Below is some information regarding helplines, websites, and services participants may wish to use.
Please note: this is not an exhaustive list, and may be subject to change. Please contact the service to confirm activity dates and service availability.
National Services
- National Autistic Society (NAS) – Call the helpline on 08088 004104 or email autismhelpline@nas.org.uk. Visit https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/anxiety. The NAS also have a forum: https://community.autism.org.uk/.
- Autistica – UK’s national autism research charity, focusing on giving autistic people the opportunity to live long, happy, healthy lives. Visit https://www.autistica.org.uk/about-us/about-us. Call 02038 574340 or email friends@autistica.org.uk.
- The Autism Directory – search for services UK wide. Visit https://www.theautismdirectory.com/.
- Life on the Autism Spectrum – find out about the experience of life on the autism spectrum, by listening to people share their personal stories on film, including topics such as communication, interests, relationships, and employment. Visit https://healthtalk.org/life-autism-spectrum/overview.
- Autism discussion forum – visit https://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/.
- Health Unlocked Autism Support forum – visit https://healthunlocked.com/autism-support.
- Wrong Planet discussion forum – visit https://wrongplanet.net/.
- NHS service directory – visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/.
- Samaritans – offer confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org, but calling 116 123 is best for an immediate response. Visit http://www.samaritans.org/.
- Mind the mental health charity has broad information on mental health. Visit mind.org.uk.
- Papyrus – a service focusing on the prevention of young suicide. Call 0800 0684141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org, or visit www.papyrus-uk.org/
- SANE – mental health helpline is open 1800-2300 daily. Call 0300 3047000.
- Qwell – Free, anonymous online counselling and self-help resources. Visit qwell.io.
- Anxiety UK – Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. Call 03444 775774 (Monday to Friday, 0930-1730). Visit anxietyuk.org.uk.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – for men aged 15 to 35. Call 0800 585858 (1700-0000 daily). Visit thecalmzone.net.
- Rethink Mental Illness – lists mental health help and support services. Visit rethink.org/aboutus/what-we-do/advice-and-information-service/get-help-now/.
Local Services
Bath and North East Somerset:
- Bristol Autism Support Service (BASS) – Advice and support for adults with an autism diagnosis: call 01275 796204 or email bass@nhs.net to arrange appointments. This organisation offers mindfulness groups, stress management, and one-to-one sessions with staff.
- The BaNES autism advice service runs every Wednesday 1300-1700 at the Percy Community Centre, Bath.
- The North Somerset Autism advice service runs twice a month on a Thursday, 1300-1500 at The Stable Creative Hub, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1JY.
- The National Autistic Society Avon Branch – provide support, information, and advice to Autistic adults. Email avon@nas.org.uk or call 07825 227026.
- Bath Mind – Local residents can contact Compassionate Community B&NES for support; call 0300 2470050. Alternatively, the evening support line ‘Breathing Space’ runs every evening 1730-2330; call 01225 983130.
- Bath and North East Somerset NHS Services – Provides advice, guidance, and signposting for specific services. Call 01225 613857.
- Bath and North East Somerset Talking Therapies – Book appointment online at https://iapt-banes.awp.nhs.uk or call 01225 675150.
Bristol:
- Bristol Autism Support Service (BASS) – Advice and support for adults with an autism diagnosis: call 01275 796204 or email bass@nhs.net to arrange appointments. This organisation offers mindfulness groups, stress management, and one-to-one sessions with staff.
- The Bristol autism advice service runs every Friday 1200-1600 at the Create Centre, Spike Island.
- The National Autistic Society Bristol Branch -. Offer informal support meetings, books, resources, and community events. Email nasbristolbranch@nas.org.uk.
- Bristol Mind – a confidential Freephone helpline for residents of Bristol and the surrounding areas, providing information about local services. Call 0808 8080330.
- Bristol Sanctuary – “The Sanctuary in Bristol is a safe space where you can come for mental health support if you’re having trouble coping or you feel lonely or isolated. It’s a place where you can pause, take a breather, and find some balance when things feel overwhelming. We can also help you access other support services”.
