Compass 24/7 Domestic Abuse helpline – 0330 333 7 444

Compass provides information, advice and guidance to the public and professionals who have concerns about family, friends and people they work with who may be victims of Domestic Abuse. For most of us being at home is the safest place right now, but for victims of Domestic Abuse, the prospect of being at home for long periods of time with their perpetrator will be a frightening one. If you’re worried about having to staying at home because of Coronavirus, or you’re concerned about someone you know, contact https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/

Useful websites: (see also the Health section on this website)

Supporting children and young people:

• Supporting children and young peoples’ mental health advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/

• NSPCC; Mental health and parenting: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/mental-health-parenting/

• Kids Inspire: https://kidsinspire.org.uk/virtual-childrens-mental-health-therapy-for-those-most-in-need/ The service remains open and the team are continuing to support families right across the county. If you need to speak with one of the team, you can still do so on one of the phone numbers. A member of the team will be available Monday - Friday between 9am – 5pm.

- They are using safe online platforms to provide much needed therapy

- A very small number of the most vulnerable young people are currently receiving face to face therapy

- They are offering online consultation/support service for all key workers

- If it would help to speak to one of the qualified therapists please get in touch.

• Anna Freud Depression: Online Therapy Study. This study is evaluating an online self-guided treatment programme for young people (aged 16-18) with depression. The treatment they use in this research study is called I-PDT, which stands for Internet-based Psychodynamic Therapy. https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/get-involved/research-and-studies/depression-online-therapy-study/

Supporting yourself and your family:

• Getting Help in Essex: https://www.essex-gethelp.uk/ Find support groups, local services and resources to help you cope during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

• The app by Action for Happiness is like having a little personal action coach in your pocket who; Gives you friendly 'nudges' with an action idea each day; sends you inspiring messages to give you a boost and; helps you connect & share ideas with like-minded people: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/app

• Parent helpline and online counselling by Relate: https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/talk-someone

• Rethink Advocacy: https://www.rethinkessexadvocacy.org/

Essex All Age Advocacy service provides statutory and non-statutory advocacy for the community in Essex. Phone line remains active between 9am and 5pm, please leave a message with your name and contact details and they will get back to you within the same working day. Advocates are still working and doing all they can to continue to support clients in the best possible way.

• Renew Counselling https://www.renew-us.org/ / 01245 359353 or 01268 822 800

Telephone support is now available to anyone who needs it, including existing clients and those who have not worked with us before.

• N.O.Ws The Time for Change https://www.nowsthetimeforchange.com/ NOW is the time for change uses coaching methods combined with alternative therapies to improve wellbeing. Please see their website for contact details and links to their social media.

• Essex Family Wellbeing Resource Hub: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/covid-19-pandemic-resource-hub/ To support you and your family through the COVID-19 pandemic, Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service has created a brand new resource hub.

• Practical help and tips from us which may help you if you are newly bereaved under any circumstance, including a UK map to find your nearest support organisation: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/

• Text support if you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope: Text AFC to 85258, provided by Give Us a Shout / Anna Freud Centre: https://www.giveusashout.org/about-shout/.