Links to help and information
This page contains contact information for organisations and therapist directories appropriate to trauma-related mental health that you may find helpful. Please click the header that most closely matches your requirements.
The services listed are not endorsed or otherwise by the UKPTS nor its members. Other services are available, and you are encouraged to conduct your own research on the services that may be most suitable to your needs.
A list of helpful questions to consider during the process can be found here.
In the UK, the first point of contact for any mental health concerns should be your General Practitioner.
The NHS website provides clear advice and support on mental health in general, as well as trauma in particular. Services may vary by region and area of the UK.
Many therapists and clinicians are accredited by professional organisations, and are listed on their therapist finder pages. You will also find important information on the type of therapy offered and the qualifications held by therapists that are necessary to work with clients.
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
The British Psychological Society (BPS) – Find a Psychologist
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – find a CBT practitioner
There is a wide range of information available from reputable sources on trauma and mental health in general.
Mind is a UK-wide mental health charity and has a lot of information and links to support, including a legal advice line (not 24hrs)
www.mind.org.uk
PTSD UK is a charity established to raise awareness of PTSD, and has extensive links to help and advice.
www.ptsduk.org
The Mental Health Foundation features a thorough guide to trauma, its impacts and what to do if you need help.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Samaritans offer someone to talk to 24 hours a day, as well as a self-help app.
www.samaritans.org 116 123 (UK and ROI)
Shout offer free support via text if you are struggling to cop and need to talk. Text SHOUT to 85258
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot make a noise or speak on the call, press 55 when prompted.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24hr freephone)
The gov.uk website lists a number of resources and links to organisations that can provide support and guidance, including to concerned family members and friends.
www.gov.uk
Refuge works to support women and children against domestic violence, and operate the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Live webchat is also available.
www.refuge.org.uk
Women’s Aid is a federation combatting domestic abuse. Their website carries a helpful directory of local support services.
www.womensaid.org.uk
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot make a noise or speak on the call, press 55 when prompted.
The Survivors’ Trust is the largest umbrella organisation for specialist rape and sexual abuse help services in the UK, with 124 member agencies. It provides links to services for all, regardless of age, gender or location. Services are not 24-hours, but a helpline, support search page, and helpline are all provided.
www.thesurvivorstrust.org 0808 801 0818
Rape Crisis is charity working to end sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales. Online live chat, as well as a helpline is provided (not 24-hours).
www.rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999
NAPAC offer support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.
www.napac.org.uk 0808 801 0331 (not 24hrs)
There are a number of centralised heathcare pathways for veterans throughout the UK:
NHS Op COURAGE (England) Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office
NHS Veterans Wales Veterans in Scotland
Combat Stress specialises in the treatment and support of British Armed Forces Veterans who have mental health problems across the UK. Provides confidential help and advice on any mental health issues to the military community, veterans and their families
www.combatstress.org.uk 0800 138 1619 (24hr)
Forcesline (from SSFA) offers confidential guidance on all personal/welfare issues, including sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, racism, drugs, depression, alcohol, debt, relationship counselling and suicide to the serving and ex-serving military community from anywhere in the world. It is completely independent of the military chain of command.
Website 0800 260 6767 (UK) +44 207 463 9292 (rest of world)
Help for Heroes provides direct, practical support for wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women and veterans and their families. Help for Heroes also works to provide psychological services, and more details can be found on their website, as well as a link to their online for to request support.
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Fighting With Pride is a military charity supporting the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ Veterans, service personnel and their families.
www.fightingwithpride.org.uk