition to professional or external help.

Take time to think about the things, the people or the places that help to relax and destress you ... there are so many ways to consider and it will be different for everyone.   

Start to build up your very own 'Self Care Kit Bag' of ideas -  it may feel difficult to start at first but keep adding to the list as you think of new ideas.  Check out the HYCS' Self Care Kit section on this website and otherwise, here are just a few suggestions to start you off, but feel free to think of your own! And remember - its different for everyone! 
- getting active - playing team sport, swimming, taking the dog for a walk, singing, dancing, performing, tidying your room or going to a youth club
- chilling out with a good book, writing a poem or rap lyric, composing, listening to music, playing an instrument, making a playlist, watching your favourite box-set practicing yoga, mindfulness or meditation. 
- getting connected - meeting or contacting friends, playing with your family pet.
- expressing yourself - get creative with art, crafts, photography, writing, journalling, composing, baking or make-up.  
- pampering yourself - with a manicure, face mask or warm bath.
- changing the focus with a jigsaw, chess or other boardgame.
- inspiring yourself with a walk in the fresh air, a visit to an art gallery or museum
- changing the mood - making yourself laugh with your favourite film or You Tube clip
- heading for healthy habits - getting into a sleep routine, swapping to healthy snacks, cutting out the caffeine, getting active.
- waking up the senses with an aromatherapy oil, favourite perfume, or tempting tasty treat. 
And most of all....
- being kind to yourself - swap out those tough, self-critical thoughts with something kinder and more helpful... time to become your own cheerleader!

You may also find it helpful to check out our series of HYCS pocket Guides too for example Food & Mood, Sleep Matters and Calm Breathing.

The HYCS' App Zone may also be a helpful resource as it includes some apps to support self care including Headspace, Pzizz and Calm Harm.

Still need further inspiration?  you may also want to check out the sites below:

ANNA FREUD CENTRE
- On My Mind 
Links to a host of self care support ideas put together by Common Room and Hearts & Minds for the Anna Freud National Centre

- My Self Care Plan
A downloadable guide to creating your own unique self care plan.

CHILDLINE - Calmzone
A range of activities and tools for age 18 and under including breathing exercises to help you feel better when you're feeling anxious, scared or sad.

ACTION FOR HAPPINESS - Self Compassion with Dr Chris Irons

"Talk to yourself as you would to someone you love" - Brene Brown, Author

CHILDLINE - Building Confidence & Self Esteem
0800 1111
Tips to boost your confidence and advice for those who have been bullied.

NHS (GGC) - Issues With Self Esteem Support around issues of self esteem.

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS, VIDEOS AND MORE:

- Finding Your Ruby Slippers - Lisa Ferentz
Trust your own instincts and find happiness, contentment, success and self-worth Overcome everyday obstacles, boost confidence, and end self-critical thoughts with simple life lessons from internationally recognised psychotherapist Lisa Ferentz. Lisa blends clinically proven approaches and journaling to help you look inside yourself for tools to embrace change, take healthy risks, and increase self-compassion to nurture your personal and professional growth.

Words to Inspire:

ALUMINA
A self referral support tool.  Free self help support for teens who self harm.  Sign up for their free, online course which connects young people with trained youth workers over six weeks, helps  young people to reduce their harming behaviour and find alternative
ways of coping.

CALM HARM APP 
If you are worried about self harm check out this awardwinning app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 which provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm.   More details in the App Zone. 

CHARLIE WALLER TRUST - 'No Harm Done' Videos
Three short films, co-created with young people, parents and professionals, reflecting their real-life experiences of self-harm. Combining hope with practical support to those affected. The accompanying digital packs dispel myths, answer frequently asked questions, provide practical advice and signpost to further help and support.

HARMLESS
Harmless is a user-led organisation that provides a range of services about self harm and suicide prevention including support, information, training and consultancy to people who self harm, their friends and families and professionals and those at risk of suicide.
Link to their young people and self harm leaflet here. 

HEADS ABOVE THE WAVES
Raise awareness of depression and self-harm in young people. Promote positive, creative ways of dealing with the bad days - resources and support including lots of coping techniques to try.

HEALTH TALK - Guide for Parents
If your parents are struggling to understand, Health Talk have useful videos and information which may help.

LIFESIGNS
Self injury guidance and support network. Download fact sheets or their free '5 a Day Challenge' book.
- People who self injure: fact sheet about self injury.
- Men who self injure: fact sheet for men who self injure.
- Friends: information if supporting a friend who self injures.

MIND
Mental health support for all ages including information about self harm and how to manage urges to self harm.

- Information for 11-18 year olds

- PDF about self harm

THE MIX
Mental health support including self harm.

NHS - Self Harm
Information and support.

NATIONAL SELF HARM NETWORK 
Support and information for people who self harm including:
- Distractions List
- Self harm report card which can be helpful in reducing the number of conversations you need to have with professionals and reduce anxiety if you have to go to hospital or seek treatment.

