Emotional support (living with cancer)
Cancer is a life changing event that can leave people feeling distressed. Some people find being able to talk to someone outside your normal support network can be helpful. Free counselling is available at cancer support centres across the region, including Wessex Cancer Support centres and Jane Scarth House in Romsey.
Talking therapy, counselling and emotional support
iTalk is a Hampshire based NHS service offering talking therapies for common mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression - it is not a counselling service. It's free and you can self-refer on their website.
Steps2wellbeing is a Dorset based NHS service (also covers Southampton area) offering a range treatments for people experiencing problems with low mood or depression, anxiety, stress or other common mental health problems. Visit their website here
Samaritans are a group of volunteers provide a 24 hour emotional support call centre. Find out more on the Samaritans website
Sane is a phone line providing emotional support daily between 4pm and 10pm
Mind is a phone line providing information about mental health, treatment alternatives and for people to seek support or advocacy. Find information about their helplines here.
Anxiety UK provides fast access to approved psychotherapists nationwide. It is a reduced-cost-scheme for members. Complimentary therapies are available. Find out more on the Anxiety UK website.
Rethink Mental Illness is a nationwide initiative that can be offered as a local service that emphasises on care for those who have severe mental illnesses. They offer an advice and information line. Find out more on the Rethink Mental Illness website.
Useful apps include Stop, Breathe and Think and Insight Timer.
Family
A psychosexual counselling and therapy service is provided for anyone with sexual problems, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. Sessions are 50 minutes long, structured as an open discussion and cover all kinds of topics that are age and gender appropriate. Sessions are held in Aldershot, Andover, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester. Call 023 8071 6743 or visit Let's talk about it or The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
Jane Scarth House in Romsey, has trained psychosexual counsellors.
Spiritual or religious concerns
Our Trust has a spiritual care chaplaincy service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information sheets for a variety of religions are available. Your clinical nurse specialist can also print online information sheets from our staffnet.
The spiritual care team aims to provide safe, appropriate and confidential programmes that enable patients, family and friends to explore topics within their current life and begin to find strength, support and work towards goals and outcomes.
Based on D level, Southampton General Hospital, call the team on 023 8120 8517 or email chaplaincy@uhs.nhs.uk.