- 24/7 Support and Connect – confidential helpline staffed by experienced counsellors for emotional support. Call 0800 0126549.
- Womankind – provides women in the Bristol area with free or affordable professional counselling, psychotherapy, and a helpline. Call 0345 458 2914 or 0117 916 6461.
- Bristol Active Life Project – activity sessions for people who have experienced long-term mental health difficulties, happens in various leisure facilities across Bristol. These sessions are by referral only. People getting mental health care from an Avon & Wiltshire Partnership (AWP) care coordinator or AWP support worker can be referred. Email balp@nhs.net or call 0117 9195774.
Buckinghamshire:
- National Autistic Society South Buckinghamshire Branch – visit http://nassouthbuckinghamshire.webeden.co.uk/ or email southbucks@nas.org.uk
- Autism Bucks – social groups (website down as of February 2021, visit https://www.facebook.com/Autism-Bucks-898852013567557), email chris@talkback-uk.com, or call 01296 434448
- Buckinghamshire Mind – services by GP referral. Visit https://www.bucksmind.org.uk/guide/adult-mental-health-services
Devon:
- The National Autistic Society Exeter & District Branch – Offers autism support and information. Email nasexeteranddistrictbranch@nas.org.uk.
- Devon Mind – aim to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles, and become more in control of their lives. Email hello@devonmind.com or call 01752 512280.
- Dimensions for Autism – support for autistic adults. Email dimensionsforautism@gmail.com
- Lycett care – Autism specific psychologist support. Visit https://www.lycettecare.co.uk/about-us/north-devon-adult-autism-services/. Call 01237 423739.
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust – supporting mental health recovery. Requires GP referral. Visit https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/our-services/adults.
- Pinpoint Devon – a directory to find services in Devon. Visit https://www.pinpointdevon.co.uk/
- TALKWORKS – a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service for adults in Devon (excluding Plymouth). Call 0300 555 3344, or use the contact form at http://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/.
Dorset:
- Dorset Adult Aspergers Support (DAAS) – hold regular meetings in Bournemouth, Poole, and Dorchester, offering informative talks and discussions, as well as providing an opportunity for peer-support. Call 07818 073390 or email info@dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk.
- Dorset HealthCare University NHS Trust Asperger’s – group work including post diagnostic, coping skills and sensory groups. Visit https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services-hospitals/mental-health/aspergers.
- Autism Wessex – a charity run in Dorset, provides community connection and support. Visit: https://www.autismwessex.org.uk/pages/4-we-support-anyone-affected-by-autism. Call 01202 483360 or email enquiries@autismwessex.org.uk.
- Dorset Mind – provides support such as resilience-focused support groups, educating people about the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and supporting people to develop new coping skills, as well as a one-to-one befriending programme. Email adultwellbeingservices@dorsetmind.uk.
- Dorset Mind Your Head – provide wellbeing support groups and counselling. Email dmyh@dorsetmind.uk or call 0120 315329 (extension 2).
- Dorset Mental Health Forum – provide groups, where members can give and receive support to help each other towards improved mental health. Call 01305 257172 or email admin@dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk.
Essex:
- Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Aspergers Service – provides support for access to work, managing anxiety and low mood, social skills, accessing the community, and daily living skills. Visit https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/essex/essex-mental-health-services/adults/aspergers-service/
- Autism Anglia – Visit https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/ or call 01206 577678
- Mind Charity West Essex – visit https://www.mindinwestessex.org.uk/, email talking@mindinwestessex.org.uk, or call 01371 876 641
- Mind Charity South East and Central Essex – visit https://www.seandcessexmind.org.uk/, email office@seandcessexmind.org.uk, or call 01702 601123
- Mind Charity Mid and North East Essex – visit https://mnessexmind.org/, email enquiries@mnessexmind.org, or call 01206 764600
- Living well Essex – Visit: https://www.livingwellessex.org/health-and-well-being/mental-health/support-for-mental-health-in-essex/
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services – online portal for mental health services in Hertfordshire and West Essex, Mid Essex, and North East Essex. Visit https://www.hpft-iapt.nhs.uk/
- Therapy for You – NHS service for Southend, Castle Point, and Rochford. visit https://www.therapyforyou.co.uk/
- Rethink Mental Illness – local support groups. Visit https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/support-groups/
Gloucestershire:
- Bristol Autism Support Service (BASS) – Advice and support for adults with an autism diagnosis: call 01275 796204 or email bass@nhs.net to arrange appointments. This organisation offers mindfulness groups, stress management, and one-to-one sessions with staff.
