Help & Support
This page contains information and contact details of organisations that offer help and support with mental health, abuse and safeguarding.
Cost of Living Information and Support
Many of us are concerned with the rising cost of living and Halton Borough Council have helpfully put together this list of resources for support and services that are available in Halton to help you.
Support for Mental Health
You can view a PDF version of Mental Health Crisis Support services here.
Urgent Mental Health Support
www.merseycare.nhs.uk/urgent-help
The organisations referenced on this page will cover all the geographical areas including Halton, St Helen’s and Warrington. The 24/7 helpline is for all ages.
Call 0800 051 1508
Papyrus – Prevention of young suicide (up to age 35)
Helpline, text and email service providing confidential support and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person who self-harms and is at risk of suicide.
National Confidential Helpline – HOPELineUK If you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide: 0800 068 41 41
- Mon-Fri 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Weekends 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Bank Holidays 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- More about HOPELineUK: 0800 068 41 41
- Text service: 07786 209697
- Email: [email protected]
- papyrus-uk.org/get-in-touch/
Samaritans
A free 24-hour listening service available every single day of the year. You can talk to us anytime you like, in your own way, off the record, about whatever’s getting to you.
Tel: 116 113
016 123 (free from any phone)
0303 094 5117 (local call charges apply)
https://www.samaritans.org/branches/warrington/
Happy, OK, Sad
Providing local support, resources and advice on mental health for Warrington residents (adults, children and frontline workers). Providing links to national support networks for any person struggling with their mental health. – https://happyoksad.warrington.gov.uk
Young Minds
Providing three different services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health, up to the age of 25. – https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline
Mental Health In The Workplace
Frontline
Providing support, advice and resources on mental health for frontline and key workers providing services during the pandemic. – https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ourfrontline
Support re. Domestic Abuse
In an emergency dial 999. If it’s unsafe to talk press 55.
Find a local Safe Space near you that you can go to make a confidential call for help. https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces
Live Online Chat: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk (Mon – Fri 3-10pm)
Call: 0808 2000 247 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Open 24/7 – all calls are FREE)
Visit: http://www.refuge.org.uk for Resources, blogs, advice, and articles to help you recognise the signs of abuse.
Support for Survivors of Domestic Abuse: http://www.restored-uk.org/i-need-help/survivors-area
Support for Male Victims of Domestic Abuse: http://mensadviceline.org.uk
For Legal Advice and Protection: http://www.ncdv.org.uk
Domestic Abuse – Support for Children and Young People
NSPCC
The NSPCC has issued guidance for spotting and reporting the signs of abuse on their website.
The NSPCC Helpline is available for anyone with concerns about a child to contact for professional advice and support.
Telephone: 0808 800 5000
Email: [email protected]
Childline
Childline is available for children and young people to reach out for help and support by phone or using their online chat service. They also provide specific guidance for young people on how to get help and what to do if they are worried about a friend.
Telephone: 0800 1111
Kooth
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online support for young people. You can speak to someone online by visiting www.kooth.com
Safeguarding – Adults
Halton
If you are worried about an adult and think they may be subject to abuse ring Halton Borough Council
Tel 0303 333 4301 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
0345 050 0148 (out of hours)
https://adult.haltonsafeguarding.co.uk/what-is-abuse
Warrington
Tel: 01925 443322 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or 01925 444400 (out of hours)
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/report-abuse-vulnerable-adult
St Helens
Tel: 01744 67 66 67
Safeguarding – Children
Halton
If you suspect a child is being abused and you are a child, parent or member of the general public, Children’s Social Care can help and advise you.
Tel: 0303 333 4302 (Mon-Thurs 9 am – 5 pm, Fri 9 am – 4.30 pm)
0345 050 0148 (out of office hours and throughout weekends)
https://children.haltonsafeguarding.co.uk/
Warrington
Tel: 01925 443322 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or 01925 444400 (out of hours)
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/mars
St Helens
Tel: 01744 676600
Online Support
Parents Guide for Safe YouTube and Internet Streaming for Kids
Money and Debt Advice
Halton
Warrington
St Helens
Homelessness and Housing Advice
Halton
Warrington
St Helens
Counselling
Why seek counselling?
Counselling is an opportunity to explore things in our lives in a deeper way. We believe that counselling can be a valuable proactive tool as well as a means to help us deal with situations and circumstances that have taken us by surprise. In either case, exploring counselling should be considered a sign of strength and self-awareness and not weakness.
What is counselling?
We all encounter situations and circumstances in our lives where a professional talking therapy like counselling may be helpful. Counselling is a space in which we can talk through our experiences (whether past or present) and try to make sense of them alongside a professional counsellor. The role of a counsellor is not to give you advice. Nor is a counsellor someone who will judge you or provide direction for you. Instead, a counsellor works alongside you to gain understanding, insight and to become clearer about the difficulties you may be experiencing.
Should I look for a Christian counsellor?
Christian counsellors usually integrate their faith into how they approach counselling. This, of course, may look slightly different from counsellor to counsellor. However, this usually means that they will be willing to pray alongside you and to invite God into your conversations. If, however, you are looking to explore something that is particularly complex, we would encourage you to consult a counsellor who specialises in the relevant field, regardless of whether or not they are a Christian.
What should I look for in a counsellor?
There’s no alternative for good chemistry between a client and counsellor. In other words, it’s really important that you have a good connection with the person counselling you. A counsellor will usually offer an initial consultation (which is usually free of charge) where they will invite you to describe what support you would like. It’s also a good opportunity for the counsellor and for you to get a good sense of one another and whether or not you could work well together. You may also find that some counsellors have specialisms in certain areas of trauma or abuse. It can be helpful to keep an eye out for counsellors who have specialist experience in the area that you’re seeking to engage with. We’d also encourage you to make sure that the counsellor you are looking to engage with has the relevant qualifications and accreditations.
How long does counselling take?
In consultation with you, your counsellor will suggest a minimum number of sessions that they believe you should commit to. It’s common for this minimum number of sessions to be between 8 and 10 over the course of 8–10 weeks. Each session usually lasts an hour although this may vary.
How much does counselling cost?
A counsellor usually charges per hour and this can range from anything between £40–100 per hour. We acknowledge that it represents a significant investment. However, we believe that it’s often money well-spent as we seek to grow in understanding and healing from past hurts and experiences.
How can I make the most of counselling?
Counselling depends on the cooperation of the client. In other words, you’ll get as much out of counselling as you’re prepared to put in. This means being prepared to be honest and open and to act on any exercises or tasks that your counsellor may suggest to you.
Where can I find a counsellor?
Foundry Community Church do not make recommendations for counselling services. Instead, we encourage those who want to explore counselling to visit the Association of Christians in Counselling (www.accuk.org) who provide a database of accredited counsellors to choose from. Alternatively, if you do not feel strongly about having a Christian counsellor you may also find it helpful to search for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy website (www.bcap.co.uk).