Chatting To Death

This script offers information to anyone distressed or worried about their own mental health or that of someone else. Please note that freephone numbers may be charged for by some mobile phone services.

It's normal to feel stressed, depressed or anxious sometimes, but it's also true that many people experience mental health problems during their lives. At those times it's really important that you speak to someone about what you're going through. This could be a family member, friend or possibly a tutor that you're comfortable talking to. Your GP can also offer help including appropriate medication or referrals to counselling and other support.

If you would like to speak to someone in confidence or find out how to get help for a specific problem, the organisations below will be able to help you. Some can put you in touch with people who have had similar experiences to you and know just what you're going through.

If you're feeling distressed and need someone to talk to at any time, you can phone the Samaritans day or night on 08457 90 90 90. They also provide e-mail support at jo@samaritans.org and you can visit their website at www.samaritans.org.

Mind, offers information and support on mental health issues including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, phobias, self-harm and more. Mind produce publications, run local support groups and offer telephone help through the Mind Infoline on 08457 660 163 (Mondays to Fridays 9.15am-5.15pm) or check out their website at www.mind.org.uk.

Young Minds offers information and support to young people and their parents on a range of mental health issues. They have some helpful booklets especially for young people on subjects such as self-injury, depression, sexual abuse, bullying and eating disorders. You can find these leaflets and other information on their website at www.youngminds.org.uk. You can write to them for free copies with a stamped self-addressed envelope stating the subject you require information on to: Young Minds, 102-108 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5SA.

The Young Minds Parents Information Service is a free and confidential phone service on 0800 018 2138. They provide information and advice for any adult with concerns about the mental health of a child or young person.

If you are feeling depressed, you can get support and information from The Depression Alliance. They offer publications, self-help groups and other projects. For a free information pack write (enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope if possible) to The Depression Alliance, 35 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB or e-mail information@depressionalliance.org. You can also download information from their website at www.depressionalliance.org.

If you are supporting someone with suicidal feelings, you can get helpful information from PAPYRUS, an organisation committed to the prevention of young suicide. Phone them for more information on 01706 214449 (office hours). Or you can e-mail them at info@papyrus-uk.org and download or order leaflets from the website at www.papyrus-uk.org.

Get Connected is a free helpline and e-mail service helping young people find the best support whatever their problem. It's especially good for anyone thinking of running away or leaving home, or for anyone who has left home already. Call 0808 808 4994 (every day 1pm-11pm). You can e-mail them at help@getconnected.org.uk or check out their website at www.getconnected.org.uk.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) provide specialist emotional support and practical information for people bereaved by suicide. Call their national helpline on 0870 241 3337 (every day 9am-9pm). They also have a website at www.uk-sobs.org.uk.

Cruse Bereavement Care supports all bereaved people. They offer advice, support, help and information, no matter how recently or long ago you were bereaved. To find out about all the Cruse services, call their helpline on 0870 167 1677 (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-5pm). Or you can visit their website at www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk.

Cruse also runs services aimed specifically at supporting young people aged 12 to 18 on a free phone helpline 0808 808 1677 and at the website www.rd4u.org.uk.

Parents can get a lot of useful information on keeping your children safe when surfing the internet, including a parents guide to the internet, from the NCH. Their leaflet, NetSmart Rules, is available to download from their website at www.nch.org.uk.

You can also find lots of useful information at www.channel4.com/health/.

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