We may all experience mental health difficulties from time to time. If you’re struggling with your mental health, there are services in Portsmouth that you can self-refer to for support.
If you need urgent help, you can call 111 – the NHS non-emergency number. They now have specialist nurses who can support both adults and young people. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free from any phone. You can also visit NHS 111 online.
You can call the Samaritans free anytime, from any phone on 116 123. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you need emergency medical help immediately, call 999.
Many children and young people experience emotional and behavioural problems from time to time in childhood. They may be stressed about exams, unhappy about friendship problems, confused about changes to their body or anxious about the future. They may also experience worries and sadness.
Portsmouth City Council has created new guidance to help children and young people access the right mental health support at the right time. The guidance can be found on their website and contains clear information and advice for children, as well as their parents/carers and professionals.
You can find out where, how, and when children can access support as well as detailed information on areas of concern, self-help advice and contact details for local and national support services. Quick guides are also available for easy reference.
Kooth is a free online counselling and wellbeing support service, which is available to all young people aged 11-25 in Portsmouth.
Young people can chat to Kooth’s helpful team via message or live chat. They can also join conversations on discussion boards, write their own daily journal and read helpful articles featuring personal experiences and tips.
There are no waiting lists or referrals, just visit Kooth.com and register anonymously. The site is available 24/7 with counselling available 12pm – 10pm on weekdays and 6pm – 10pm on weekends.
Shout offers anonymous mental health support via text for people of all ages. The service is available at any time, and it won’t show up on your phone bill. Trained volunteers can help with anything you’re struggling with, including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression. Text HANTS to 85258 to get support.
One in four adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year. People from all walks of life can be affected, and at any point in their lives. Support is available.
PositiveMinds is a new style of service offering informal support for anyone who feels low, worried or hopeless in Portsmouth. They can help with issues such as housing, money, relationships, work, bereavement, leaving the armed forces, or living away from home at university.
You can book an appointment or pop in and chat to one of the service’s trained Wellbeing Advisors. These are people who have lived through difficulties themselves and can relate to how you are feeling.
PositiveMinds offer support in person, over the phone, and on Zoom from 10.30am until 5pm, Monday – Friday.
Contact PositiveMinds on 023 9282 4795, email positiveminds@solentmind.org.uk, or visit their website for more information.
Talking Change are a team of therapists and researchers specialising in the treatment of common mental health difficulties. If you’re struggling with low mood or anxiety, or with a physical condition such as chronic pain or fatigue, Talking Change provides talking therapies to help you cope and feel better.
You can access the free and confidential service if you’re aged 16 or over, living in Portsmouth, and if you’re registered with a GP Practice in the city.
Contact Talking Change on 0300 123 3934 or visit their website for more information.
Kooth is a free online counselling and wellbeing support service, which is available to all young people aged 11-25 in Portsmouth.
Young people can chat to Kooth’s helpful team via message or live chat. They can also join conversations on discussion boards, write their own daily journal and read helpful articles featuring personal experiences and tips.
There are no waiting lists or referrals, just visit Kooth.com and register anonymously. The site is available 24/7 with counselling available 12pm – 10pm on weekdays and 6pm – 10pm on weekends.
Shout offers anonymous mental health support via text for people of all ages. The service is available at any time, and it won’t show up on your phone bill. Trained volunteers can help with anything you’re struggling with, including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression. Text HANTS to 85258 to get support.
When someone close to you dies, the grief that follows can be painful, lonely, confusing and unpredictable. It can be helpful to seek support, and there are services that can help.
Visit Portsmouth City Council’s website for more information.
If you are looking for further support, the HIVE Portsmouth Directory lists lots of useful services.
You can also find information on local services and wellbeing groups on the Portsmouth City Council website.
If you are a parent or carer and need mental health support, the services listed above can offer help, but there are also specific services available that can support you.
Being a parent or carer can be challenging. Taking care of your mental health is important for yourself and your child’s wellbeing, so don’t be concerned about doing something for yourself to look after your mental health.
If you are struggling, it’s ok to reach out for support from friends, family, and organisations that can help you.
You can find information on these services on the Portsmouth City Council website.
The Remind team continues to deliver an advice and support service to dementia patients and their carers across the Portsmouth area via telephone through Solent Mind. Call 033 0332 4030 or visit Solent Mind to find out more.
Portsmouth Carers Service is here to support all carers. The person you look after doesn’t need a formal diagnosis and you don’t need to be claiming carers allowance to use the service.
The Carers Service provides support, information, and advice to adult carers (aged 18+ years) who care for a resident of Portsmouth (PO1-PO6). The team is based at Portsmouth Carers Centre, 117 Orchard Rd, Southsea, PO4 0AD, and you can contact them via 023 9285 1864 (9-5 Mon-Thurs, 9-4 Friday) or email carerscentre@portmouthcc.gov.uk