Be kind to your mind, you’re you and that’s enough!

As a service, fully commissioned by The Children's Society, Kooth.com is a free, safe, anonymous and non-stigmatised way for young people to receive counselling, youth support, advice and support online. Staffed by fully trained and qualified counsellors and available until 10pm each night, 365 days per year, it provides a much needed out of hours’ service for advice and support. As well as counselling, peer to peer support can also be accessed through their moderated message forums and online magazine.

Experienced counsellors are available to provide emotional support to young people with a wide range of issues, from having a bad day to more serious issues such as bullying, stress, anxiety, gangs, depression, family relationships, sexuality, eating disorders, self- harm, abuse etc. During such unprecedented times, lots of young people are also seeking support around isolation, predicted exam grades, change of life, their future outlook, employment options and fear of COVID19 to mention a few.

With no long waiting times and no minimum criteria, Kooth is a fantastic way for young people to get the help and support they need, when they need it, rather than having to wait weeks for an appointment or in current times unable to access face to face support.

COVID Winter Grant

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/wintergrant

Financial Advice & Help

If you are worried about debt to Sandwell Council, please call 0121 569 5333

Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payment, Welfare Rights, Self-isolation payments, Money Advice amongst others

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200354/coronavirus_advice/4460/get_financial_help

Resilient Residents

Lots of Advice and contacts for a whole range of needs (Benefits Checker, debt advice, budgeting and money management, employment advice and support, well-being, food, help in an emergency)

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200347/resilient_residents

Foodbanks

https://www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk/

Telephone: 01384 671250 Email: admin@blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk

If you don’t have access to a voucher please call the above number.

RESTORE, Transformation Church, 1 Station Road, Rowley Regis West Midlands B65 0LI

Opening Hours: Wednesday       11:30 - 13:00

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH – OLD HILL, Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath B64 6JA

Opening Hours: Monday               10:00 - 12:00

COMMUNITY LINK, 72 High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5HA

Opening Hours: Thursday             13:00 - 15:00

Other locations https://www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk/locations/

Emergency Food Parcel

Midland Langar Seva Society 24hr Emergency Parcel Delivery: 07903 400179

Rethink Emotional Support

https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/services/advice-and-helplines/the-black-country-emotional-support-helpline/

Rethink Emotional Support Helpline is a freephone service for those who are in need of support, reassurance and understanding.

The service can be contacted on 0808 802 2208 at the following times:

Monday- Friday 6.00pm – 3.00am

Saturday- Sunday 2.00pm – 3.00am

We are now offering Text/webchat support during our opening hours:

Text 07860 065 168

Webchat www.rethink.org/blackcountryhelpline

Kaleidoscope Plus Group

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group works to promote and support positive health and wellbeing

https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/self-help-tool.php

Chat to us via telephone, online through our website or directly through Facebook and a member of our team will be with you as soon as possible to talk

Call 0800 059 0123 Monday-Sunday between 5pm & 9pm

Messenger: Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm & Saturday-Sunday: 5pm-8pm

Bereavement

Unfortunately, some of us may lose someone through coronavirus. There are many organisations who can help.

Cruse Bereavement Care has online resources to support you and your family during this distressing time. This includes how this pandemic may affect bereavement and grief. They offer a free helpline: 0808 808 1677

Black Country NHS Mental Health Support 24/7

Our new mental health support phone line is operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is available to Black Country residents of all ages. Call 0800 008 6516

If you are experiencing increased distress or anxiety during these uncertain times, please don't suffer in silence, pick up the phone and speak to one of our specialist mental health professionals who will be able to support you.

We continue to provide support through our Healthy Minds / Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services which offer psychological therapy services for people experiencing common mental health problems such as low mood, depression, anxiety and stress. You can also access free online CBT via our SilverCloud platform.

https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/contact-us/help-crisis

Black Country Women’s Aid

0121 552 6448 (24/7 Helpline)

07384 466181 (Text or WhatsApp 9am – 9pm)