PAPYRUS: Supporting Your Child - Suicide and Self Harm , A Guide for Parents
The aim of this guide is to provide information and guidance and
to help parents cope with a young person who is struggling with
thoughts of suicide. 

ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS  - Self Harm
Advice and Information for parents and young people.

SELF INJURY SUPPORT - 0808 800 8088 Text - 07537 432444
Free, confidential, non-judgemental support around self-injury and related issues for women of any age or background affected by self-injury, whether their own or that of a friend or family member.
- Harm Minimisation information
- First Aid | Self Injury Support. This information is not meant to replace seeking medical advice or treatment.  Please also note that there is NO safe or First Aid treatment for overdose - if you have taken an overdoes, please seek medical advice. 

STAYING SAFE
A free website to help you make a safety plan to keep you safe from suicidal thoughts with information, blank templates (online/downloadable) and step by step videos. 

STEM 4 (CALM HARM APP)
Visit the Stem 4 resources page by the makers of Calm Harm the app.
- Leaflet for Young People Who Self Harm
- Leaflet for Parents: Talking to Your Teenager about Self Harm 

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.  Sign up for their You Tube channel.

BROOK
0870 750 3082
Confidential information and support around all aspects of sex, sexual health and relationships. 

CHILDLINE - (For under 18's)
- Friendship, Sex and Relationships page
Knowing when you are ready, about consent and more.
- Childline's Online porn and porn addiction support  information. 

NHS - Are you ready for sex?
NHS guide and information.

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

SEXWISE
Aims to give you honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS, VIDEOS AND MORE:

- Tea and Consent Video 
Confused about what consent really means? The concept of what is consent in sexual relationships is explained in simple to understand terms with clear instructions in this short, animation film using the example of tea drinking to make the point.

- Sex Ed - An Inclusive Teenage Guide to Sex and Relationships by School of Sexuality Education (Sexplain)

A positive, practical and empowering guide for teenagers, tackling sex and relationships in an inclusive and non-judgemental way by an award-winning team.  With advice, reliable information and reassurance on sex and relationships and covering ... topics such as consent and healthy relationships, sexuality and different kinds of sex, puberty and periods, contraception, porn and sexting, and much more besides!

See resources below - you may also want to take at look at other resources here in our A-Z Directory under O forOnline Safety.

CHILDLINE - 'Report Remove' Tool
Click here for Childline's free tool for under 18's to help remove unwanted nude images that have been shared online.

CHILDNET
Helpful information and advice about online safety including about the sharing of naked or sexually explicit images of yourself or others.

THINKUKNOW
Age related advice about online safety.
- Sending Nudes/Semi Nudes 
Advice if you have been asked to send nude or semi nude images or have already sent them. 
- Nudes
Advice including if you have received unwanted sexual content. 

- Non-consensual Nude Image Sharing
Advice and information.

SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS:

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 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Information and support for all ages and anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped within the last 12 months; The Download their useful self help guide (click here for link).

IMKAAN
info@imkaan.org.uk
Imkaan provides a collective voice for the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) ending violence against women and girls sector.
Imkaan do not offer crisis support services but advocate and train and provide resources and links to access a range of BME support information.

JEWISH WOMEN'S AID
JWA Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 801 0500
JWA Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 801 0656
Jewish Women's Aid is the only specialist organisation in the UK supporting Jewish women and children affected by domestic abuse & sexual violence.

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.

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.

- 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
Emotional and practical support for anyone affected by a crime regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police.

Free, confidential support 24/7, 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 us.

- Advice for women booklet here:

- Advice for men booklet here.

WOMEN AND GIRLS NETWORK
0808 801 0660 
advice@wgn.org.uk
The 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), and live, work or study in West London, contact WGN to get support. 

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 leaflet About Sexual Violence to find support options.

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual violence and can be described as 'unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature'(Equality Act 2010) that makes you feel humiliated or intimidated, or that creates a hostile environment.  It is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

This includes behaviours that are intended to or have the effect of offending, humiliating, scaring or intimidating you such as sexual jokes, innuendos or comments, wolf whistling, sexual gestures, cyberflashing, spreading sexual rumours and unwelcome physical behaviour including standing too close, stalking or indecent exposure.

999 - EMERGENCY
If you are in imminent danger or have been physically hurt and need the support of emergency services, please call 999.  If you are too scared to speak or make a noise, the 999 Silent Solution system enables a 999 mobile caller to press 55 when prompted – to inform police they are in a genuine emergency.

ASK FOR ANGELA SCHEME
This safety scheme run by the Met allows people who feel like they are in an unsafe situation in many bars, nightclubs or licensed premises who have signed up for the scheme to ask for help using the “Angela” code word, informing a staff member of their need, and allowing them to access discreet help.

CRIMESTOPPERS
Reporting 0800 555 111
Independent charity that gives you the power to speak up to stop crime, 100% anonymously by phone and online, 24/7, 365 days a year.

