Urgent Help & Support
Samaritans – www.smaritans.org 24 hour helpline 116 123
Relate – www.relate.org.uk relationship help including ‘Live Chat’ 0300 0030396
Mind – www.mind.org.uk confidential Infoline 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
Sane – www.sane.org.uk out-of-hours mental health helpline 0300 3047000 as well as Textcare
Childline – www.childline.org.uk for young people up to the age of 19 call 0800 1111
Silverline – www.thesilverline.org.uk free 24-hour helpline for older people 0800 4708090
Abuse - Childhood/Adult
National Association for People Abused in Childhood – www.napac.org.uk support for adult survivors of childhood abuse 0808 801 0331 see website for helpful downloadable booklets for survivors
Rape Crisis – www.rapecrisis.org.uk national helpline 0808 802 9999 live chat service and a range of resources
GALOP – www.galop.org.uk national LGBT domestic abuse and hate crime helpline 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk
Women’s Aid – www.womensaid.org.uk 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247 answered by female support workers or email helpline@womensaid.org.uk also provide an online Survivor’s Handbook and Survivor’s Forum
Survivors UK – www.survivorsuk.org for sexually abused men and their friends and family 020 3598 3898 or email info@survivorsuk.org
Oxford Rape Crisis – www.oxfordrapecrisis.net 01865 726 295 or 0800 783 6294 or email admin@osarcc.org.uk offer a 12 week support group and a monthly drop-in
Books
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass and Laura Davies
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
Waking The Tiger: Healing Trauma – The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences by Peter A. Levine
Toxic Parents; Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life by Susan Forward and Craig Buck
Addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous – www.alcoholics-anonoymous.org.uk call 0800 9177 650 or email help@aamail.org
Sex Addicts Anonymous – www.saa-recovery.org.uk help and support based on the 12 step AA programme
Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity – www.atsac.co.uk call 07414 787341
Narcotics Anonymous – www.ukna.org call 0300 999 1212
Al-Anon – www.al-anonuk.org.uk helpline for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking 0800 0086 811, support groups also offered
GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling 0808 8020 133
Nacoa – www.nacoa.org.uk information, advice and support for anyone affected by a parent’s drinking 08009 358 3456 or email helpline@Nocoa.org.uk
Addaction – www.addaction.org.uk mental health, drug and alcohol charity
Trainbrave – www.trainbrave.org campaign to raise awareness of the risk of eating disorders and over exercising
(For local AA, NA or Al-Anon meetings see national websites above)
Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team – www.oxfordshiredaat.org 01865 403261
Oxfordshire Wellbeing Cloud – www.wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk search for local addiction support services or call 0300 0134776
Oxford SMART Howard House – www.smartcjs.org.uk drug and alcohol detox service 01865 200955
Books
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr Gabor Mate
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray
The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley
This Naked Mind, Control Alcohol by Annie Grace
Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand
Easy way to Control Alcohol by Allen Carr (also see Easy way to Stop Gambling and Get out of Debt.
Anxiety
Anxiety UK – www.anxietyuk.org.uk for people affected by anxiety and anxiety based depression call 03444 775 774 or text 07537 416905 email support@anxietyuk.org.uk
No Panic – www.nopanic.org.uk help with phobias, OCD and other anxiety-based disorders
Mind - www.mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 supportive online community, Elefriends - a safe place to listen, share and be heard
Oxfordshire Mind – www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk mental health information line 01865 247788 or email info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
The Oxfordshire Recovery College – www.oxfordshirerecoverycollege.org.uk free courses for good mental health
Books
Guilt, Shame and Anxiety – Understanding and Overcoming Negative Emotions by Peter Breggin
Overcoming Worry and Generalised Anxiety Disorder by Mark Freeman and Kevin Mears
Overcoming Anxiety by Helen Kennedy
Anxiety Relief: Self Help For Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Stress Management by John Crawford
Bereavement
The Good Grief Trust – www.thegoodgrieftrust.org help and support for the bereaved, also an online tool to help locate local support services
Cruse Bereavement Care – www.cruse.org.uk support and advice to children, young people and adults 0808 808 1677
Child Bereavement UK – www.childbereavementuk.org supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying 0800 02 888 40
Lullaby Trust – www.lullabytrust.org.uk support for sudden infant death syndrome 0808 802 6868 or email support@lullabytrust.org.uk
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – www.uksobs support for those who have been bereaved by suicide 0300 111 5065 or email.support@uksobs.org
BBC Sounds ‘Beyond Today’ – Should we talk more about grief? Podcast on the importance of dealing with grief
