Other Mental Health Services
in Plymouth and nationally
This page brings together a small number of trusted mental health organisations and charities that I regularly recommend. Some I have worked with personally, while others are well-established services providing specialist support when counselling alone may not be the right option.
A chance to ask questions, see whether we’re a good fit, and decide whether you’d like to work together.
Emergency Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, or you’re worried about your safety or the safety of someone else, it’s important to seek urgent help straight away. Counselling is not an emergency service and may not be the right support during a mental health crisis.
The organisations below provide immediate help and support if you’re experiencing a crisis or need urgent mental health care. You don’t have to face things alone.
Emergency Services
If someone’s life is at immediate risk, or they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose, call 999 straight away. If it is safe to do so, stay with the person until help arrives. In an emergency, you can also go directly to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.
Call: 999
Samaritans
If you’re struggling to cope, feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts of suicide, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You don’t have to be in crisis to contact them. Whatever you’re facing, they’ll listen without judgement and help you through the moment.
Call: 116 123 (free from any phone)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org
Shout
If you’re struggling to cope and would prefer to text rather than talk, Shout offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Trained volunteers are there to listen and help you through difficult moments, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, distressed or in crisis.
Text: SHOUT to 85258
Website: www.giveusashout.org
Childline
Childline is a free, confidential service for anyone under the age of 19. Whether you’re worried about your mental health, family life, bullying, abuse, relationships or anything else, you can talk to a trained counsellor at any time. No problem is too big or too small.
Call: 0800 1111 (free and won’t appear on your phone bill)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Online chat: Available through the Childline website.
NHS Mental Health Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis but it is not an immediate emergency, you can contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option (Option 2). You’ll be connected to trained mental health professionals who can assess your situation, offer advice and arrange the right support if needed.
Call: 111 and select Option 2
Website: www.nhs.uk/111
Specialist Support Services
Not everyone needs emergency mental health support. Sometimes, the right help comes from a specialist organisation that understands your particular situation or offers services alongside counselling.
The organisations below provide practical advice, emotional support and specialist services for a range of experiences, including addiction, bereavement, pregnancy loss and support for children and families. They are all organisations I know, trust or have worked with, and I recommend them when they may be better placed to help.
Mind
Mind provides trusted information and support for a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks and more. Their website offers practical advice, information about treatments and guidance on where to find additional support.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness supports people living with severe mental illness, as well as their families and carers. They provide expert information, advice and practical resources to help people understand and manage conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and psychosis.
Website: https://www.rethink.org
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK offers information, resources and support for people living with anxiety disorders. They provide practical self-help tools, therapy services and advice to help people better understand and manage anxiety.
Website: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse Bereavement Support helps people of all ages following the death of someone important to them. They offer bereavement support, practical guidance and information to help people understand grief and navigate life after loss.
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk
ADHD UK
ADHD UK provides reliable information, resources and practical advice for adults and children with ADHD, as well as their families. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, waiting for an assessment or simply exploring whether ADHD might explain your experiences, their website is an excellent source of support.
Website: https://adhduk.co.uk
The Mix (Under 25s)
The Mix offers free support for people under 25 on topics including mental health, relationships, housing, money, work and wellbeing. Support is available through articles, webchat and a confidential helpline.
Website: https://www.themix.org.uk
Andy's Man Club
Andy’s Man Club is a free peer support group for men aged 18 and over. Weekly meetings provide a safe, non-judgemental space where men can talk openly about their mental health, whatever they’re going through. You don’t need a referral or diagnosis to attend, just turn up. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties or simply need someone to listen, you’ll be met with understanding and support.
Website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
Local Mental Health Services in Plymouth
Alongside national charities, Plymouth has a number of excellent organisations providing specialist support within the local community. These are services I know and trust, and in some cases have worked with directly. If you’re looking for support beyond private counselling, they’re well worth exploring.
Hamoaze House
Hamoaze House supports people affected by drug and alcohol use, as well as their families and loved ones. They offer counselling, recovery programmes, family support and specialist services in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment.
Website: https://www.hamoazehouse.org.uk
Bereavement Counselling Service
The Bereavement Counselling Service provides compassionate support for adults coping with the death of someone important to them. Their trained counsellors offer a safe space to explore grief, whether your loss is recent or happened many years ago.
Website: https://bcsplymouth.co.uk
Pregnancy Crisis Care
Pregnancy Crisis Care offers confidential emotional support for anyone affected by pregnancy-related loss or uncertainty. They support people experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, baby loss, pregnancy after loss and other difficult pregnancy experiences, providing a compassionate space free from judgement.
Shekinah
Shekinah supports people facing homelessness, social exclusion and complex life challenges. Their services include practical support, housing advice, training and opportunities to help people rebuild confidence and move towards greater independence.
Website: https://shekinah.co.uk
First Light
First Light provides free, confidential support for adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, rape, sexual abuse and church-related abuse. Their specialist services include emotional support, advocacy and trauma-informed counselling, helping survivors feel safe, heard and supported at their own pace. Support is available regardless of when the abuse happened, and you do not need to report to the police to access help.
Website: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/
The Zone Plymouth
The Zone Plymouth is a dedicated wellbeing centre for young people aged 13 to 25. They offer free, confidential support for a wide range of issues, including mental health, emotional wellbeing, sexual health, housing, relationships, substance use and employment. With a team of friendly professionals and a range of specialist services under one roof, The Zone provides a safe place for young people to access the support they need.
Website: https://www.thezoneplymouth.co.uk/
Finding the right support
The right support will depend on what you are experiencing and what feels manageable at the moment. You may need specialist help, practical advice, peer support or simply somewhere safe to begin talking.
The organisations on this page are not an exhaustive directory, but they are services I trust and regularly recommend. Some may be suitable alongside counselling, while others may be better placed to offer the specific support you need.
Looking for private counselling?
If you are looking for one-to-one counselling in Plymouth or online, you are welcome to get in touch. I support adults experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, bereavement, ADHD and a wide range of other emotional difficulties.
You do not need to know exactly what you need before contacting me. A free introductory call gives us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you here, ask any questions and decide whether working together feels right.
There’s no pressure to continue. Just a conversation.