Being involved in care proceedings, or any other legal proceedings for that matter, can be an emotionally charged and challenging experience. While the stress and pressure will be lessened by the assistance of our practiced solicitors, we are aware that it is important to be aware of and take care of your mental health while navigating this process. This might be particularly relevant if you are acting as a party. Taking care of your mental health may involve taking steps to access support before reaching a crisis point. Therefore, it is useful to know the support options available to you.

If you would like to be aware of the options available to you in terms of mental health support and/or require urgent assistance, the list below includes valuable contact information.

Please also note that our solicitors are experts in acting for parent clients and therefore will help you to access support when you need it.

 

Mental health support, including for young people:

 

For urgent help and to keep yourself or someone else safe:

If you are in urgent need of help or are worried that you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, please access the emergency contacts below.

  • Contact your GP. There is usually an emergency appointment slot for any patient in crisis.
  • Call the NHS on 111 or speak to your local NHS Mental Health Helpline, whose number is available via their website. They provide confidential 24-hour advice and support.
  • Attend your local A&E Department or call 999. If you are worried that you or someone else is at immediate or serious risk, you can visit your local A&E department or call 999. A&E has professional staff to help with these situations.

 

Helplines and Listening Services

  • Samaritans offer confidential non-judgemental emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Telephone: 116 123 (operates 24/7) Email: jo@samaritans.org (responds within 24 hours) Website: samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
  • NHS urgent mental health support webpages has advice about what to do in a mental health emergency, including details of the Local NHS Mental Health Helpful and links to other helpful resources. Website: http://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-healthservices/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/
  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Telephone: 0800 689 5652 (operates 24/7). Website: spbristol.org/NSPHUK.
  • Saneline offers specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health difficulties, including family, friends and carers. Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day) Website: sane.org.uk.
  • Switchboard If you identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, transgender you can call Switchboard the number below. Phone operators all self-define as LGBT+. Telephone: 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day) Email: chris@switchboard.lgbt Website (webchat): switchboard.lgbt/.