Counselling and Support

If you need extra help, support or information, or someone to talk to there are services available that can help. Below is a list of organisations that offer support, counselling or information. However this is a general list and does not cover everything. If there isn’t a service listed here that is relevant to you and your needs please contact The Key on 08456 583857.

Barnardo's

A national service working with young people and children with a wide range of disabilities every year, giving them the skills and confidence needed to reach their full potential. The service is free and confidential. Tel: 020 8550 8822. Website www.barnardos.org.uk

CANDI

A registered charity that runs an information shop and resource centre (In Cinderford) for young people from 11 – 25 years of age. This service is free. Tel: 01594 825410

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

A specialist mental health service which aims to provide a multi-disciplinary, community service to children and young people and their families in the Gloucestershire area. Also offers bereavement support to children up to the age of 18 and their families. This is a free NHS service but there is a waiting list. Tel: 08454 226010

Childline West Midlands

A free and confidential service that answers calls from children and young people in Gloucestershire who are in trouble or danger. Freephone 0800 1111. Website www.childline.org.uk

Childwatch

A national charity set up to provide counselling for victims of abuse (physical, mental and sexual abuse). This is a free service. Helpline number 01482 325552. Website www.childwatch.org.uk

Children and Families Helpdesk

This is the first point of contact for Social Care for children in Gloucestershire (generally under the age of 16 but older for those with disabilities). General enquiries about Social Care, or referrals to Social Care for Gloucestershire are taken by this service. Also provides information and help for children. This is a free service. Tel: 01452 426565.

Children in Need of Counselling Help (CiNCH)

Supports children and young people who are experiencing the distress of family separation. A free service for children aged 8 – 18 years of age who live in the Gloucestershire area. Tel: 01452 411843

Connexions Gloucestershire

The information, advice, guidance and support service for young people aged 19 or under (25 or under for those with disabilities) as they make choices about education, training, employment, and other life choices. This is a free service Tel: 01452 833600. Website www.connexionsglos.co.uk

Cotswold Counselling

A local confidential counselling and support service, for anyone that needs counselling aged 11 years and upwards. Tel: 01285 885830. Website www.cotswold-counselling.org.uk

GIANT (The Gloucestershire Independent Advocacy Network Team)

An advocacy service for any child that is looked after by Social Care in the Gloucestershire area to help them have a say. Tel: 01452 427069.

Grapevine

Free information, advice and support centres for young people in Gloucestershire. A drop in and support agency available to any young person aged 14 to 25 providing a free, confidential, impartial and person-centred service. Will explore any enquiry a young person has. Tel: 01242 255888 (Cheltenham) or 01452 500080 (Gloucester). Website www.glosgrapevine.co.uk

Light at the Door

A youth counselling service in Gloucestershire offered by The Door Youth Project for young people aged 11 to 25 years of age. Tel: 01453 756745

Samaritans, Cheltenham and District

Offers a 24-hour long listening service to anyone needing emotional support. They listen to you, no matter what the reason is. They guarantee confidentiality. Tel: 01242 515777. Website www.samaritans.org.uk

Samaritans, Gloucester and District

Offers confidential and emotional support to those passing through personal crisis or in danger of taking their own lives. Free and confidential. Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Tel: 01452 306333. Website www.samaritans.org.uk

SHARE

A free and confidential personal counselling service for young people aged 14 to 25 years of age in the Gloucestershire area. Tel: 01452 500300 to make an appointment.

Sexwise

Provides information, advice and guidance for young people under the age of 18 on issues including sexual health, contraception, safe sex, feelings, emotions and relationships. Tel: 0800 282930.

Sex Education Forum

Is the national authority on sex and relationships education (SRE). Provides information and support. Tel: 020 7843 1901. Website www.ncb.org.uk/sef

Sexual Health Direct

The Family Planning Association (FPA) runs Sexual Health Direct. This is a national confidential helpline offering advice and information on contraception, reproduction and all aspects of sexual health. Tel: 08453 101334. Website www.fpa.org.uk

Sexwise

Provides information, advice and guidance for young people under the age of 18 on issues including sexual health, contraception, safe sex, feelings, emotions and relationships. This is a national service. Tel: 0800 282930. Website www.ruthinking.co.uk for people with hearing impairments contact 0800 323 1651

Teens in Crisis

Offers advice, support, counselling and care services to teenagers aged 11 to 21 or their parent(s) in the Gloucestershire area. Tel: 01594 544281. Website www.teensincrisis.org.uk

Winston’s Wish

A local grief support programme to any child aged between 3 and 18 who has experienced the death of their father, mother, brother or sister and their families. There is a family line (Tel: 0845 2030405) or a general enquiries line (01242 515157). Website www.winstonswish.org.uk

Youthline

A freephone information and advice service for young people (aged 11 – 25) in the Gloucestershire area run by young people. Tel 0800 096 1425.

Youth Information Service

Information for young people in the Gloucestershire area accessed on-line (run by the Children’s Information Service) Visit www.youthinformation.co.uk