Mental health and wellbeing support

Hands holding a picture of a head with a smiling face

There are a number of resources available if you need support with your mental health and wellbeing.

You can find an alphabetical list below, with contact details or links to their websites.

Adferiad

Four charities in Wales joined together on 1st April 2021 to become Adferiad Recovery, a new organisation which will provide support for vulnerable people in Wales and their families and carers. Adferiad Recovery will have a particular focus on people with mental health problems, substance misuse problems, and those with co-occurring and complex needs.

Support offered includes:

Seibiant & Outreach Support Service - The Seibiant/Outreach Support service can provide the opportunity for carers to benefit from regular short breaks when the person they care for attends support or activity sessions. The service offers support and activity opportunities to service users with the aim to support individuals to maintain and increase their independence, become active participants within their local community and to maintain and improve health and wellbeing.

The following range of support options are available to people with serious mental illness who have a carer/Family member/friend that provides support.

8 weeks of 1-2-1 support sessions
Group/peer support sessions
Activity sessions e.g., walking
Telephone support

Carer opportunities:

One-to-one support
Advice
Group and peer support sessions
Signposting
Telephone support

Contact details: Email: swansea@adferiad.org

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC)

A registered charity that specialises in the provision of professional, confidential and independent advocacy for those eligible in secondary care and community mental health settings.

Contact details: Tel: 029 2054 0444 Email: info@ascymru.org.uk

Anxiety Support Wales

Support group where you can come and talk about how you are feeling. It helps talking about anxiety and alleviates symptoms. Come along and meet some great people. Anxiety Support Wales is a registered Community Interest Company and a non-profit organisation.

Contact details: Email: anxietyswansea@outlook.com Tel: 07562 290133 / 07506 000498

Anxiety UK

Offering telephone support for people living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression by providing information, support and understanding.

Contact details: Web: www.anxietyuk.org.uk Tel: 03444 775 774 / Text Service: 07537416905

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP)

National charity for women and families affected by Postpartum Psychosis.

APP works to: enable women and families to meet and support each other; develop specialist information; train health professionals; conduct research; raise awareness; fight stigma; and campaign for better services.

Follow this link to the Action on Postpartum Psychosis website for more information.

BEAT - Eating Disorders

The charity exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. People can make contact online or by phone 365 days a year.

As well as listening to people, helping them to understand the illness and supporting them to take positive steps towards recovery, the charity also supports family and friends equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health.

Contact details: Helpline (Wales): 0808 801 0433 Email: Waleshelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK has a supportive online forum for everyone affected by bipolar.

Contact details: Bipolar UK Peer Support Line: receive a call back from a staff member who has been affected by the illness themselves. To arrange a call back, leave an email: info@bipolaruk.org

Follow this link to the Bipolar UK website for more information.

C.A.L.L.

Emotional support and information on Mental Health and related matters.

Contact details: Tel: 0800 132 737 Text: ‘help’ with your question to 81066

CALM

Support and information helpline service, open from 5pm until midnight, 365 days a year. Webchat also available.

Contact details: Tel: 0800 585858

City Counselling and Psychotherapy Services

City Counselling Services provides a wide range of counselling services.

Contact details: Tel: 01792 824590 Email: ccsswansea@gmail.com

Connect Project

Supporting people identifying as experiencing mental health or learning difficulties.

Contact details: Tel: 01792 465383

Distract App

Created by doctors and experts in self-harming and suicide prevention, this app offers advice and information about self-harm and suicidal thoughts and can help one discover self-help techniques and resources that can make you feel better.

Follow this link to the Mind website to read more about the Distract app.

DPJ Foundation

Supporting those in the agricultural sector with poor mental health by providing support, spreading awareness and training those in farming to be aware of poor mental health and its issues within our sector.

If you’d like help with any mental health issues or would like more information about the ‘Share The Load’ counselling service or about training days please use the contact details below.

Contact details: Tel: 0800 587 4262 Text: 07860 048799 Email: Kate@thedpjfoundation.co.uk

Happy Headwork

Happy Headwork's goal is for people to experience positive mental health and wellbeing within their workplaces and communities. To engage, empower and enable positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through a combination of training & coaching programmes and bespoke programmes.