NATIONAL STALKING HELPLINE, Suzy Lamplugh Trust
0808 802 0300
Advice and information if you fear you are being stalked.

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 (rape, sexual assault or harassment), at any time in their lives.  Contact to find details of your local centre.

BE IN THE KNOW
Get the facts about sexual health and HIV at this worldleading website.

BROOK
0870 750 3082
Free, confidential sexual health and wellbeing experts who provide advice and support for all aspects of sexual health and wellbeing including contraception, pregnancy, STI's and more.  Link here to their Find a Service guide to help you identify a support service close to you.

HEALTH FOR TEENS
Advice and information on all aspects of teen health.

NAZ
Sexual health advice and support particularly for BAME communities.

NHS - Sexual Health
Information and advice about sexual health, including contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

CLINIC IN A BOX - Sexual Health Hounslow (Feltham and Hounslow regions)
A free and confidential sexual health walk in service for 14-19 year olds offering advice, support and information about sexual health, contraception, condoms, infection testing and treatment for STI's.  The clinics are currently available here: 
- First Care GP Surgery, The Blenheim Centre, Prince Regent Road, Hounslow, TW3 1IL 
Times: Every first and third Wednesday of the month.  3-6pm.
- Little Park GP surgery, 281 Hounslow Rd, Feltham TW13 5JG 
Times: Every Thursday. 3-5pm.

SEXUAL HEALTH HOUNSLOW 
Provides contraception, family planning and sexual health services for the London Borough of Hounslow at three centres: West Middlesex Hospital (Isleworth), Heart of Hounslow Centre (Hounslow) and Feltham Centre for Health (Feltham).  Check the website for openings hours.
Please note - under 20's only session at Feltham on Wednesdays 4-6pm, young people's walk in service at Heart of Hounslow on Fridays 2-4pm. 
www.chelwest.nhs.uk/shh

SEXUAL HEALTH LINE (England)
0300 123 7123 or NHS 111

WOMEN'S HEALTH CONCERN
This is the patient arm of the BMS who provide a confidential, independent service to advise, inform and reassure women about their gynaecological, sexual and post reproductive health.

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 a whole range of support options.

What is sexual violence?
An umbrella term, sexual violence is defined as any sexual act (or attempt to carry out a sexual act) that takes places without consent of the person who has experienced it.  This includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape and sexual abuse. See individual sections in this support directory for the above. 

CRIMESTOPPERS - Reporting
0800 555 111
Independent charity that gives you the power to speak up to stop crime, 100% anonymously by phone and online, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Please take a look at our Gender and Sexuality leaflet available for free download.

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.   Includes a selection of videos on topics such as coming out, being an ally, sexual orientation and more. Sign up for their You Tube channel.

AKT
AKT supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the uk who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

We support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates lgbtq+ identities.

ANNA FREUD CENTRE - LGBTQI+
Mental Health Booklet
This is a a resource to support the mental health of lesbian,gay, bisexual, trans and
intersex young people.

AVEN - Asexual Visibility and Education Network
For over 18's - AVEN offers 'a large archive of resources on asexuality... Unlike celibacy, which is a choice to abstain from sexual activity, asexuality is an intrinsic part of who we are, just like other sexual orientations. Asexual people have the same emotional needs as everybody else and are just as capable of forming intimate relationships.'

BLACK PRIDE UK
Celebrating LGBT Black Pride - blog, events and more.

BROOK - Advice on Coming Out
‘Coming out’ is when someone tells someone else about their LGBTQ+ identity. Find out Brook's top tips on coming out to people. 

DEAF RAINBOW
hello@deafrainbow.org.uk
Information and resources for Deaf LGBTIQA+ people.

GALOP
- LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
- Conversion Therapy Helpline - 0800 130 3335
- LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline - 020 7704 204
The UK's largest independent therapy organisation working with gender/sexual diversity clients.
LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, if you’ve experienced hate crime, sexual violence ordomestic abuse, we’re here for you.  Also support LGBTQ people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

HIDAYAH
The Leading Queer Muslim charity.  Hidayah (هداية) means guidance.
Through their work, they support and serve queer Muslims in the UK, the US and across the world.
We promote social justice and education about our community to counter discrimination, prejudice and injustice.

IMAAN
The UK’s leading LGBTQ Muslim charity providing information & groups for the 18+ age group.

JUST LIKE US
JLU's mission is to empower young people to champion LGBT+ equality. They want all young people to know that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated.They run three programmes - the Ambassador Programme, Pride Groups training for school staff and School Diversity Week in June.

KESHET UK
Support for LGBT+ people in the Jewish community.  KeshetUK's mission is to ensure that Jewish LGBT+ people and their families are included throughout Jewish life in the UK. KeshetUK aspires to work with all UK Jewish communities, including Liberal, Masorti, Orthodox and Reform, cross-communal and non-denominational organisations.  They work with Jewish schools, youth and young adult organisations, synagogues, and wider community organisations to become more inclusive of LGBT+ people.

