Helping yourself-support services
Having trusted people around you who are able to offer support during difficult times is important, but we know that it’s not always easy to open up to loved ones and talk about how you’re feeling. The good news is that there are many ways you can help yourself, as there is a wealth of information, advice and self-help resources out there for you…taking a look can be the first step towards improved wellbeing.
Websites
There are lots of helpful websites online that provide information and support surrounding emotional wellbeing, all at a click of a button! Many websites also provide advice and guidance to parents and carers. Take some time to search for ones that may help and benefit you…here’s a selection to get you started:
Mindhub Wales
A hub that’s been created by young people for young people, providing quick links to local and national emotional wellbeing services, all categorised and easy to follow.
Health for teens (ChatHealth)
This website links into ChatHealth – a confidential text messaging service that enables children and young people (aged 11-19) to contact their local school nursing team. For Cardiff and Vale, the number is: 07520 615 718
Stem 4
A website for young people with lots of self help resources and information sheets available for download
Stepiau
A website providing really useful self-help leaflets and info sheets that cover a range of issues from anxiety, stress and low mood, to managing anger, bereavement and eating disorders.
Meic
The advocacy, advice and information helpline for children in Wales, providing the options to chat online, on the phone or through text.
Young Minds
Lots of information, advice and guidance for both young people and their parent(s)/carer(s) surrounding mental health.
The Mix
A support service for young people to help any challenges you’re facing – from mental health to money, from break-ups to drugs.
YMCA Cardiff
Provides information on the current projects running in Cardiff and the Vale for young carers between the ages 7-18.
dan 24/7 (Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline)
A drug and alcohol website providing loads of information on substances, along with a 24 hour free and bilingual helpline and text service.
Headspace
Helps to train your mind through guided meditation to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
Calm
Designed to reduce anxiety and improve sleep and mood through meditation.
Breaking free online
Breaking free from substance use. Contact us for a code to access for free.
Apps
If you have access to a smart phone, then downloading apps can be a really easy and effective way to understand, manage and regulate your mood, no matter where you are. Here are a few of our favourite apps:
If you’d like to take a break from technology then there are plenty of self-help books available providing excellent advice, support and information. The Book Prescription Wales scheme allows you to borrow specially selected books recommended by mental health experts, from any library across Wales. Ask your GP for more information.
Click here for a list of helpful books that cover a range of issues:
I need urgent help
If you are harming yourself in any way, or feeling like you no longer want to go on living then you may need to access support straight away. If you, or someone you know, requires immediate medical assistance you should either request an emergency GP appointment or present at Accident and Emergency (A&E).
Here are a list of helplines open 24 hours a day that offer a safe space to talk (everything you say is confidential and you won’t need to give your real name) :
The Samaritans Freephone: 08457 909090
Emotional support to those who are feeling desperate and in need of someone to listen.
Childline Freephone: 0800 1111 (option to speak in Welsh)
A space for those up to the age of 19 to talk through problems, no matter how big or small, with trained counsellors.
Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) Freephone: 0800 132737 or Text ‘help’ to 81066
Provides emotional support and information on Mental Health and related matters to the people of Wales.
What our clients say
“[EWS] helped to learn new and better ways to deal with stuff”
“I can look in my mirror and think wow”
“The group and activities really helped him feel more calm in the situations he wasn’t feeling calm in before”
“I understand that I am capable of things I didn’t before”