Being mentally healthy means that we feel good about ourselves, make and keep positive relationships with others and can feel and manage the full range of emotions. These can range from happiness, excitement and curiosity through to less comfortable feelings such as anger, fear or sadness.

Everyone you know will sometimes feel down, worried or anxious. We all need to look after our mental health and know who to turn to if things feel too much.

Urgent Mental Health Support

If you’re concerned that you or someone else is in danger or needs urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 or the Samaritans at 116 123.

Local Sources of Support for Young People

Number 22

Description: A registered charity providing free and confidential counselling to adults and young people over 11 in Windsor, Maidenhead, and Slough.

Services: Counselling, advocacy, independent visiting services, and a telephone support line offering 25-minute appointments.

Website: Number 22 Enquiry Form

More Information: Counselling for Young People

Kooth

Description: A free, anonymous, and safe online service offering mental health and wellbeing support to young people.

Age Group: 10-25 years old.

Availability: For those living or studying in Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, or Bracknell Forest.

Live Chat: Monday to Friday (12 noon–10 pm) and weekends (6 pm–10 pm).

Website: Kooth

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) – Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) or the Getting Help Team

If a child or young person is developing difficulties with their mental health, the first level of help and support offered is through School Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), click here to see what schools have MHSTs. If a young person’s school does not have an MHST, through our Community Getting Help team. For more information on Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) or the Getting Help Team, please visit this website.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) – Therapy

CAMHS provides support, advice, guidance and treatment for children and young people with severe or moderate mental health difficulties whose symptoms are having a significant impact in their day to day lives. Usually, these symptoms will have been occurring over several months and won’t have responded to prevention and early intervention services.

For more information about the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) please visit their website here.

CAMHS accepts referrals from health, education, children’s services colleagues, parents and carers. Young people can also self-refer if they are over 16. The referral criteria for CAMHS can be found here.

Coping Guide

Description: A guide providing free and trustworthy self-help resources for young people.

Access: Coping Guide

Local Sources of Support for Adults

Mental Health Integrated Community Service (MHICS)

Description: Specialised mental health support focused on recovery and resilience for adults dealing with mental health challenges like Bipolar, Schizophrenia, or OCD.

Referral: Via GP or other mental health services.

Website: MHICS

Bucks Mind – Friends in Need

Description: Peer support group offering uplifting activities for adults experiencing mental health issues.

Location: East Berkshire (Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Bracknell, and Slough).

Referral: Self-referral or through GPs and other services.

There are 2 groups: a general group, and a Peers 2 Pals (for young people aged 17-25)

There is also a coffee morning every other Thursday at JMIC, Slough, SL1 3NY.

Contact: Ansa Khan – Phone: 07496 874882 – Email: [email protected]

Website: Bucks Mind – Friends in Need

NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies

Description: Free and confidential services for individuals 17+ dealing with low mood, anxiety, or stress. Offers video, phone, online courses, and one-to-one sessions with therapists.

Referral: Self-referral is available.

Website: NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies

East Berkshire Safe Haven

Description: Out-of-hours support for individuals 18+ who feel distressed or overwhelmed.

Location: 54 High Street, Slough, SL1 1EL.

Opening Hours: 5 pm–11 pm, daily.

Contact: Phone: 07790 772 863 – Email: [email protected]

Website: East Berkshire Safe Haven

Text and Web-Based Support