Good mental health and wellbeing is essential for everybody and there are many sources of help to ensure anyone needing help can be supported.
Suicide rates, both nationally and locally, are increasing. However there is variety of support available to anyone feeling lonely, anxious and depressed.
Release the pressure
If you're feeling the pressure, don't suffer in silence. You can call 0800 107 0160 or text the word "Kent" to 85258 or visit Release the pressure Support is free, confidential and available 24hrs day. It's provided by independent charities and funded by Kent County Council, Medway Council and NHS partners.
Additional support services are Live Well Kent, Folkestone Haven, South Kent Mind, Porchlight, and Amparo.
Folkestone Safe Haven
The Folkestone Haven service is for adults aged 18+ from the Folkestone and Hythe District who are experiencing some form of Mental Health distress or crisis.
The Haven is open during evenings, weekends and bank holidays, when other services may be closed. The service is free and there is no need for an appointment. Whether you’re struggling with an enduring mental health condition, bereavement, work stress or anything else impacting on mental health, they can provide support.
Located at 3 Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, CT20 1EY.
- Monday - Friday between 6pm to 11pm
- Every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday between 12 to 11pm
For more information, please contact us via email at folkestone.mhm@nhs.net or via phone on 07967 877 097 or go to https://www.mhm.org.uk/folkestone-safe-haven.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Live Well Kent
Live Well Kent provides free mental health support for younger people and adults through network of local voluntary organisations and charities. Support available includes managing mental health, gaining confidence, support with money or debts, therapy and counselling-type services.
Call: 0800 567 7699
South Kent Mind
South Kent Mind support anyone with mental health problems in the South Kent Area. They offer range of weekly activities including cookery classes, walking groups, men’ group, and exercise classes, as well as low cost counselling services and money guidance.
Email: contact@southkentmind.org.uk
Call: 01303 250 090
Porchlight
Porchlight provide support to vulnerable people in Kent. They offer support with money advice, talking therapies and other mental health support, support with drug and alcohol dependency, as well as supporting those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Call: 0800 567 7699
Amparo
Amparo offer support for anyone affected by suicide. Support can be one-to-one, in family groups, or groups of peers. They provide emotional and practical support, including assisting with police and coroners, preparing for inquests.
Call: 0330 088 9255
The Signposting Guide
Provides wide range of additional support services in the area including help with addiction, support for the elderly or for young people, debt and financial advice, housing support, and mental health support.
Read further information about the Kent wide suicide prevention strategy
For further information on more support services you can download the Support services - Signposting spreadsheet. If you are unable to do so then please contact our customer contact team on: 01303 853 000