Find Help

We all have mental health and sometimes we need a little extra support to look after it.

We recognise that your mental health may be affected for a number of reasons, and we also recognise that navigating the mental health support system can be a little difficult at times. To help we have collected together a range of information below from different providers to try and help you find the help you, or some else needs, when its needed most.

Remember, you are not alone. Feeling better soon is both possible and likely.

First, we have created this traffic light poster to quickly and easily help you decide which level of support is right for you, or somebody you are supporting. You will find advice split into non-urgent, urgent and emergency categories.

Now here is a list, with links for easy access, to the mental health services available across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland within the non-urgent and urgent section of the traffic light.

VitaMinds

A talking therapy service which provides help for people with anxiety, depression and other similar difficulties across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. You can request that your GP refers you to the service, or you can refer yourself directly. The service is funded by the NHS.

Mental health wellbeing and recovery support service

This service is open to anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing emotional and mental health problems, as well as their carers. Its goal is to help people to maintain and improve their mental wellbeing. You don't need a mental health diagnosis to use this service. This service is fully funded. Visit the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust webpage below to find your local service.

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Mind | Supported self-help

This programme, for residents (aged 18+), aims to give people the skills to understand, protect and improve their mental health. This programme offers 6 sessions and referral can be either made by yourself or a professional.

The Tomorrow project | Suicide thoughts or crisis

Provided by Harmless, this service offers support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis. Their team accept referrals direct from individuals, as well as GPs and other health professionals.

They also offer an out of hours service which operates every Thursday 6pm-11pm and is available to anyone in Leicestershire who is struggling with self-harm, suicidal thoughts or crisis. You can access this out of hours service by either calling or texting 07925 579 516 or completing a referral form which you can access via Harmless | Referral form: Leicestershire & Rutland - out of hours form.

The Tomorrow Project | Bereavement support

Provided by Harmless, The Tomorrow Project also offer a confidential suicide bereavement service offering 1:1 support for children and adults. All of their services are free and confidential. They are a warm, compassionate, and hopeful team, and are there to support you. You can contact or refer to the team using the details below or by visiting the Tomorrow Project website:

Call: 0116 309 0171

Email: bereavement.leics@tomorrowproject.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)

This organisation exists to provide free peer support to adults bereaved by suicide in a timely and open-ended manner so that no one bereaved by suicide has to face their loss alone. They offer a national helpline (call 0300 111 5065, available 9am-9pm Monday-Sunday), peer support groups, email support (use address email.support@uksobs.org) and a global forum.

Harmless | Self-harm service

Harmless offer an all age self-harm service that provides support for anyone struggling with or effected by self-harm. You can make a professional or self referral via the Harmless referral form below, or call them on 01158800280 or email them on info@harmless.org.uk.

DistrACT app

For people aged 17+, this app is free to download on to smartphones and tablets. It provides trusted information and links to support for people who self-harm and may feel suicidal. You can download the app from the Apple store | distrACT or Google Play | distrACT.

Samaritans

When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website.

Shout

The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope. They have taken more than 2 million conversations with people who are sad, worried, lonely or suicidal and who need urgent, in-the-moment support. Text them on 85258.

Other national services

To help you find other national helplines, listening services and useful contacts, you can use the Mind webpages.

Mental Health Central Access Point

If you, or someone you care about, need urgent NHS mental health support, call NHS Leicestershire Partnership Trust's Mental Health Central Access Point now on 0808 800 3302. This is a 24/7 free helpline for people of all ages in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland offering urgent support, signposting and referral.

Neighbourhood mental health cafés

These cafés are part of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust's local support for people who need immediate help with their mental health. The cafes are drop in centres for anyone to come and talk about their mental health – no appointment needed. They have supportive, trained staff who can listen and provide the practical support you need. Find your nearest café using the website.

Autism space

Provided by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, shares a wide range of information and service signposting linked to mental health and autism.

Active mum's club

This group provides a range of activities and support for women during and post pregnancy. Visit their mental wellbeing page to find information about specific services available to support good mental health in and around pregnancy.

To find a range of services across all of our areas (County, City and Rutland) you can search using Joy - a social prescribing platform. On here you can tailor your search based on area, distance and health need.

Hub of Hope

A search tool that allows you to scan for services in your local area. You can also filter results by topic area.

Other webpages

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust's webpage also provides an overview of information. Here you can see what mental health and wellbeing support is available across Leicestershire & Rutland, and in each area specifically.

You can also find what support available for children and young people on the webpage below from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Sometimes the services that are available depend on where you live. Below you can find more information about how best to find support services in the County and City.