Resources
Therapy is one part of looking after yourself, and I want to make it as easy as possible to find support outside of our sessions too. Below is a collection of organisations, helplines and self-help tools that I hope you find useful — whether you're waiting to start therapy, working through something between sessions, or looking for something specific.
These are third-party organisations and I cannot take responsibility for the services they provide, but I've gathered them here because I think they're worth knowing about.
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If you are feeling unsafe or in need of urgent support, please don't wait. You can reach the following services at any time:
999 or A&E — If you are in immediate danger and think you might harm yourself or someone else, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
NHS 111 — For urgent medical or mental health advice when it isn't a 999 emergency.
Samaritans — A free, confidential listening service open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123.
SHOUT — A free text service for anyone in crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258.
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Hub of Hope — An online directory where you can search for local and national mental health services — including groups, counselling and information — by postcode.
SANE — Emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental illness. Helpline: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10:30pm).
The Calm Zone — Support for anyone who is struggling or has hit a wall. Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight). Also has a webchat.
Beat Eating Disorders — Confidential support for anyone struggling with food and eating. Helpline: 0808 801 0677.
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101 Ways to Ground Yourself — An extensive list of grounding techniques — useful if you're feeling numb, disconnected or overwhelmed.
https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/grounding101
101 Ways to Distract from Intrusive Trauma Symptoms — Distraction techniques for flashbacks, panic, anxiety and dissociation — organised by level of effort.
https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/distraction101
ACTivate Your Life — A free online self-help course based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help you live with more purpose and less struggle.
https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/activate-your-life/
Staying Safe — An online tool for creating your own safety plan — useful to fill in before a crisis, not during one.
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LGBT+ Switchboard — A listening and information service staffed by LGBT+ volunteers. Open daily 10am–10pm. Also offers instant messaging chat.
Gendered Intelligence Support Line — Support for people impacted by the NHS gender care waiting list. Call 0330 355 9678 or WhatsApp 07592 650 496.
https://genderedintelligence.co.uk
Galop — Support if you've experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse as an LGBT+ person. Also assists with police and criminal justice issues.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline — Support if you've experienced threatening or abusive behaviour from a partner or family member. Call 0800 999 5428 (Mon–Fri, with extended hours Wed & Thurs).
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Gendered Intelligence — Support, community and information for trans people and those who know them. Includes a support line: 0330 355 9678 (or WhatsApp 07592 650 496).
https://genderedintelligence.co.uk
Mermaids — Support for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse young people (up to age 25) and their families. Helpline: 0808 801 0400.
CliniQ — A holistic sexual health and wellbeing service in London for trans people, their partners and friends — offering healthcare, counselling and peer support.
TransUnite — A directory of trans support groups across the UK — useful for finding local community and peer connection.
GIRES (Gender Identity Research and Education Society) — Information and resources on gender identity for trans people, their families and the professionals who support them.
The Okra Project — A collective addressing the mental health crisis among Black transgender and gender non-conforming people — offering therapy access and community support.
https://www.theokraproject.com
Trans Legal Project — Free legal advice and resources for trans people in the UK, covering rights, name changes, GRCs and discrimination.
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Free2bme — Connects neurodivergent people with qualified, registered neurodivergent professionals for therapy and support.
https://www.free2bmetherapyservices.com
National Autistic Society — Information, support and guidance for autistic people and their families.
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Living with a long-term condition affects far more than the physical — it can shape your identity, your relationships, your sense of the future, and how you feel about your body. The following organisations offer information, peer support and practical help.
Diabetes UK — The leading UK charity for people living with diabetes. Offers information, a helpline (0345 123 2399), peer support communities and local groups.
JDRF UK — Support and research for people living with Type 1 diabetes. Includes peer support networks and an online community.
Diabetes.co.uk — One of the UK's largest peer support communities for people with diabetes — forums, tools and real-world advice from people who get it.
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum
The Chronic Illness Inclusion Project — Research and advocacy by and for people with chronic illness, with a particular focus on energy-limiting conditions.
https://chronicillnessinclusion.org.uk
Action for ME — Support, information and advocacy for people with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome).
https://www.actionforme.org.uk
The Pain Toolkit — Free self-management tools and techniques for living with persistent or long-term pain, developed by someone with lived experience.
Disability Rights UK — Information and advice on benefits, employment rights and independent living for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
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The following organisations offer non-judgemental support, safety tools, legal information and peer connection for people who are currently or have previously worked in the sex industry. Several are run by and for sex workers themselves.
The Alex Project — Spectra — Spectra's service offering support for sex workers, including around drug use, sexual health, wellbeing and chemsex. Run by people with lived experience and rooted in harm reduction.
https://spectra-london.org.uk/the-alex-project
National Ugly Mugs — A UK-wide charity providing safety tools, incident reporting and support services for people in adult industries. Free to join.
English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) — A grassroots organisation of sex workers and supporters providing information on legal rights, immigration and practical support. Available in multiple languages.
https://prostitutescollective.net/get-help/
SWARM — A collective founded and led by sex workers, campaigning for rights and safety. Organises peer support meet-ups and skill-shares.
https://www.swarmcollective.org
Pineapple Support Society — Free support and therapy for people working in the online adult content industry, including a listening service and peer support.
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Antidote — The UK's only LGBT+ specialist drug and alcohol support service, run by London Friend. Call 020 7833 1674 (Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm) and ask for the Antidote team.
https://londonfriend.org.uk/antidote
56 Dean Street — Sexual health clinic in London with a dedicated chemsex support service. Offers one-to-one appointments, groups and online resources.
Talk to Frank — Free, confidential information and advice about drugs. Call 0300 123 6600, text 82111, or use their online chat.
We Are With You — Free, confidential support for anyone affected by drugs, alcohol or mental health — available across the UK with no referral needed.
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk
Drink Aware — Free helpline and online information for people concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
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Domestic abuse can take many forms — physical, emotional, financial, sexual and coercive control. Support is available whatever your gender, sexuality or relationship structure. All services below are confidential.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline — Free, confidential 24-hour helpline run by Refuge. Call 0808 2000 247 or use the live chat on their website.
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women's Aid — Information, support and a directory of local services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Galop — Support for LGBT+ people who have experienced domestic abuse, hate crime or sexual violence. Also assists with police and criminal justice issues.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline — Specialist support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse from a partner or family member. Call 0800 999 5428 (Mon–Fri, with extended hours Wed & Thurs).
Sistah Space — Specialist support for African and Caribbean women and girls affected by domestic abuse or bereavement due to violence. Based in Hackney, serving the UK.
Men's Advice Line — Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse. Call 0808 801 0327 (Mon–Fri 9am–8pm).
Surviving Economic Abuse — Information and support for those experiencing financial abuse — a form of control that is often overlooked but very common.
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Stay Alive — An app to install on your phone with safety planning tools, resources and things to remind you why life is worth living.
Mood Panda — A simple mood diary app to help you track patterns in how you're feeling over time.
Oxford Mindfulness — Free and low-cost mindfulness resources including recorded talks, a podcast and courses for beginners and those with experience.
https://www.oxfordmindfulness.org/free-online-mindfulness-course-sessions/