Support and helplines
Helpful services
This page lists helplines, national organisations and local services you can contact if you need extra support or urgent help. These external resources are available to provide immediate assistance, information and guidance for anyone seeking additional mental health care or crisis intervention.
Local Support Option
Colchester Community Support
A welcoming service offering dedicated mental health resources and group support for residents in the wider Colchester area.
Community Care in Colchester & Halstead
Local Support Option
Halstead Mental Health Hub
Providing local counselling signposting and community outreach services for adults and young people across Halstead and Essex.
Local Essex Support
Local Support Option
Essex Wellbeing Service
A comprehensive county-wide initiative connecting individuals with the right support services for their mental and physical health.
In an emergency call 999. For urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans on 116 123.
Assistance Hub
Emergency support and helplines
Samaritans
Providing care for emotional distress
Constant support for those who need a safe place to be heard and understood without any bias.
Call: 116 123Web: samaritans.org
NHS Crisis Support
Clinical guidance and immediate therapy
A direct line for urgent mental health evaluations and professional medical advice.
Call: 111 (Option 2)Available 24/7
Shout
Private support through texting
A discreet and free messaging platform for anyone experiencing a difficult or dark time.
Text: SHOUT to 85258Web: giveusashout.org
CALM
Movement Against Living Miserably
Evening assistance for anyone in the UK feeling overwhelmed or reaching a breaking point.
Call: 0800 58 58 58Web: thecalmzone.net
Papyrus HOPELINE247
Suicide prevention for young people
Expert interventions for under 35s facing suicidal thoughts and those who support them.
Call: 0800 068 4141Text: 88247
Switchboard LGBT+
LGBTQ+ specific resources
A trusted space to explore questions regarding identity, sexuality, and general wellbeing.
Call: 0800 0119 100Web: switchboard.lgbt
SANE
Focus on complex mental health issues
Specialised guidance and clarity for those living with mental illness and their loved ones.
Call: 0300 304 7000Web: sane.org.uk
The Silver Line
Service for elders
A dedicated 24-hour resource offering friendship, information, and comfort for older adults.
Call: 0800 4 70 80 90Web: thesilverline.org.uk
Mind
National mental health resource
Offers tools and advocacy to help anyone navigating a mental health challenge today.
Call: 0300 123 3393Web: mind.org.uk
Kooth
A digital wellness space providing anonymous, secure support for youths (11-25) across Essex and Suffolk. Engage with helpful forums, personal journals, and direct messaging with qualified professionals.
Essex & Suffolk Crisis Support
For local residents, the EPUT Crisis Support team in Essex can be reached 24/7 on 0800 995 1000. In Suffolk, the First Response service provides immediate psychiatric support and clinical advice on 0808 196 3494.
Taking the step to ask for help is a powerful move toward recovery. Remember that you never have to walk this path alone.
Self-Help & Psychoeducation
Finding the right tools can help you understand your experiences more clearly. These resources are offered as gentle suggestions to explore at your own pace alongside our work together.
Book
The Body Keeps the Score
A thoughtful exploration of how trauma affects the mind and body, and paths toward healing.
Podcast
Unlocking Us
Conversations that unpack the deeply human experiences of connection, vulnerability, and courage.
Website
Mind UK Self-Care
Practical guides and everyday tools for managing your mental wellbeing at home.
Book
Daring Greatly
A gentle guide to embracing imperfection and finding the strength in our common vulnerabilities.
A more personalised space to talk
If you feel you would like a more personalised space to work through your challenges, Michele is here to help. These resources are a starting point, but one-to-one counselling offers tailored support for your unique journey. Contact Castle Counselling Service today to discuss how we can work together.