Last updated:
12th September 2023
Mental health support
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time or are struggling with how you’re feeling, it can be really scary and upsetting. It’s normal to feel angry, sad, worried or stressed sometimes. However, if you’re struggling to cope with those feelings, it might be useful to look at support. Talking about things might feel tough, but there are lots of people and organisations that can help.
Useful resources
The Little Blue Book of Sunshine
A useful resource available is a mental health booklet aimed at teenagers called the The Little Blue Book of Sunshine. The book offers lots of practical and useful advice and aims to help young people by sharing lots of tips on how to deal with many problems, such as anxiety, stress, body image, relationships and anger. It also includes information about where to get help when they need it. Download book.
TellMi app: online mental health peer support
Tellmi is a safe, anonymous app where you can talk about anything. From anxiety to autism, dating to depression, or self-harm to self-esteem. Sharing your experiences with the Tellmi community. Moderators check everything to keep you safe and their in-house counsellors are always on hand if you need extra support.
The Tellmi App can be downloaded from Play Store or Apple Store.
Anna Freud Centre
Self-care is about the things we can do to look after our own mental health. The Anna Freud Centre have put together some strategies to help you to manage your wellbeing. Anna Freud Centre
Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. Every Mind Matters has expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. It includes videos for tips on exercise, sleep and how to take care of yourself on social media. There are also links to help for groups of people who may be finding things particularly tough, or have additional needs, and support with some of the issues they may be facing.
Young Minds
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
Talking Therapies (over 17s)
Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help with common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.
You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you.
Help is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course.
Local resources of support
Wokingham area
ARC – youth counselling
www.arcweb.org.uk | 0118 977 6710
Reading area
No.5 – youth counselling
www.no5.org.uk | 0118 901 5668
Bracknell Forest area
Youthline– youth counselling
youthlineuk.com | 01344 311200
Berkshire-wide
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/camhs
Kooth online counselling
kooth.com
Talking Therapies (over 17s)
talkingtherapies.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk
National helplines
0800 1111
Anyone aged 19 or under can speak to a Childline counsellor by phone or online about anything that is worrying them.
116 123
The phone helpline provides 24/7 emotional support for anyone feeling down or struggling to cope
0300 123 3393
Information for young people aged 11-18. We're Mind. We understand mental health and wellbeing. We're here if you need us for support and advice.
In a crisis or emergency
If you have urgent concerns about a mental health problem, use the NHS 111 online service at 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you’ve injured yourself, taken an overdose or are in an emergency and believe that your life is at risk, please dial 999 or go to the nearest emergency department.