Counselling

Free NHS Counselling - Self-referral service

Free NHS short term counselling from Vita Health.

Self-referral counselling services and support are available for patients suffering with one or more of the following:

• Abuse
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Depression
• Disability
• Domestic Violence
• Family Issues
• Loss
• Low Self-Esteem
• Mental Health
• OCD
• Post-Natal Depression
• Panic Attacks
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Relationships
• Sexual Identity
• Stress
• Plus numerous other issues that could be troubling you.

Visit Talking Therapies & Counselling in Canterbury and Coastal

Mental Health Crisis/Urgent Support

• Call your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
• Call NHS 111 Mental Health option 2
• Samaritans: Free 24 hour phone helpline – Call 116 123 for free
• Mental Health Matters: 24 hour phone support from compassionate helpline staff, trained in counselling skills 0800 107 016
• Kent and Medway Safe Havens: Kent and Medway safe Havens offer Out of Hours mental health Support to anyone aged 16+ in the Kent area
• Shout: Speak to someone now by text – for 24/7 support, text the word Kent to 85258
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
• Victim Support Helpline: If you’ve been affected by crime and you need confidential support or information, call our 24/7 Support line for free on 0808 1689 111
• Mental Health Together: Over 18  - Phone the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111.

Young People’s Mental Health

Are you aged 11-25? You may find Kooth or ChatHealth useful but please book an appointment with your GP in the first instance if you are under 18.

• For urgent support visit: Kooth Urgent Crisis Support
• Kooth Support (non-urgent): Your online mental wellbeing community for young people aged 11 to 25 - Kooth is an anonymous site which helps children and young people to feel safe and confident in exploring their concerns and seeking professional support.
• ChatHealth: An anonymous and confidential texting system for 11 to 19 year olds. You can text on 07520618850 for advice and support on any health issue, including physical or emotional health concerns, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Mental Health Together: Under 18 -Phone the 24-hour Single Point of Access on 0800 011 3474 (select option one, then option three).

Digital Mental Wellbeing Support for Adults

Qwell: Free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK

Affordable Counselling (donation/sliding scale based)

• Community Counselling Service
• FCS: Talking Therapies

Private Counselling

• Find a therapist

Specialist Counselling

• East Kent Rape Crisis Centre in Canterbury
• Family Matters - Rape & Sexual Abuse: Care and support for those afraid to talk

Domestic Abuse

• Rising Sun Domestic Abuse
• SATEDA - Domestic Abuse Charity in Kent, Swale & Medway
• ManKind Initiative - Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse

People Affected by Crime

• Rubicon Cares: Counselling for People Affected by Crime
• Supportline - Victim Support

Carers Counselling

For carers and carers of loved ones with cancer

• Carer Wellbeing — Crossroads Care Kent

Drug and Alcohol support

• Forward Trust: We believe that everyone can live a fulfilling life, whatever their past. If you’re affected by drug or alcohol issues, past offending, homelessness or unemployment: help is out there! -  Telephone (Monday - Friday, 10am to 5pm, Wednesdays 2pm to 6pm): 01227 201778 -  24 Hour phone (East Kent wide) | 0300 123 1186 (Evenings and weekends)
• With You: Get free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health from one of our local services or online. Telephone: 0300 012 0012
• One You Kent: Cut back alcohol and feel better with the support of One You Kent

Wellness including Smoking Cessation and Weight Loss

• Live Well Kent: Are your feelings or worries impacting on your relationships, work or day-to-day life? - Telephone: 0800 567 7699
• One You Kent: Lifestyle advice and support, weight loss, smoking cessation and wellness support in Kent
• Living Live to the Full: Free online courses covering low mood, stress and resilience.

Peer Support for Mental Health

• Recovery and Wellbeing College: Free health related educational courses
• Revival: Revival offer groups and activities to support mental wellness of the communit
• Together All: Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. 
• Take Off: Physical and mental wellbeing -  Address:34 Military Road, Canterbury, CT1 1LT -  Telephone : 01227 788211

General Advice & Information

• Citizens Advice: For support with benefits, work, debt and money, housing, law and courts, immigration and much more telephone 0808 2787979
• Mental Health Matters: We help people achieve good mental and physical wellbeing and live life to the full - 24 hour confidential and free helpline 0800 107 0160
• Mind: We're fighting for mental health. For support. For respect. For you.
• Canterbury Housing Advice Centre: Free and confidential housing advice - Telephone: 01227 762605
• Porchlight: Kent’s largest charity for homeless and vulnerable people. Address: 2nd Floor Watling Chambers 18-19 Watling Street, Canterbury, CT1 2UA - Telephone: 0800 567 7699

Veterans, Service Leavers and Reservists Counselling

• The NHS: Find mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.