LGBT FOUNDATION
0345 3 30 30 30
Organisation for all ages with resources plus helpline LGBT.

MINDLINE TRANS+
0330 330 5468 (Mon-Fri 8pm-midnight)
Mindline Trans+ is an emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as transgender, non-binary, genderfluid.  They also support family members, friends, colleagues and carers.

ONE BODY ONE FAITH
OneBodyOneFaith was founded in 1976 as the Gay (later Lesbian and Gay) Christian Movement to offer support, information and advocacy.

PINK THERAPY 
The UK’s largest independent therapy organisation working with gender/sexual diversity clients.

THE PROUD TRUST
Youth resources available for LGBT youth.

REGARD
Regard is a national organisation of LGBTQ individuals who self-identify as disabled. Regard follows the Social Model of Disability. This is a way of thinking about disability that says it is society that needs to change by removing the barriers that deny inclusion and equal rights.

Regard provide information, advice and support to LGBT disabled people and also 
raise awareness and campaign on issues affecting disabled LGBT people.

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

STONEWALL
0800 0502020
The UK charity for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their allies offering information, advice and local support advice.

SWITCHBOARD LGBT+
0300 330 0630
Confidential, one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people of all ages-a place for 'calm words when you need them most'.

GALOP:  NATIONAL CONVERSION THERAPY HELPLINE
0800 130 3335  (10am - 4pm) CThelp@galop.org.uk
If you are currently experiencing abuse aimed at changing, altering, or ‘curing’ your LGBT+ identity, or think this will happen to you if you come out, Galop’s Conversion Therapy Helpline is here for you. So-called conversion therapy can have a long-term impact on LGBT+ people. If this has happened to you in the past and you are still struggling with it, you can reach out to Galop’s support services. The helpline can provide a safe, confidential listening and information service to any LGBT+ person aged 13+.  

LGBT JIGSAW
A partnership committed to achieving better outcomes for homeless young people.

METRO (London region)
Free one-to-one therapy for LGBTQ young people in London, UK. 

MOSAIC LGBT TRUST
The Mosaic LGBT Trust aims to support, educate and inspire young LGBT+ people and those around them. They provide activities, programmes, services and resources to support and advocate for LGBT+rights.  They provide a mentoring scheme for young LGBT+ people to get impartial advice as well as a Culture Club and localised Youth Club. 

SWITCHBOARD LGBT+ - Emotional Wellbeing Guide.
Download the Emotional Wellbeing Guide here.

Please also look at other sections of this directory including Sexual Health for information.

What is an STI?
STI's are viral or bacterial infections that can be passed on to other people through unprotected sexual contact.  STI's may or may not show symptoms - it's always important to get tested and to get treatment when needed.

BE IN THE KNOW
Get the facts about sexual health and HIV at this worldleading website including HIV & STI's.

BROOK
Information and support around sexual health including about STI's.  What to do, where to get help and more

BASHH
Link to a range of leaflets on sexual health, STI's and HIV.

HERPES VIRUSES ASSOCIATION
This site is about helping you with herpes on the genitals or on the face called 'cold sores'. 

NHS - Sexual Health
Information and advice about sexual health, including contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You may also find it useful to check for other resources under Anxiety in this directory. 

MOODJUICE SELF HELP GUIDE - Shyness & Social Anxiety
Self help guide for social anxiety and shyness based on CBT principles.

ACNE SUPPORT
Information and support about acne from the British Association of Dermatologists - causes, treatments and how to prevent scarring.

CHANGING FACES
Changing Faces is the UK’s leading charity for people in the UK with a visible difference: a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different.

They provide advice, support and psychosocial services to children, young people and adults.

NATIONAl EXCEMA SOCIETY
Find out about the different types of eczema, treatments and triggers and download booklets or factsheets.

NHS - Birthmarks
Information about birthmarks.

SKIN PICK
SkinPick is a dedicated platform to treat and find support for excoriation disorder (dermatillomania). Includes links to the Skinpick app.

Check out the HYCS free Sleep Matters leaflet - download in the Self Help Hub.

CALM
A free mindfulness and meditation app/website. 

NATIONAL SLEEP HELPLINE (Sleep Charity)
03303 530541
Talk to trained sleep experts, Sunday to Thursday 7pm to 9pm.

PZIZZ APP
Helps you to beat sleeping difficulties, reduce stress and relax.  Check out details in the App Zone.

THE SLEEP CHARITY
One of the leading, independent expert voices on sleep issues in the UK, they are are there to help everyone get a better night’s sleep. Whether it’s advice, education or support for children, teenagers, adults, workplaces or professionals, we are on hand with expert knowledge, resources and accredited training.

SLEEP COUNCIL
Information about all things sleep from the Sleep Council.

TEEN SLEEP HUB
Practical support, information, guides and ideas - all helping you to get the support you need to achieve a good night’s sleep.
Download a free Sleep Matters booklet for Teens or for parents here using this Teen Sleep Hub Resources link. 

