Here are some links and advice for staying active, supporting children and young people, looking after your mental health, and other community resources.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
If you are looking for support with your mental health and wellbeing for you or someone you care for, visit the Kent and Medway mental wellbeing hub. The hub is an online one-stop place to help signpost you to support and services.
Whether you are feeling anxious or stressed, down or low or are just interested in finding out what help is available, the information hub is there for you.
The hub includes sections specifically for:
- parents, carers and families
- children and young people
- students and young adults.
Find talking therapies near you at We Listen NHS talking therapies. We Listen is a collaborative of eight local talking therapy providers across Kent and Medway, which all offer free NHS mental health support. These are available to anyone over 17.5 years old, living in the Kent and Medway area and services include talking and listening therapies, like counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, to help you feel like yourself again.
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Visit the Samaritans website or call 116 123 (24-hour emergency helpline).
Mind, provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
SHOUT is a confidential text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text 85258 24/7.
Emotional support for young people
Kent Family has some information on talking to your child about their mental health.
ChatHealth is an anonymous and confidential texting system for 11 to 19 year olds. They can text on 07520618850 for advice and support on any health issue, including physical or emotional health concerns, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Kooth is a free online resource for any young person in Kent.
A child or young person can build their own emotional resilience by using the resources at Moodsparks a site built with young people from Kent.
The Children and Young People Counselling Service offers up to six counselling sessions for young people aged 11-19. These sessions can help a young person understand their issues and develop strategies to help them feel better. If a child is under 11, we offer parents six weekly sessions with advice on practical, easy to use strategies to support your child.
If you wish to access this support or find out more please complete our online referral form or call 0300 123 4496.
If you are unsure please call our team and we will be able to help you find the right support.
LGBTQ information and support
METRO is an equality and diversity charity providing health, community and youth services across London and the South East
The LGBT Foundation exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline provides a safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being.
The Gender Trust provides advice and information for anyone affected by gender identity issues.
Bereavement
Cruse bereavement Centre has released guidance and advice for you and your loved ones who may experience loss including a free helpline and online advice.
Chums Support Service offers specialist bereavement support to children and young people from three and a half to their 26th birthday in Kent and Medway. Phone 0808 808 1677 for more information.
Amparo provide support to people who have been bereaved by suicide.
Phone 0330 088 9255.
Keeping physically well
There are lots of resources to help you be active and eat a healthy diet; making better choices today can have a big impact on your health. One You Kent is here to help you get healthier and feel better with free tips, tools and support.
Healthy eating
Would you like to eat a healthier diet, but are not sure where to start? Eating well is one of the best ways to reach a healthy weight and feel better about life. Check out our exclusive ‘Food Smart’ film series for some great healthy eating ideas, top tips and advice on food labelling, cooking on a budget, snacking well and watching your sugar intake.
Being active
Being active is good for your mind and body. Every minute of activity counts and the more you do, the more you'll benefit, physically and mentally. You can be confident that just by putting one foot in front of the other, you’re on your way to being a healthier YOU.
Where do I start?
Try to build activity into your daily life. Start gently and build up gradually with smaller goals to keep you motivated. Try a walk - it will boost your energy, lift your mood and make everyday activities easier. Download the Active 10 app to help you fit in a brisk 10-minute walk into your day.
Get a friend to join you and you will improve your emotional wellbeing at the same time.
Once you start achieving things you will want to do more. Reward yourself for reaching your goal. Think of exercise as time to focus on you and the chance to try something new.
You can also try the Everyday Active website which is great for anyone looking to be more active in Kent. You can explore the different types of activities on offer, use the activity finder or read some inspiring stories or top tips on the blog. You can also create an account to plan weekly activities and monitor your progress.
Want to exercise at home?
For tips and advice on getting active in and around your home, visit Sports England's Join The Movement campaign. They have a range of exercise platforms to help you get or keep fit.
Download the Couch to 5k app if you want to start running. One You Kent has some great resources for you on their getting active page.
If you are recovering from COVID-19, Moving Medicine have produced a series of handy tips to help you start recovering your strength and fitness. Please consult your GP, a health professional or fitness instructor for advice if you are unsure about exercising with any health conditions you may have and they can advise on what is most suitable for you. You may be eligible to take part in an exercise referral scheme which means you can get a personalised activity programme delivered by qualified instructors.
