While you are waiting for support
We understand that waiting for counselling can be difficult, especially when you are struggling. This page is here to offer free tools, resources, and helpful activities that you can use in the meantime. Whether you are a young person looking for ways to cope with overwhelming feelings, or a parent wanting to better support your child’s mental health, we have gathered a selection of trusted links, apps, and other ideas to help you right now, wherever you are.
Helpful Links
An NHS resource for anyone aged 13 and over. It offers free, trusted advice and practical tools to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing, including support for anxiety, low mood, stress and more.
Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 text service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. It’s available to people of all ages and provides support from trained volunteers via text message, anytime you need someone to talk to.
YoungMinds is a UK charity supporting children and young people with their mental health. Their website offers advice, information, and real-life stories on issues like anxiety, self-esteem, and getting help, as well as support for parents and carers.
Samaritans offers free, confidential support 24/7 to anyone who is struggling, whatever they’re going through. You can talk to a trained volunteer by phone, email, or online, anytime you need someone to listen.
A free and confidential support service for anyone affected by suicide. Open to both adults and children with assessments in place to tailor support for children and young people’s needs.
Helpful Apps
A mindfulness and meditation app for children and teens. It offers guided sessions to support sleep, focus, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. The app is available to download on both iOS and Android devices.
Finch is a self-care app where you care for a virtual pet by completing wellbeing activities. Aimed at teens and young adults, it helps build healthy habits, boost mood, and reduce stress through journaling, goal-setting, and reflection. Available on iOS and Android.
This is a free mindfulness and mental fitness app developed by psychologists and educators, for children, teens, and adults. It offers over 700 guided meditations and structured programs, supporting wellbeing goals like managing stress, improving sleep, coping with anxiety, and growing emotional resilience.
In-person Support
Community wellbeing and 1-to-1 support for anyone over the age of 18 in the Colchester and Tendring area. Open 7 days a week and available outside of normal working hours.