TIME TO REST
@DrTinarae
Getting good rest is essential to our wellbeing but rest and sleep are not the same thing!  In the Time to Rest Plan below, Child Psychologist and author Dr Tina Rae shares her top tips for helping you to get good rest to refresh and rejuvenate you.  Reproduced with kind permission - copyright @DrTinarae

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS, PODCASTS AND MORE

- Sleep On It Podcast by the Sleep Charity
Sleep On It, is the new podcast from The Sleep Charity - empowering the nation to sleep better, combining expert sleep advice, information and real-life stories, followed by full 360 immersive soundscapes to help you relax and reflect. 

You may also find it useful to look in this Directory under V for Vaping.

ABOUT SHISHA
(aka hookah/waterpipe/hubble bubble)
Shisha is smoking a heated, prepared & often flavoured tobacco through a (water) pipe.  It can be as harmful as smoking cigarettes and often contains highly addictive nicotine.  

- The use of charcoal as a heat source for the pipe can increase the potential toxins and hence the health risk.  

-It can cause harm to an unborn baby if smoking during pregnancy.  

-As the mouthpiece of the shisha pipe is often shared, this can also lead to the spread of oral diseases such as herpes or TB. 

- According to NHS Live Well Data, a 20 minute shisha session may be the equivalent of 25 cigarettes worth of tar, 11 cigarettes worth of carbon monoxide and 2 cigarettes worth of nicotine. 

NHS - Guide for Under 18 Smokers 
The younger you start smoking, the more damage your body will suffer when you get older. This site gives some important reasons to quit and 8 ways to help you do it.

SMOKEFREE CAMPAIGN - Smokefree Teens
A US site - learn about different tools to help you quit.

See also our section on Online Safety for support and information on all aspects of being online.

ANNA FREUD CENTRE - Managing Social Media Booklet (download)

NHS - Self Care & Social Media Film
Cooped up and locked down, lots of us have clocked up some serious hours online. Jade Laurice and her friend KB share tips in this video on how to avoid getting stressed from your socials and what else they do to feel good.

TED TALK - Cell Phone Addiction with Tanner Welton, TEDxLangleyED
If you find yourself glued to your mobile phone, you may enjoy this video by Tanner who has a 'medic and uncanny way of noticing everyday events'.

YOUNG MINDS - Social Media And Mental Health
How you experience social media can affect your mood. That’s why, together with O2, Young Minds have gathered these tips and advice on how to enjoy a more positive time online.

YOUNG MINDS - #Ownyourfeed Video 
Young Minds offer a range of tips and ideas to help you to #OwnYourFeed for a more positive time online.

You may also find it helpful to look in other sections of this Directory such as D for Disability or S for School. 

AFASIC - Parents’ Helpline 0300 666 9410 Support for children and young people with speech and language difficulties. Afasic seeks to raise awareness and to create better services and provision for children and young people with speech and language impairments.

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.

SCHOOL EXCLUSION PROJECT
Provide free advocacy to help parents appeal against their child’s permanent exclusion in England. Specialise in disability discrimination and cases where the child has special educational needs. 

SENDIASS
National helpline: 0808 808 3555
For Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) issues, you can contact SENDIASS to get impartial and confidential advice, covering educational matters, social care and health entitlements, information and support.
Local - Hounslow Borough Contact:
020 8583 2607 
Email  SENDIASS@hounslow.gov.uk 

WEST LONDON ALLIANCE - West London Guide to Supported Internships
Click on the image below to go to the West London Alliance's downloadable guide to supported internships for 2023 which are open to applicants with moderate learning disabilities (MLD) who are aged between 18 and 24 on 31 August 2023 (some take applicants at 16) and who are keen to be offered paid employment (not necessarily at the host business or organisation) at the end of the programme.

'Supported Internships are designed to
develop transferable skills, knowledge
and attitudes in preparation for paid
employment. Through training and direct
work experience young people will develop
employability skills, self-confidence, job-specific skills and Maths, English and ICT
skills whilst working alongside employees in a real employment setting'.

See also other sections in this directory such as Stammering, Disability, Autism.

AFASIC
Parents’ Helpline 0300 666 9410
Afasic seeks to raise awareness and to create better services and provision for children and young people with speech and language impairments and produce support information across a wide range of difficulties involving speech, language and communication needs.

ALCOHOL EDUCATION TRUST - leaflet on Spiking for Young People
Teenagers and young adults should be aware of the issue of drink spiking. A which can be linked to sexual assault and robbery. Drink spiking is illegal and people who spike drinks can be charged, fined or jailed.

TALK TO FRANK - Advice on Spiking
Drugs' charity Talk to Frank offer advice on how to stay safe about drink and needle spiking here. 

DRINKAWARE
Advice about drinks spiking - signs, symptoms and more.

NHS - North Tees & Tyneside
Leaflet with safety guidance for the public about drinks spiking. 