Currently running a wellbeing through nature programme in Penllergare Woods.

Contact details: Tel: 07540 993234 Email: Stephanie@happyheadwork.com

Heads Above the Waves

Raising awareness and straight-up advice on lots of issues including depression & self-harm in young people, with real-life stories.

Follow this link to the Heads Above the Waves website where you can find more information.

Hub of Hope

Chasing the Stigma (CTS) has launched the Hub of Hope – a national mental health database, bringing help and support together in one place.

Follow this link to the Hub of Hope website where you can find more information.

Lads & Dads

Lads & Dads is a men's mental wellbeing and support group. "We're a group of guys that share life's challenges while gaining support from our fellow members."

Those in the group benefit from having large open conversations with people they don't even know, regular sea dips as well as organised wellbeing events in local community centres.

Follow this link to the Lads & Dads website to find more information.

Local Primary Mental Health Services

Please contact your GP surgery for referral.

Maggies

If someone has had a cancer diagnosis or is supporting a family member or close friend and would like to talk, Maggies can be contacted via email, phone call or video chat. They also offer bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one to cancer.

Contact details: Tel: 01792 200 000 Email: enquiries@maggies.org

Mental Health Football In Wales

MHFW is for adults in Wales with lived experience of mental ill health using football to connect and use as a positive tool in managing mental wellbeing.

MHFW provides an opportunity to play football in a fun, inclusive, informal environment without judgement, encouraging and enabling people with lived experience of mental ill health to develop friendships, support networks and positive relationships with service providers.

Currently running a weekly session at the LC2 in Swansea.

Contact details: Email: keri@mhfw.co.uk

Mental Health Matters

Charity which works with people who have a mental health related issue, other voluntary organisations and statutory services to promote mental well-being.

Support groups include:

Support for carers of people living with dementia

LGBT group.

Self harm group

Eating disorders

Contact details: Tel: 01656 651450 Email: alun.fletcher@mhmwales.org donna.mason@mhmwales.org

Mental Health & Wellbeing Project

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Project works with volunteers to support anyone that has been affected by mental ill health. Based at SCVS, working from locations across Swansea and Port Talbot volunteers are recruited, vetted, trained and supported to offer social support for individuals.

Volunteers normally support groups or individuals on a weekly basis, both in the community and on local psychiatric wards; they are encouraging and will support people to make their own choices, increasing their confidence and building self-esteem. By accessing local services and facilities, creating new social links and developing wider social networks, individual’s wellbeing is significantly improved.

Contact details: Telephone: 01792 457299 Email: Polly Gordon polly_gordon@scvs.org.uk or Rachel Wood rachel_wood@scvs.org.uk

Men’s Sheds Cymru

Men’s Sheds Cymru introduced and now drives forward the Men’s Sheds movement in Wales. Men’s Sheds is an internationally recognised and successful concept for establishing community groups specifically around the needs of men.

Each individual shed is unique and the activities that take place depend entirely on the skills and interests of the men. Anyone is welcome and any interest, skill or project is given equal consideration – especially if it could attract new members or gain valuable income to support the development of the entire group

Follow this link to the Men's Sheds Cymru website to find your nearest shed and other information.

Men’s Wellbeing Group

Peer support group for men, normally run from Swansea Wellbeing Centre. This group is currently running online every Friday between 11am and 1pm.

Follow this link to the Swansea Wellbeing Centre website for more information.

Mind Infoline

Provides information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy. Available Monday – Friday from 9am-6pm.

Contact details: Tel: 0300 123 3393 Text: 86463 Email: info@mind.org.uk

Minds Under Development (MuD)

MuD offers natural mindfulness sessions in various locations around Swansea and the surrounding areas, in places such as woodlands areas, parks and beaches. Typically, these experiences will comprise of being outdoors in a natural environment e.g. a woodland, within a small group.

There will be a guided slow gentle walk using mindfulness techniques to engage the senses to be present in the moment and also sitting and laying down with breathing exercises to calm the nervous system.

Follow this link to the Swansea MuD Facebook page where you can find more information.

National Self Harm Network

Support for individuals who self-harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life and also support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self-harm.

