Bereavement
Cruse national free helpline: 0808 808 1677 open Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 3pm-7pm.
Email: helpline@crusebereavementcare.org.uk
www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
A national organisation offering free and confidential bereavement counselling and advice to anyone who is affected by the death of someone they love.

Despair
Samaritans
If you are frightened, lonely or sad, or just need someone to talk to, you can phone the Samaritans. They offer confidential emotional support (but not advice) if you are suicidal or despairing. Look in the Phone Book for the telephone number of your local branch, or call 08457 90 90 90 and you will be put through to the nearest local branch which can take your call. Some branches may have volunteers speaking a range of languages. If you have a particular language, mention this when you ring.
You can also email:jo@samaritans.org - www.samaritans.org

Mental Health
Young Minds, 48-50 St John Street, London EC1M 4DG.
Free helpline 0800 018 2138,
Monday & Friday 10am-1pm, Tuesday & Thursday 1pm-4pm,
Wednesday 1pm - 4pm, 6pm - 8pm.
e-mail: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk - www.youngminds.org.uk
The national charity committed to improving the mental health of all young people.

MIND – The Mental Health Charity, 15-19 Broadway, London E15 4BQ.
Information Line: 0845 7660 163, Monday to Friday, 9.15am – 5.15pm - www.mind.org.uk

Rape and sexual abuse (including sexual exploitation)
If you are the victim of rape or sexual abuse you should report this to the police. Most police forces have special officers who help young people who experience sexual abuse.

Barnardo’s
Offers a range of practical and vocational support for young people leaving care, including victims of sexual exploitation. To find your local Barnardo’s office you can search online www.barnardos.org.uk

Suicide
Campaign Against Living Miserably
The campaign is targeted at young men aged between 15-35, but anyone, regardless of age, gender or geographic location can call the free helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (voice); 0800 027 2982 (text), free from landlines – 5pm-3am, every day. There is also a language line facility. - www.thecalmzone.net

Survivors UK, 12A Evelyn Court, Grinstead Road, London SE8 5AD.
Helpline: 0845 122 1201, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm-10pm.
Email: info@survivorsuk.org.uk - www.survivorsuk.org
Provides information, support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused.

Eating disorders
Eating Disorders Association (EDA), 103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1DW.
Adult helpline for over 18s: 0845 634 1414, Monday-Friday 10.30am 8.30pm, Saturday 1pm-4.30pm.
Email:helpmail@edauk.com

Youthline for 18 year olds and under: 0845 634 7650. Monday-Friday 4.30pm-8.30pm, Saturday 1pm-4.30pm.
Youthline text: 07977 493 354
Email: talkback@edauk.com - www.edauk.com
Provides information and help on all aspects of eating disorders.

Help for gays and lesbians
London Lesbian and Gay switch board on 020 7837 7324 (daily 10am – 11pm) Text: 020 7689 8501 (daily 10am-11pm) helpline offering a number of services, including sexual health advice, to lesbians, gay men and bisexuals throughout the UK. They can also give you information about local services. www.llgs.org.uk

Self-harm
National Self-Harm Network (NSHN), P.O Box 7264, Nottingham, NG1 6WJ.
Email info@nshn.co.uk - www.nshn.co.uk
A survivor-led organisation that works to support people who self-harm.

Friends
www.careleaversreunited.com
If you want to try and get in touch with old friends you can visit this website. It also provides chat rooms, support and information for those who have been in care.

Under 18s
Everyone needs someone to talk to when they have problems and difficulties. If you are under 18 and are thinking of leaving care, your rights are very different as you are still considered a child. You may feel you have no-one to turn to. In time you will make friends and it will become easier to talk and confide in those you have learnt to trust. Your Social Worker may be able to help or recommend someone who would be happy to listen and advise.

Childline
ChildLine, Freepost NATN1111, London E1 6BR
Tel: 0800 1111 – 24 hours. Textphone: 0800 400 222
Monday-Friday, 9.30am-9.30pm, weekends, 9.30am-8pm
A national telephone helpline for children and young people in trouble or danger such as violence, abuse or bullying. It offers confidential counselling for any child under 18 with any problem.
We also provide a special helpline called The Line for any young person living away from home. This is the helpline for you if you live in a foster home or a children’s home. 0800 88 4444 3.30pm-9.30pm, weekdays and 2pm-8pm at weekends.

Runaways
Message Home free and confidential helpline: 0800 700 740. 24-hours, daily,
For anyone aged 18 or over who is away from home. www.messagehome.org.uk
Under 18’s - Runaway and free confidential helpline: 0808 800 7070
For anyone aged 17 or under who has run away or being forced to leave home