BOOKS, BLOGS, VLOGS, VIDEOS AND MORE
ALCOHOL EDUCATION TRUST - Drink Spiking in the UK
Facts about drink spiking, with details from AET 2021 survey and TAB survey 2021 on who has experienced it and where.

Stalking is a crime.

If you are in imminent danger or have been physically hurt and need the support of emergency services, please call 999.

If you are too scared to speak or make a noise, the 999 Silent Solution system enables a 999 mobile caller to press 55 when prompted – to inform police they are in a genuine emergency.

Unsure if you what you are experiencing can be classed as stalking?  
Using the acronym FOUR is a simple way to identify stalking behaviours - is the behaviour Fixated?  Obessive in nature? Unwanted? or Repeated?

NATIONAL STALKING HELPLINE, Suzy Lamplugh Trust
0808 802 0300
Advice and information if you fear you are being stalked.

PALADIN
National stalking advocacy service assisting high risk stalking victims in England and Wales.

REFUGE TECH SAFETY WEBSITE - Tech Abuse & Advocacy Service
Avast (a global leader in digital security and privacy) and national domestic abuse charity Refuge have joined forces to help combat the growing threat of domestic abuse enabled by technology. Modern technology has given perpetrators new ways to stalk, isolate and control women using the easily access apps and devices.

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.

VICTIM SUPPORT
Advice and support including around stalking and harassment.

ACTION FOR STAMMERING CHILDREN 
020 3316 8100
Charity offering support and advice for anyone with a stammer to ensure that every UK child and young person who stammers has access to effective services and support to help them meet the challenges they face.

STAMMA
0808 802 0002, webchat or email help@stamma.org
Help and information for adults and children who stammer.

TIME TO CHANGE
Anti-stigma campaign run by Mind and Rethink mental health charities.

NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY - Guide to Stimming
Stimming or self-stimulating behaviour includes arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling, head-banging and complex body movements.   Read the NAS Guide at the address above.

ANTI STRESS APP - see App Zone.
A fun collection of 50+ relaxation toy and games to play - perfect for anxious moments.

CHILDLINE - Calmzone
A range of activities and tools for age 18 and under including breathing exercises to help you feel better when you're feeling anxious, scared or sad.

ISMA - International Stress Management Association
A professional body for workplace and personal stress management, wellbeing and performance.  A registered charity, ISMA exists to promote sound knowledge and best practice in stress management, both nationally and internationally.

STRESS BAG - film
Everyone can get stressed but some cope with it better than others - it's like having a bag of stress which can only take so much, and we all have different sized bags. Link here to this short film which helps you to recognise the signs of stress and what to do about it.  Courtesy of Biomation on True Tube.

THE STRESS BUCKET ANIMATION by Wellbeing Online
The stress bucket is a simple metaphor in psychology that shows how stress impacts on your wellbeing and how applying healthy positive coping mechanisms can help you feel less stressed and more in control.

STRESS BUCKET ANIMATION by Braive
Another variation on the 'stress bucket' idea to explain sources and effects of stress and coping skills to help you to better regulate stress. For more information visit www.braive.com

STRESSHEADS APP
Stressheads is an app co-created by a group of young volunteers, The Mix and Neon Tribe for young people to help manage stress.

STRESS MANAGEMENT SOCIETY -  STRESS GUIDE 
A free, downloadable guide to help you recognise and manage stress. 

WHO - Doing What Matters in Times of Stress Guide
Illustrated guide to managing stress - available in a range of languages - link here. 

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING WELLBEING SUPPORT SERVICES
Many colleges and universities offer their students counselling or other wellbeing support - check their website, visit student services, welfare or medical centre on your campus or use the Nightline Association search (see listing below) to find out what support may be available where you are.

ANXIETY UK - The Student Guide to Understanding Anxiety (free download)
This guide has been developed to help support you through university or college and to help you manage any feelings of apprehension and anxiety that you might be having.

B-EAT
Studentline - 0808 801 0811
B-eat are the UK's eating disorder charity, a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.

CHARLIE WALLER TRUST - Leaving for University, Advice for Care Leavers
If you’re a young person who has been in the care system, either supported in foster care, or in a residential setting, starting university can be a daunting prospect. This guide looks at how you can best access support at university and offers guidance on how to look after your mental health and emotional wellbeing so you can make the most of your time at university.

COMPLETE UNIVERSITY GUIDE -  Applying to University as Care Leaver
Information about the support available, including financial and other support, for those leaving care if applying for university. 

DIABETES UK - Young Adults' Section 
Provides information about Diabetes and this section provides information to make sure that diabetes doesn't stop you getting the most out of your time at university.

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.

DISABLED STUDENTS' HELPLINE
(Disability Rights UK)
Disabled Students' Helpline 0330 995 0414
Personal Budgets Helpline 0330 995 0404 
personalbudgets@disabilityrightsuk.org
Information, advice and useful factsheets across a wide range of issues for anyone with disabilities.