Follow this link to the National Self Harm Network website to find more information.

NHS 111 press option 2

People living in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot who need urgent support with mental health issues can now call a team of mental health professionals for free, day or night.

Call 111 Option 2 puts callers in direct contact with a team of 20 mental health professionals based at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

Callers can phone 111 and select option 2, where they will be put through to a qualified mental health nurse or practitioner.

The service is available for anyone in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot with a mental health concern, including relatives who need advice.

Call 111 Option 2 is running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a triage service and support or signposting as appropriate.

Callers will be supported by fully trained clinicians working as part of a multi-disciplinary team including mental health nurses, psychological wellbeing practitioners and occupational therapists.

OCD UK

The national OCD charity, run by and for people with lived experience of OCD.

If you have a query about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder you can contact the OCD-UK advice line which is usually available between 10am - 4:45pm (Mon - Fri).

Contact details: Tel: 03332 127 890

Papyrus

The national UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

Contact details: Helpline: 0800 068 41 41 Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org Text: 07786 209697

Public Health Wales - Activate Your Life

Public Health Wales has created Add To Your Life which is an online, personal health assessment that provides you with lots of valuable, tailored information developed to help you get the best from your NHS treatment.

Taking action now to improve your physical health and mental wellbeing will not only reduce the risk of any complications during your treatment but it will also benefit your recovery and long-term health, getting you feeling better sooner.

Follow this link to the Add To Your Life website where you can complete the personal health assessment.

RCS - In Work Support Service

The RCS 'In Work Support Service' offers free and rapid access to confidential support and therapies including counselling, CBT and physiotherapy, to help you get back up and running.

The service offers one-to-one support to help you manage stress and build resilience, reduce anxiety, improve your physical health and make positive changes at work.

In Work Support is available free of charge across Wales for employees of micro, small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), funded through Welsh Government.

Contact details: Tel: 01745 336442 Email: hello@rcs-wales.co.uk

Recovery From Within

Recovery From Within is a small not-for-profit based in Swansea that offers support to individuals, families and practitioners affected by or involved in the treatment of eating disorders.

Contact details: Email: hello@recoveryfromwithin.life

Rethink

Provides a range of mental health services nationally, including advocacy, carer support, crisis services and more.

Follow this link to the Rethink website where you can find more information.

Samaritans

Emotional support for those experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. 24/7, 365 days a year.

Contact details: Freephone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org

SANE Helpline

A national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.

Contact details: Tel: 0300 304 7000

Self-Help Resources - Mental Health & Wellbeing Cymru

Self-Help resources to support mental health and wellbeing. Learning different ways to improve our mental wellbeing, as well as having information and the skills to cope with different emotions and difficult thoughts, can made a real difference to our lives.

Follow this link to read more about Mental Health & Wellbeing Cymru.

Shout 85258

Shout 85258 is the UK's first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and need mental health support.

Text SHOUT to 85258.

SilverCloud

SilverCloud is an online space which offers a different range of programmes based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to empower you to develop skills to manage your psychological wellbeing with more confidence, from the convenience of your own location and in your own time.

The programme is easily accessible and is compatible with any computer, tablet, iPad or smartphone, making it flexible for service users to use at locations they feel comfortable in, in their own time.

If you live in Wales or you are registered with a Welsh GP, are aged 16 years or above, and want access to an effective online CBT therapy without having to first have an appointment with your local GP or other health professional and think SilverCloud is suitable for you, visit the SilverCloud website at https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

Stay Alive App

A suicide prevention resource to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide.

Follow this link to read more about the Stay Alive App.

Stress Control NHS

Stress Control teaches different skills to help you deal with stress in your life.

Follow this link to the Stress Control website to find more information.

Swansea Counselling Service (SCS)

A small group of volunteers that provide a donation-based counselling service for those who can't afford to go private. For people unemployed – on any form of credit, students or pensioners - small donation per session.

Clients are able to self-refer with a phone call and the provision of some basic details, the client will then be allocated to an available counsellor. Donations are means tested and to be discussed at the initial assessment.

