Counselling & Support Services

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

Listed below are some of the local counselling services that Whitstable Medical Practice recommends. If you are aged 18 or over you may contact these services directly as they accept self-referrals. If you are under the age of 18 we would ask that you please book an appointment with your GP in the first instance.

Mental Health Crisis/Urgent Support

• Samaritans: Free 24 hour phone helpline – Call 116 123 for free
• Release the pressure: Free expert advice from trained counsellors is available for every mental health concern
• Shout: Speak to someone now by text – for 24/7 support, text the word Kent to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support at any time.
• 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 Support line for free on 0808 1689 111

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.

Counselling – Self-referral services

• With You: Get free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health from one of our local services or online. Telephone: 0300 012 0012
• Psychological Service: UMCPT is a Talking Therapies service established by the Medical Centre. Subcontracted in Faversham Counselling Service - Telephone: 01227 469338
• Community Counselling Service: Based in Canterbury and offers accessible and affordable counselling services for everyone in the area.
• FCS Talking Therapies: Private, low cost, bursary and NHS talking therapies for the people of Kent. Address: 10 Gatefield Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NX -  Telephone: 01795 591019
• Everyturn: Talking therapies, crisis support, dementia care, supported housing, nursing care, and community wellbeing support.

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 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm): 01227 826400 -  24 Hour phone (East Kent wide): 0300 123 1186
• 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

• 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

Further mental health support and 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