EMOODJI APP
Emoodji is the app for the ups and downs of university life, a free app by Mind, the mental health charity.  Take a selfie or a photo, choose an emoji that matches your mood to put on your face and send it to your friends – or keep it private.  The app will then show you how your mood has fluctuated. It’s also packed with tips on how to deal with different aspects of uni life.

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.

HEADS ABOVE THE WAVES
Raise awareness of depression and self-harm in young people. Promote positive, creative ways of dealing with the bad days - resources and support including videos, blogs, tips for students at uni and also lots of coping techniques to try.

NIGHTLINE ASSOCIATION
Search here to find out if your uni’ or college setting offers a students' nightline service. 

NATIONAL DEBTLINE - Student Money Advice
Advice and information for anyone facing money problems with advice for students.

SAVE THE STUDENT
Save the Student provides free, impartial advice to students on how to make their money go further.

STAND ALONE - Student Finance Guide
Stand Alone support people who are estranged  - they produce a helpful guide to student finance options (link above). 

In addition, link here to find support at your university if you have been estranged: Higher Education Contacts - Stand Alone.

STUDENT LOANS COMPANY
SLC have a new specialist team for estrangedstudents: estranged@slc.co.ukwhocan help if you can’t find the right evidence.

STUDENTS AGAINST DEPRESSION 
A website by students for students - a website offering advice, information, guidance and resources to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.

STUDENT HEALTH APP - See App Zone
Reliable, relevant health advice for young adults available for download from App Store or Google Play for android.

STUDENT MINDS
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. 

Download the Student Minds' guide Look After Your Mate here. 

STUDENT YGAM (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust)
Information and support for students around problem gaming or gambling.

TV LICENCE - Student Guide
You need a TV Licence if you’re watching or recording any TV live; to watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or streamed live on an online TV service. And that’s not just the BBC; it’s all channels and services.

UCAS   
UCAS is the undergraduate admissions portal. Here you can also find career ideas by exploring different jobs, taking the UCAS career quiz, or looking at volunteering, apprenticeships, or starting your own business

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.

UCAS - Care Leavers | Applying To University | UCAS
Information about support available.

UNIVERSITY COMPANY - Student Guide to Understanding and Managing Anxiety
Guide for university students on how to understand and manage anxiety.

BLOGS, VLOGS AND BOOK IDEAS

STUDY WITH JESS
Author and entrepreneur Jess is best known for her planning and productivity tips, as well as work/life balance and wellbeing advice. Check out her videos here.  

ADFAM
020 7553 7640
Support for people with a family member who takes drugs, helping to find local support groups.

AL ANON FAMILY GROUPS
020 7403 0888
Confidential helpline and support for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking

AL ANON HELPLINE
0800 0086 811
Free call, 7 days a week. 

FRANK
0800 776600 or text phone for hard of hearing to 0800 917 8765
frank@talktofrank.com
'Honest information about drugs' - Talk to Frank for facts, support and confidential advice on drugs and alcohol.

NACOA - 0800 358 3456
National Association for Children of Alcoholics offers information, advice and support to children of any age of alcohol dependent parents.

If you are struggling to cope with suicidal feelings, you may find it helpful to download the HYCS Emotional Crisis Leaflet - link here.

" If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" - Dr Wayne Dyer

CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably 0800 585858
A website aimed at supporting reducing male suicide and destigmatising metnal ill health in males.  Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) stand against suicide. 'That means standing against feeling shit, standing up to stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living'.

Information, support (telephone helpline or webchat) and access to guides including:
- CALM Guide to Suicidal Thoughts - download here.

HUB OF HOPE
A hub of service information to help you find local or national mental health support including in a crisis - search by area or by issue.  The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.

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

PAPYRUS
Hopeline UK - 0800 068 4141
or Text 07786 209 697
10am-10pm weekdays
2pm - 10pm weekends and bank holidays.
Organisation set up to prevent young suicide, which offers support for anyone up to age 35 who is experiencing thoughts of suicide, providing a safe space to talk about thoughts and what's been happening in your life for suicide to feel like an option.

PAPYRUS: Supporting Your Child - Suicide and Self Harm , A Guide for Parents
The aim of this guide is to provide information and guidance and
to help parents cope with a young person who is struggling with
thoughts of suicide. 

RETHINK - How to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts
PDF download to help support you if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

SAMARITANS
116 123 (24/7 support)
Confidential emotional support for anyone who is in crisis, open 24 hours every day of the year.   Whatever you are going through, call for support. Alternatively email your concerns to jo@samaritans.org (response time 24 hours).

CHILDLINE - Coping with Suicidal Feelings
Support Information including a guide to making a safety plan

GRASSROOTS SUICIDE PREVENTION & STAY ALIVE APP
Resources and information to help anyone who has suicidal thoughts and to help to prevent suicide.  Includes a suicide prevention toolkit for anyone with learning disabilities.  They also have an app called Stay Alive - see our App Zone for more information.