Contact details: 07759689569

Swansea Mind

1-to-1 face-to-face service provides information to anyone interested in using the services.
These sessions (max 3) are not counselling but are more of an opportunity to speak to an approachable listener, and to self-explore different ways for you to care for your wellbeing. It will be an assessment session for those interested in our services or a signposting opportunity.

Contact details: Email admin@swanseamind.org.uk or telephone 01792 456999

Swansea Veterans Hub

Swansea Veterans Hub is a social and support group which aims to bring veterans out of isolation and give them a place to socialise and make new friends.

Open every Saturday 10:00-12:00 at St Helens Stadium, the drop-in Hub holds coffee mornings where vulnerable veterans can come together in a non-threatening, comfortable environment.

Contact details: Email: info@Swanseaveteranshub.org.uk Tel: 07916 227411

Swansea Wellbeing Centre

A refurbished community centre offering a large hall for classes and workshops, a studio for talks and group meetings and treatment rooms for 1:1 therapy & treatments. And a well being kitchen, regularly providing delicious meals and cookery classes.

A choice of face to face activities, classes and treatments being offered throughout the week.

Contact details: Tel: 01792 732071 Email: centre@wellbeingswansea.co.uk

The Blurt Foundation

A social enterprise dedicated to helping those with depression. Lots of resources to help arm you with information to help you understand more about depression and some lifestyle changes which may help you.

Contact details: Email: info@blurtitout.org

The Rally - Men's Mental Health Peer Support Group

Regular Thursday evening social meetings at Loughor RFC, 7.30 - 9.30 pm for men experiencing PTSD, anxiety and/or depression. Join for a drink and chat amongst friends. Free refreshments and one day bus pass.

Contact details: Tel: 07427 671414 from 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is an out of hours service offering practical and therapeutic support to individuals at risk of mental health crisis between the hours of 6pm and 3am, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Helping people overcome a range of mental health issues in a safe and discreet environment. The Sanctuary is an out of hours service providing support 7 days a week from the hours of 6pm-3am.

It offers practical and therapeutic person centred support to people at risk from a Mental Health crisis. It offers support to people from the age of 17 years 9 months and living in the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot surrounding areas.

The Sanctuary is set in a homely and welcoming environment where support can be provided in person or over the telephone to individuals (aged 17 years, 9 months and above, there is no upper age limit) who may be experiencing any of the following:

Deteriorating mental health as a result of a range of factors
Difficulties or anxieties relating to the coronavirus pandemic
Stress and/or anxiety
Low mood
Suffering from domestic violence
Financial worries
Difficulties with loneliness, isolation and family or relationship worries

If you have queries regarding our service you can ring our Swansea office for further information on 01792 816600, or you can contact the Sanctuary directly on 01792 399676 our lines are open between the hours of 6pm-1.30pm.

Time to Change Wales

Time to Change Wales runs an anti-stigma campaign in association with Adferiad and Mind, funded by the Welsh Government. They work with people who have lived experience of mental ill health who would like to be trained up as a Champion to share their experiences and train others.

They want to improve knowledge and understanding about mental illness and, most importantly of all, get people talking about mental health.

Follow this link to the Time to Change Wales website to read more.

Tir Dewi

Tir Dewi supports farmers in West Wales with a free helpline, listening and signposting service. Support available in Welsh and English.

Contact details: Helpline: 0800 121 47 22 (Available: 7:00-22:00) Email: info@tirdewi.co.uk

Transcend project

Transcend is a mental health peer mentoring project, funded by Swansea Bay University Health Board. It provides volunteering opportunities for individuals with lived experience of mental ill health.

Transcend volunteer mentors are people from all walks of life who have personal experience of mental health issues and have worked towards their own recovery. They are able to offer empathy, support and guidance to those in similar situations.

Contact details: (01792) 457299 or email involve@scvs.org.uk

Veterans RV Swansea

Veterans RV Swansea is a group created by people with a military background. All have experienced difficulties with their own mental health e.g., depression, PTSD or have seen friends/family that are suffering. Support is offered to veterans but also their family / friends / communities around them.

Meetings every Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm at the Poppy Lounge, Sketty, come and have a coffee and a chat. Free surfing and paddle boarding sessions every Sunday, 10am down at Caswell.

Contact details:

Email: info@veteransrv.org.uk Tel: 07354 068215