We’re all going through a really tough time at the moment, with increased pressures and worries and even more restrictions on our lives. But there is hope of brighter days to come thanks to the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccinations.

Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these mental health charities, organisations and support groups can offer expert advice.

Please seek help if you need it and remember to keep talking. 

Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably. A charity providing a mental health helpline and webchat.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk

Shout
Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Text Shout to 85258
giveusashout.org

Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

Alcoholics Anoymous
A free self-help group. Its “12 step” programme involves getting sober with the help of regular face-to-face and online support groups.
Phone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Relate
The UK’s largest provider of relationship support.
Website: www.relate.org.uk

Don’t forget there are also two employee helplines available to you. Details below.

All the assistance helpline details can also be found on the iTrent, employee self-service portal on the front page carousel.

The Theatre Helpline is a free telephone and email service that provides help and advice to theatre professionals.

Trained staff are available to talk to anyone working in the theatre industry to support you with a wide range of topics that might be affecting your personal or professional life such as bullying or harassment, health issues including mental health, injury and mobility problems, career issues including professional development and training, retirement and care in later life and debt and financial issues.

For all non-theatre staff, the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers telephone counselling, health advice covering a wide range of medical and wellbeing issues, personal legal and financial information with an online portal system loaded with further information and templates for your use.

Both services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all calls and communications are 100% confidential. 

THE THEATRE HELPLINE
Call 0800 915 4617 or email [email protected]

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
Call 0800 107 6147 or visit the online portal  www.colleaguesupport.co.uk
(enter code 72135 as your username and password)