If you're struggling and need someone to talk to, there are several organisations available to offer help: Samaritans – A free, 24/7 listening service for anyone in emotional distress: www.samaritans.org | Call 116 123 ​ SANEline – Offers support and information for people affected by mental illness: www.sane.org.uk | Call 0300 304 7000 ​ Mind – Provides advice and support for mental health challenges: www.mind.org.uk | Call 0300 123 3393 ​ If you are over 18 and registered with a GP in England, you can self-refer to your local NHS talking therapy service through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative: Find a service here ​ For concerns around a child's mental wellbeing, it’s best to speak with their GP or school in the first instance—unless there is an immediate risk.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 24-hour support for those affected by domestic abuse: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk | Call 0808 200 0247 Childline – Free support for children and young people: www.childline.org.uk | Call 0800 1111 ​ Child Safety Guide - samndan.com/child-safety/ National Debtline – Confidential debt advice: www.nationaldebtline.org | Call 0808 808 4000 Family Lives – Guidance and support for parents and families: www.familylives.org.uk | Call 0808 800 2222 Citizens Advice – Independent help on legal, financial, and housing matters: www.citizensadvice.org.uk | Call 0344 411 1444 ​

Dorset Healthcare Mental Health Services – www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk | Call 0800 652 0190 ​ Steps 2 Wellbeing – Offers psychological therapy and wellbeing services in Dorset and Southampton: www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk | Call 0800 484 0500

Here are some professional bodies and resources I recommend: - **Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)**: [HCPC](https://www.hcpc-uk.org) - **Association of Clinical Psychologists UK**: [ACP UK](https://www.acpuk.org.uk) - **British Psychological Society (BPS)**: [BPS](https://www.bps.org.uk) - **National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)**: [NICE](https://www.nice.org.uk)

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, feeling overwhelmed, or at risk of harming yourself, you can: - Call your GP and request an urgent appointment - Speak to Samaritans at 116 123 - Call 999 or visit your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) In Dorset, you can also contact Connections on 0800 652 0190 for urgent mental health support.