Mental health support
Find out about mental health services in Kingston.
Taking care of your mental health
Every year, 1 in 4 adults experiences a mental health problem of some kind. For some people they can be long-term or recurring problems.
Local and national support services can help you look after your mental wellbeing and health.
Get urgent help
Call 999 or go to a hospital if someone's life is at risk or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, you can call:
- 0800 028 8000 to speak to Kingston’s NHS mental health crisis line
- 111 and select the mental health option
Both services are open 24 hours a day for children and adults. You can speak to a trained mental health specialist who can give you professional support and advice, and direct you to the right service for your needs.
Children and young people
The best place you can get help with your child’s mental health is through your GP.
You can also find information about:
- local wellbeing groups and activities on Connected Kingston
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services on Achieving for Children
Ways to boost your mental wellbeing
Looking after your mental health, mood and emotional wellbeing is as important as taking care of yourself physically. Keeping the mind active and having strategies to cope during difficult times can help you feel more positive and make good decisions.
Our partner site, Connected Kingston, has lots of information about support services, charities, and activities in Kingston. Find out about services to help you with:
- depression, anxiety and managing stress
- feeling lonely or making new friends
- cost of living
- staying healthy
Speak to your GP
If you’re struggling with your mental health, the first place you should try is your GP. Your doctor can help you work out what kind of support you need and introduce you to the right mental health service.
See a therapist or find a counsellor
Your GP can refer you to NHS psychological therapies, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
You can also:
- find local free or low cost counselling services on Connected Kingston
- refer yourself to Kingston Talking Therapies
- search for a private therapist on British Association for Counselling and Therapy (BACAP)
Looking after someone else with mental health difficulties
It’s important to look after your own mental health while you’re supporting someone else with theirs.
Help for carers
You’re legally considered a carer if you provide unpaid assistance to someone who requires support due to illness, disability or age. Specific support is available to help you look after yourself and the person you care for.
We’ve created guides about benefits, making decisions for someone else, and help looking after yourself as a carer. Read more about the support available for carers in Kingston
Supporting others with their mental health
Whether it's as a friend, family member, colleague or parent, if someone you know is struggling there is help available for you and them. Find services to help you support others with their mental health on Connected Kingston
Support after a death
Losing a loved one is a difficult time. If you are struggling after a death, there are organisations you can contact to get support. Find information on bereavement support services on Connected Kingston
Support from social care
If your mental health makes it hard for you to look after yourself and live your daily life, you might be eligible for funded care from us. Find out more about eligibility for social care
If you are eligible for ongoing support, most people have to pay for their care. Find out more about paying for social care