There’s help on hand
We’ve listed different organisations who can provide support
Life can be tough, but there is help on hand.
We've compiled a list of organisations, websites and phone lines that can provide support. The list is likely to grow and change, please keep an eye on the information as we'll be adding new services as we hear about them.
Kent Together is a single, convenient point of contact for anyone in Kent who is in urgent need of help during the coronavirus outbreak. The next text service is for people in Kent and Medway of all ages needing mental health support.
Website: www.kent.gov.uk/kenttogether
Call: 03000 41 92 92
Text: By texting the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258, you will start a conversation with one of the many trained and experienced volunteers who can give support at any time, wherever you are. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call: 116 123
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
**Mental Health Matters ** is a nationwide charity providing a wide range of support to people with mental health needs,.
Phone: 0800 107 0160 - FREE, 24/7 helpline.
Mental health support in Kent: Live Well Community A one-stop-shop for all kinds of support related to mental health. From how to get a job, to BAME support services, all directed for people living in the Gravesha, Dartford and Swanley area.
Website: https://livewellkent.org.uk/in-your-area/dartford-gravesham-swanley/
Telephone: 0300 300 1980 Email: nem-tr.eds.kentandmedway.referrals@nhs.net
Coronavirus and wellbeing: Kent County Council have web pages with tips and information on coping during the lockdown, resources, links to Kent-based services and advice on helping vulnerable people.
National autistic society for adults and families:
Phone: 0808 800 4104
Website: https://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life.aspx
Email: supportercare@nas.org.uk
Domestic abuse support
If you are directly suffering from domestic abuse and what you are experiencing is particularly serious go into your local police station for help. If you or your family are in immediate danger don't be afraid to call the police on 999.
Alternatively, you can contact the freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or the Mens' Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.
Drug and alcohol support
If you live in West Kent (Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling), contact The First Step Team by:
Phone 0330 128 1113
Click here for the First Step website
Age UK:
Phone: 0800 055 6112
Age UK local services: 01474 564898
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northwestkent/our-services/
Altzeimers and Dementia 24 hour support services:
website: https://www.alz-dem.org/urgent-support
Phone: 24 hour Kent Dementia Helpline - is a confidential freephone service for people with dementia, their carers, families and friends and the number to use this service is 0800 500 3014.
Rethink Sahayak
Sahayak Asianline offers a culturally sensitive listening and information service for the Asian community in Kent and West Sussex. The service is for anyone affected by mental health issues - whether they are service users, carers or friends and people affected by domestic abuse. Callers may speak to us in Asian languages (Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindu, and Urdu) or English.
Phone: 0808 800 2073 (Helpline)