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06w5z3m
Julia Samuel (founder of Child Bereavement UK) offers support for people suffering with grief
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEsxoO1gVks&feature=youtu.be
For local support see above www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
Oxfordshire Cruse – www.oxfordcruse.co.uk 01865 245398 also offer bereavement support volunteers
uksobs – (see above) Aylesbury support group sobs.aylesbury@gmail.com
Books
Grief Works: Stories of Life, Death and Surviving by Julia Samuel
With the End in Mind: How to Live and Die Well by Kathryn Mannix
Healing Grief: A Guide to Loss and Recovery by Barbara Ward
The Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery and Growth Through Grief by Judy Tatelbaum
You’ll Get Over It – The Rage of Bereavement by Virginia Ironside
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BDD Foundation – www.bddfoundation.org only UK charity and forum specifically providing information on body dysmorphic disorder, see website for information on support groups
Anxiety UK – www.anxiety.org.uk has useful resources on BDD helpline 0344 4775774 text service 07537 416905
OCD Action – www.ocdaction.org.uk provides support for people with OCD and related disorders such as BDD 0845 3906232 support@ocdaction.org.uk
Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk help for children and young people’s mental health including BDD 24/7 crisis support text 85258 and parents helpline 0808 8025544
Books
Overcoming Body Image Problems including BDD by David Veale, Willson and Clarke
The Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys by Harrison G. Pope et al
The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating BDD by Katherine Phillips
Understanding BDD: An Essential Guide by Katherine Phillips
Body Image Problems and BDD: The Definitive Treatment and Recovery Approach by Chloe Catchpole et al
Depression
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) – www.mentalhealth.org.uk comprehensive resources including podcasts and videos such as the following on the importance of exercise for good mental health
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/exercise-and-mental-health
www.BeMindful.co.uk – the MHF Mindfulness site including an online course
The Mental Elf – www.nationalelfservice.net up-to-date mental health research and guidance
CALM – www.thecalmzone.net Campaign Against Living Miserably is a leading movement dedicated to preventing male suicide 0800 585858
Mind - www.mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 supportive online community, Elefriends - a safe place to listen, share and be heard
Sane – www.sane.org.uk out-of-hours mental health helpline 0300 304 7000, Textcare and a 24-hour online community
Oxfordshire Mind – www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk mental health information line 01865 247788 or email info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
The Oxfordshire Recovery College – www.oxfordshirerecoverycollege.org.uk free courses for good mental health
Books
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Overcoming Depression by Paul Gilbert
Beat Depression and Reclaim Your Life by Alexandra Massey
Remember This When You’re Sad: A book for mad, sad and glad days by Maggy Van Eijk
Sunbathing in the Rain by Gwyneth Lewis
Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression by Johan Hari
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky
Jog On: How Running Saved My Life by Bella Mackie
Eating Disorders
BEAT – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk support for all eating disorders 0808 801 0677 or email info@b-eat.co.uk they provide a directory of eating disorder services and online support groups
National Centre for Eating Disorders – www.eating-disorders.org.uk call 0845 838 2040
Overeaters Anonymous – www.oagb.org.uk a fellowship of individuals (based on AA recovery programme) where people with any eating issues -not just overeating - meet to offer mutual help and support
Eating Disorders and Men – the following article from The Mental Elf www.nationalelfservice.net asks whether we need gender-specific care for eating disorders
https://www.nationalelfservice.net/mental-health/eating-disorders/men-eating-disorders/
Trainbrave – www.trainbrave.org campaign to raise awareness of the risk of eating disorders and over exercising
Oxford Overeaters Anonymous – (see above) meet every Wednesday in West Oxford, call 0789 456 8838 for more information
(most other local help for eating disorders is offered by Cotswold House, a specialist adult eating disorder service. Referral made by GP)
Books
Overcoming Binge Eating by Dr Christopher Fairburn
Overcoming Body Image Problems by Alex Clarke et al
Hope with Eating Disorders by Lynn Crilly
Body Positive Power: How to stop dieting, make peace with your body and live by Megan Jayne Crabbe
Becoming John, Anorexia’s Not Just For Girls by John Evans
Understanding Your Eating by Julia Buckroyd
Gender & Sexuality
Gender Trust – www.gendertrust.org.uk advice and information for people affected by gender identity issues email gina@gendertrust.org.uk
Stonewall – www.stonewall.org.uk provide information and support for LGBT communities 08000 50 20 20
LGBT Foundation – www.lgbt.foundation advice and support for the LGBT community 03453 30 30 30