- The South Gloucestershire autism advice service runs on Fridays 1330-1600 at the Armadillo Cafe, Yate.
- The National Autistic Society Gloucestershire Branch – Offers autism support and information. Email nasgloucestershirebranch@nas.org.uk.
- Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind – the mental health charity, offering for example support with well-being and managing self-injury. Call 01452 245338 or email alexwellbeing@sgmind.org.uk.
- Community Autism Support & Advice (CASA). Information, advice, and support. Call 0333 2313233 and ask for a member of the Autism Team
- Your Circle – Provides services and information about help lines in Gloucestershire. Visit yourcircle.org.uk.
- Crisis resolution and home treatment team – Provide an increased level of care for those with mental health conditions or experiencing emotional and psychological distress. If in crisis, call 0800 1690398 and choose Option 1 for Stroud and Cotswolds, Option 2 for Gloucester and Forest, Option 3 for Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and North Cotswolds. The number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Community Advice, Links, Mental Health Support (CALMHS) – Offering those with moderate to severe mental ill health 1:1 support, personal support plans, and signposting to services. Call 0345 8638323 or 01452 317460, or text 07812067087.
Hertfordshire:
- National Autistic Society Hertfordshire branch – visit http://www.aspergers4herts.org/harc-support/, email support@harc-online.org.uk, or call 07836 667 394
- Hertfordshire Wellbeing Service – referral for psychological services, and self help information. Visit http://talkwellbeing.co.uk/
- Hertfordshire Mind – visit https://www.hertsmindnetwork.org/, email info@hertfordshiremind.org, or call 02037 273600
- Hertfordshire NHS Wellbeing – self referral. Visit https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/community-services/wellbeing-service/referrals/self-referral/
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services – online portal for mental health services in Hertfordshire and West Essex, Mid Essex, and North East Essex. Visit https://www.hpft-iapt.nhs.uk/
Leeds:
- Mental health advice, crisis teams, and signposting: www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk
- Leeds Domestic Violence Service 0113 246 040. For women, men, LGBTQ+ and families, offering emergency accommodation, support, advice and advocacy – 24/7 helpline
- Victim Support 0300 303 1971 Confidential advice and emotional support regardless whether or not you have reported the crime to the police. 8am-8pm Monday to Friday; 9am-5pm Saturday. For out of hours support: 0808 1689111
Leicestershire:
- Leicestershire Autistic Society – provides autism support, information, and advice. Visit leicestershireautisticsociety.org.uk email Leicestershireautisticsociety@gmail.com, or call 01162916958
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS trust – Adult Learning Disability Autism Service (Fosse Autism Service) provides transition support for people with a diagnosis of autism and a learning disability aged 18 years+. Visit leicspart.nhs.uk, email Caitriona.Carey@leicspart.nhs.uk, or call 0116 295 5335.
- Mental Health matters Leicestershire and Rutland Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery Service – helps anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing emotional and mental health problems, providing advice, information, and support. Visit mhm.org.uk/leicestershire-and-rutland-mental-health-wellbeing-and-recovery-service, email: leicestershire.andrutlandmhm@nhs.net, or call 0300 323 0189.
- Life links – Mental health support. Visit https://www.rflifelinks.co.uk/, call 0800 0234 575, or email LifeLinks@RichmondFellowship.org.uk.