Lifestyle advisers can also support you via phone or video call to make the small changes that can make a big difference to your physical wellbeing. Complete the referral form or call 0300 123 1220 to speak to a friendly adviser.
Kent Family
Kent Family is here for your child's growth, happiness, and health.
Sexual health
The Kent and Medway Sexual Health service can provide contraception, STI testing and treatment, psychosexual therapy services as well as care for people living with HIV. Please follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Oral health
Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Having a healthy smile can boost your confidence and improve your appearance. Smiling can help put us in a better mood and have a positive and lifting affect on those around us. Find out more from the Dental Health Promotion Team on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy to protect your smile.
Alcohol and drug misuse
Kent County Council has details of services available to support you with drug or alcohol issues.
The Forward Trust provides help for drug or alcohol issues, homelessness, unemployment or mental health.
Narcotics Anonymous can support people with drug problems. Phone: 0300 999 1212
Alcoholics Anonymous can support people with alcohol problems. Phone: 0800 917 7650 or email: help@aamail.org
Going smokefree
Going smokefree improves physical and mental health, enhances quality of life and reduces the risk of premature death. Quitting can add as much as a decade to life expectancy. It's never too late to quit. Smokers are up to three times more likely to quit successfully with support. Call 0300 123 1220 or email oneyou.kent@nhs.net to speak to a friendly adviser.
Domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault
Domestic abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in relationships or between family members. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. If you feel uncomfortable, pressurised, threatened or have been attacked - don't wait, ask for help now.
Visit Domestic Abuse Services for details of local support in Kent and Medway.
Children and young people can call ChildLine 24/7. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and confidential. You can also get information at Childline online.
Women can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247), and men the Mens' Advice Line (0808 8010327) for free at any time, day or night. They will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support.
You can also speak to Kent Police on the non-emergency telephone number 101, but if you are at immediate risk then please call 999.
Beech House is a sexual assault referral centre with specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has experienced rape or been sexually assaulted. Their services are free of charge and people can refer themselves.
Phone: 01622 726 461.
Visit: 7 West Court South Park Business Village, West Ct, Maidstone ME15 6JD
Family Matters – sexual abuse and rape can leave physical and mental scars that take time and understanding to work through. Family Matters Counselling Service has been created to provide skilled help for children and adults who are experiencing these difficulties.
Phone: 01474 537392
Email: admin@familymattersuk.org
Survivors UK provide a national helpline, individual and group counselling for boys, men and non-binary people aged 13+ who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.
EKRCC provide a safe space to everyone affected by any kind of sexual violence or coercion, experienced at any time during their lives.
Help with living costs, debt or employment
Kent Together provides a single, convenient point of contact for anyone with money worries or are looking for ways you can make your money go further.
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
Phone: 0800 169 0310.
If you are in need of food and essentials, you can search for a food bank near you using Kent County Council's database. For most food banks, you will need a food voucher or a referral. The process for each food bank is different so the best thing to do is contact your nearest food bank to find out how you can access it.
You can find more information about food vouchers on the Citizen's Advice Bureau website or the Trussell Trust website.
Housing advice and homelessness
Porchlight Shaw Trust is Kent’s largest charity for homeless and vulnerable people.
Phone: 0800 5677699
Email: info@livewellkent.org.uk
Beyond Homelessness provide opportunities, skills and resilience to become self-reliant and self-supporting when experiencing homelessness.
Catching Lives is an independent charity based in Canterbury, supporting rough sleepers and the vulnerably housed people within the Canterbury and east Kent area.
Canterbury Housing Advice Centre provides free, confidential independent and impartial advice on most housing matters.
Citizen’s advice
Citizen advice believe no one should have to face problems without good quality, independent advice. Here to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
Phone: 01634 838760
Employment support
Local job centres can help you with claims for Jobseeker's Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support and can also help you find local jobs or apprenticeships.
Transport
If you’re a jobseeker who has a Jobcentre Plus travel card, Stagecoach is offering half price travel.
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) can provide a refund of reasonable travel costs if you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional. It is designed to support you if your medical or physical condition means you cannot use public transport, get a lift, or drive yourself to, and from, your NHS appointment.