MAYTREE FOUNDATION
maytree@maytree.org.uk
Maytree’s London house is open 365 days a year for people when they’re feeling suicidal - check if open to referrals.  Offer a free stay for adults (over 18), with the opportunity to be heard in complete confidence, in a caring, safe environment.

MIND - Crisis Tool - Ways to help yourself cope in a crisis
Practical ideas to help you cope in a crisis.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HELPLINE
0800 689 5652 - (For 18+ years)
For people aged 18+, a national Suicide Prevention Helpline UK is a helpline offering a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.

Open from 6pm to midnight everyday on 0800 689 5652.  

RETHINK - How to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts
Information and support tips including a downloadable 'how to cope' leaflet - link here. 

RCJ - Feeling Overwhelmed Article
Support and ideas to help you when things are feeling overwhelming.

SOS (Silence of Suicide)
0300 102 0505
For children and adults who need emotional support, understanding, compassion & kindness.  Offer support by phone, email and online.

STAYING SAFE
A free website to help you make a safety plan to keep you safe from suicidal thoughts with information, blank templates (online/downloadable) and step by step videos. 

YOUNG MINDS - Guide to Suicidal Feelings for Young People

ZERO SUICIDE ALLIANCE - Suicide Awareness Training for University Students 
Free suicide awareness training developed specifically for university students, their family and friends but can be taken by anyone over the age of 16.  It includes information and scenarios that are related to experiences at university.

If you have been impacted by the loss of someone who has died by suicide, the resources below may help.  Also check out the section in this directory on Bereavement here.

HELP IS AT HAND - Support After Suicide Guide download 

CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably
0800 585858
Information, support (telephone or webchat) and access to guides including:- Calm Guide to Support After Suicide

CORONER'S COURT SUPPORT SERVICE 0300 111 2141
helpline@ccss.org.uk
Providing emotional and practical support for anyone attending an inquest. Helpline open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm or Saturday 9am-2p

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
0345 123 2304
Support when a child of any age dies, through any cause.  Special CF info pack and resources including special pack for - 'When our sibling has died by suicide' link here. 

Another useful leaflet includes:
- Coping with Judgemental Attitudes which may be helpful as some of us also have to deal with the loss of a loved one and with the reactions from those who are critical of for a variety of reasons for example if a person has died as a result of drug, alcohol or solvent use; illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia; dangerous
occupational or recreational activities; involvement in crime, gangs or
prostitution; accidents for which they may have been responsible; or
suicide.  

SUICIDE & CO
We focus on one-on-one professional support through talking therapies offering our Counselling Service and Helpline that are staffed by bereavement counsellors for anyone impacted by bereavement by suicide.

Many resources on their website for you to explore that can support different aspects of your grief journey (e.g. books and podcast recommendations).

SUPPORT AFTER SUICIDE
The Support After Suicide Partnership is a UK wide network of over 70 members and supporters. We were founded in 2013 to bring together national and local organisations that are involved in delivering suicide bereavement support across the UK and to address the need for formal, multi-agency, proactive suicide bereavement support. We’re a special interest group of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) based at Samaritans.  To find local support after bereavement by suicide check out the At A Loss website here.

SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) - for over 18's only
0300 111 5065 9am-9pm every day
An opportunity to talk confidentially with someone who has been bereaved by suicide and to know that you are not alone in your experience.

WINSTON'S WISH - 0808 8020 021
WW Crisis Messenger Service 24/7 - text WW to 85258
Winston’s Wish supports children and young people helping them to rebuild their life after a family bereavement.  For parents and carers, the family line offers practical support and guidance to anyone concerned about a grieving young person.

Winston’s Wish offers bespoke individual bereavement support to children, young people (up to 25) and families. Their experienced Helpline team can also provide immediate guidance, advice, resources and support to families bereaved by suicide and the professionals supporting them. 

WINSTON'S WISH - Explaining Suicide to a Child
Telling a child someone they love has died is difficult enough, but explaining that they died by suicide can be even harder. Often adults don’t want to talk about suicide, but Winston's Wish know from experience that it is better to tell a child or young person the truth in a way that they will understand. So, the expert team at Winston’s Wish offer guidance on how to explain a suicide

REGIONAL SERVICES
AMPARO 
For people affected by suicide in Cheshire & Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Kent & Medway, Coventry & Warwickshire, Southampton, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, Thames Valley, Mid and South Essex and serving personnel within the British Army.

SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE
020 7259 8100
SBLS@bwwmind.org.uk(regional)
Long term and tailored support and signposting for those affected by suicide.  Regional service available to those in Croydon, Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Surrey, Merton, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Harrow, Ealing, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent. 

ALLERGIC TO SOUND
A free online resource and support network for people living with Sensory Processing Disorder, misophonia and misokinesia.

MISOPHONIA INTERNATIONAL 
Information and resources.

MISOPHONIA UK
Misophonia involves an extreme sensitivity to certain sounds which prompts a fight or flight distress response to certain sounds. 

NHS - Noise Sensitivity (Hyperacusis)