Norfolk:
- National Autistic Society West Norfolk – visit http://naswestnorfolkbranch.webeden.co.uk/ or email naswestnorfolkbranch@nas.org.uk
- Asperger East Anglia – a range of services and advice, including support and social groups. Visit http://www.asperger.org.uk/index.php/, email info@asperger.org.uk, or call 01603 620500
- Wellbeing service for Norfolk, Waverley, and Suffolk – run in partnership with the Mind charity. visit wellbeingnands.co.uk or call 0300 123 1503
- Rethink Mental Illness – support group in Norfolk. Visit https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/support-groups/together-in-norfolk/ or email togetherinnorfolkgroup@rethink.org
Northamptonshire:
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust – mental health support. Visit nhft.nhs.uk/mentalhealth, or call 0800 448 0828 (available 24 hours 7 days a week).
- Autism East Midlands – aim to ensure autistic people can live their lives with dignity, choice, and independence. Visit www.autismeastmidlands.org.uk, or call 01909 506 678
Nottinghamshire:
- Autistic Nottingham – ‘for the support and advancement of Autistic Adults’. Visit https://autisticnottingham.org/, email info@autisticnottingham.org, or call 0115 888 3223
- Nottinghamshire Mental Health Helpline – support for people who need emotional support or information about their mental health. Visit https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/nottingham-helpline, or call 0300 555 0730 9am-11pm 7 days a week (for immediate assistance in a crisis, call 0808 193 6779)
- Local mental health teams – referral via GP. Visit https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/local-mental-health-teams
- Wellness in Mind – provides information, advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing. Visit https://www.wellnessinmind.org/about-the-service/who-we-are/
- Real Lives – Aim to offer recovery focused packages of support, delivering person centred care. Visit https://www.real-lives.co.uk/, email info@real-lives.co.uk, or call 0115 941 7352 (during Covid-19 call Remote Office Number: 07706 625 144)
Somerset:
- You First support services – community based support for adults with autism. Call 0300 1119999 or email admin@youfirstsupportservices.org.uk.
- National Autistic Society North Somerset – Offers support to autistic adults, including support group meetings held once a month in Portishead. Email northsomerset@nas.org.uk.
- Mind Somerset – Including peer support, art and gardening groups, Adult support groups, and 1-1 support. Call 01823 276892 or email info@mindinsomerset.org.uk.
- Somerset Mental Wellbeing Service – aim to support people to improve and maintain their mental wellbeing through access to community resources and opportunities. Email info@smws.org.uk or call 01823 255917.
- Somerset Mental Health Hub – provides a directory of mental health services across Somerset. Visit https://www.somersetmentalhealthhub.org.uk/directory/all.
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – information for what to do in a mental health crisis. Visit https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/help-in-a-crisis/mental-health-crisis/.
Surrey, Hampshire and Portsmouth:
- Hampshire and Surrey Psychology – provide a high quality assessment, counselling and therapy service for people diagnosed with ASD and their families. Call 01420540274 or email referrals@hspsych.co.uk. Visit hampshirepsychology.co.uk
- Autism Hampshire – Autism Hampshire is an Independent Regional Charity. It offers direct services to over 200 young adults and adults on the autistic spectrum as well as providing Outreach support to many more. Email info@autismhampshire.org.uk or phone 01489 880881. Visit: autismhampshire.org.uk
- National Autistic Society Surrey Branch – Have an advice service for Autistic adults. Call 01483 521743 or email surrey@nas.org.uk. Visit: https://nassurreybranch.org/
- Positive Minds – help with anxiety and low mood for adults Call 023 9282 4795. Visit: positivemindsportsmouth.org.uk
- Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS – community services for adults. https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health/community-services
Warwickshire:
- Warwickshire Country Council Mental Health Support Directory – visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth
- Community Adult Autism Support Service (CAASS) – provides support for adults with autism (diagnosed, awaiting diagnosis or those that think they may be autistic), living in Coventry and Warwickshire. Email caass@cwmind.org.uk, call 024 7771 4545, or visit https://cwmind.org.uk/adult-autism-support/#:~:text=CAASS%20provides%20support%20for%20adults,eligible%20for%20learning%20disability%20support