Local Groups
TellMi – A safe, anonymous app providing an inclusive digital community where young people can share experiences and support each other’s mental health.
Website: www.tellmi.help
NHS Mental Health Hub –
Find self-help guides, tools and activities to support your mental health.
Website: Visit the NHS website
Action for happiness – Resources and community support to help people live happier lives.
Website: Visit Action For Happiness website
Charlie Waller – Free tools and strategies to support mental wellbeing for young people, families, educators and employers.
Website: www.charliewaller.org/contact-us
Colchester Samaritans – Our volunteers are available every day, 365 days a year, answering your calls, texts and emails.
Phone: 116 123
Phone: 0330 094 5717
Website: www.samaritans.org/colchesterNational Groups
Sane – Mental health support for anyone affected by mental illness:
Website: www.sane.org.uk
Childline – Free, confidential support for anyone under 19 in the UK
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Victim Support – Help for anyone affected by crime or traumatic events.
Telephone: 0808 1689 111
Website: ww.victimsupport.org.uk
Mind Plan – Take a short quiz to get a personalised mental wellbeing action plan. Includes expert tips and optional weekly emails.
Website: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Shout 85258 – Free, confidential 24/7 text support for anyone struggling to cope.
Text: 85258
Website: www.giveusashout.org
Papyrus, Prevention of Young Suicide – Support for young people having suicidal thoughts and those worried about them.
Telephone: 0800 068 41 41
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Kooth – Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people aged 10 to 18.
Website: Visit Kooth website
Staying Safe from Suicidal Thoughts Website – Practical ways to stay safe and find hope, including videos from people with lived experience.
Website: Visit Staying Safe website
Bipolar UK – Peer support and resources for people affected by bipolar disorder.
Telephone: 0333 323 3880
Website: Visit Bipolar UK website
SWEDA – Support for people affected by eating disorders and those supporting them.
Website: Visit SWEDA website
OCD UK – Support and education for people affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Website: Visit OCD UK website
Eco Distress for Children and Young People – Information for children and young people experiencing eco-related anxiety.
Website: Visit The Royal College of Psychiatrists website
MindED for Families – Reliable mental health advice for older people and their carers.
Website: Visit MindED for Families website
Able Futures – Support for mental health at work, including advice and information.
Website: Visit Able Futures website
Counselling Directory – Find a qualified private counsellor or psychotherapist near you.
Website: Visit Counselling Directory website
Rethink Mental Illness – Information and advice on mental health conditions, rights and support.
Website: Visit Rethink Mental Illness website
Anxiety UK – Support and resources for people affected by anxiety.
Telephone: 03444 775 774
Website: Visit Anxiety UK website
Samaritans – 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
Telephone: 116 123
Website: Visit Samaritans website
Combat Stress – Mental health support for veterans of the British Armed Forces.
Telephone: 0800 138 1619
Website: Visit Combat Stress website
Campaign Against Living Miserably – Support for people struggling with suicidal thoughts or loss.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
Website: Visit CALM website
Young Minds – Support for young people and those caring for them.
Website: Visit Young Minds website
North East Essex – Therapy for You (IAPT) – Therapy for You (IAPT), provided by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), makes a range of talking therapies available to anyone over the age of 16 who lives in North East Essex and is not currently receiving secondary mental health care or crisis service input.
Phone: 01206 334 001
Website: www.therapyforyou.co.uk
Email
epunft.neeiaptcontactcentre@nhs.net
Mid and North East Essex Mind – Provide counselling, practical support and peer support for children from the age of 5 and adults of all ages. Visit the website to find out what is available in your area.
Phone: 01206 764600
Website: www.mnessexmind.org
Email: enquiries@mnessexmind.org
Mental Health Foundation –
The Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Phone: 0207 803 1100
Website:www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service – This service offers support to patients from 0-18 years old, or a patient with Special Educational needs up to the age of 25 years.
Phone: 0300 300 1600
LEAP Exercise Referral Scheme
The Life Enhancing Activity Programme – LEAP – is a scheme for Health Professionals to refer patients to Leisure World Colchester for an activity programme designed specifically for people with health issues.
Patients are also able to self-refer to the scheme for certain conditions.
Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk
Mental Health Support
Page published: 29 April 2026
Last updated: 6 May 2026