LGBT Consortium – www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk host the largest network of LGBT groups, projects and organisations in the UK 020 7064 6500 or email admin@lgbtconsortium.org.uk
Mermaids – www.mermaidsuk.org support for gender-diverse and transgender people 0808 801 0400 or email info@mermaidsuk.org.uk
The Beaumont Society – www.beaumontsociety.org.uk national self help run by and for transgender community 01582 412220
Trans Unite – www.transunite.co.uk a comprehensive resource for finding transgender support in the UK
LGBT+ Oxfordshire – www.lgbtoxon.uk details of social networking opportunities
Oxford Friend – www.oxfordfriend.co.uk support for the Oxford LGBT community 01865 726893 or email confidential@oxfordfriend.co.uk
Trans Oxford – www.transoxford.org.uk support group
Books
The ABCs of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell
Trans Like Me: A Journey for All of Us by CN Lester
Straight Jacket – Overcoming Societies Legacy of Gay Shame by Matthew Tod
Mental Health
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) – www.mentalhealth.org.uk comprehensive resources including podcasts and videos such as the following on the importance of exercise for good mental health
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/exercise-and-mental-health
The Mix - www.themix.org.uk free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile 0808 808 4994
www.BeMindful.co.uk – the MHF Mindfulness site including an online course
The Mental Elf – www.nationalelfservice.net up-to-date mental health research and guidance
Mind - www.mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 supportive online community, Elefriends - a safe place to listen, share and be heard
Sane – www.sane.org.uk out-of-hours mental health helpline 0300 304 7000, Textcare and a 24-hour online community
Anxiety UK – www.anxietyuk.org.uk for people affected by anxiety and anxiety based depression call 03444 775 774 or text 07537 416905 email support@anxietyuk.org.uk
CALM – www.thecalmzone.net Campaign against Living Miserably is a leading movement dedicated to preventing male suicide 0800 585858
Campaign to End Loneliness – www.campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk information and ideas on supporting loneliness in old age
Oxfordshire Mind – www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk mental health information line 01865 247788 or email info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
The Oxfordshire Recovery College – www.oxfordshirerecoverycollege.org.uk free courses for good mental health
Books
The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness by Professor Steve Peters (and My Hidden Chimp aimed at helping children to understand and manage their emotions)
The Stress Solution by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Mindfulness for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax
How to Be Human by Ruby Wax
Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw
Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation by Janina Fisher
When the Body Says No by Dr Gabor Mate
A Beginner’s Guide to Being Mental by Natasha Devon
The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Lang
Parenting
Local Sure Start Children Centres and Family Centres – if you are lucky enough not to have had these services cut in your area, these centres can be a great source of support for parents. Google for your local centres!
Family Links: The Centre for Emotional Health – www.familylinks.org.uk support for children, parents and teachers with an emphasis on early intervention, a leading provider of emotional health training 01865 401 800 info@familylinks.org.uk
Action for Children – www.actionforchildren.org.uk practical advice and support for families 0300 123 2112
Family Lives – www.familylives.org.uk national charity offering help and support with all aspects of family life, includes family lives online help forum 0808 800 2222
Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk parent helpline offering advice to parents and carers of under 25’s 0808 802 5544
Books
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
How to Talk so Teens Will Listen and Listen so Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber
Get Out of My Life: The bestselling guide to living with teenagers by Suzanne Franks
My Hidden Chimp: helping children to understand and manage their emotions by Professor Steve Peters
Conversations That Matter; Talking with children and teenagers in ways that help by Margot Sutherland
Helping Teenagers with Anger and Low Self Esteem by Margot Sutherland
Relationships
OTS offer several workshops for couples – click here for further details
'Where Should We Begin?' www.estherperel.com/podcast - podcasts of real-life couples counselling sessions with the psychotherapist Esther Perel
Books
Sex, Love and The Dangers of Intimacy: A Guide to Passionate Relationships When the "Honeymoon" is Over. by Nick Duffell and Helena Lovendal-Duffell
Can Love Last? The Fate of Romance Over Time by Stephen A. Mitchell by Stephen A. Mitchell
How Can I Ever Trust You Again? by Andrew G. Marshall
I Love You But I’m Not in Love with You: Seven Steps to Saving Your Relationship by Andrew G. Marshall
Hold me Tight by Dr Sue Johnson
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love by Rachel Heller and Amir Levine
The Unexpected Joy of Being Single: Locating happily-single serenity by Catherine Gray
The Course of Love by Alain de Botton
