WALK & TALK

Some people find the thought of talking to a complete stranger a very daunting prospect. For those who are new to it, sitting face-to-face with a Counsellor can feel a bit like having an interview. Who needs that added stress or increased anxiety when you are already struggling with life?

‘Walk & Talk’ is a service that offers a much more relaxed approach to counselling, where the client (or clients) can engage in conversation whilst they are walking. It isn’t about the exercise, so the pace can be as slow as you want it to be - and there is always an opportunity to rest on a bench or sit on the beach! This therapeutic change in setting can reduce the pressure of being in a more confined situation, and being side by side - rather than face-to-face - somehow makes opening up much easier.

Obviously this service is weather dependent! But there are very few times when it isn’t possible to get out and be in our wonderful seaside environment. If you would like to find out more, please contact me.

OTHER RESOURCES

For Immediate Help (Urgent/Crisis) in the UK:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free 24/7 emotional support.
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained volunteers.
- NHS 111: If you need urgent mental health help but are not in immediate danger, call 111 and select the mental health option.
- 999: If you or someone else is in danger, call 999. 

For Information and General Support in the UK:
- Mind: As a leading mental health charity, Mind offers a website full of information, a helpline (call 0300 102 1234), and local services.  
- Mental Health Foundation: This charity focuses on research and prevention, offering advice and resources on its website.
- Every Mind Matters: A resource from the NHS to help you look after your mental wellbeing with self-care tips and guides. 
- SANEline: If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).

Some Specialised Support in the UK:
- Childline: Providing confidential support to children and young people every day, call 0800 1111.
- Papyrus UK: For people under 35 struggling with suicidal feelings, call 0800 068 4141 or text 07786 209 697.
- Switchboard: For LGBTQ+ people seeking support, call 0300 330 0630 or use their webchat.
- Beat: If you are affected by an eating disorder, you can call their helpline on 0808 801 0677.
- YoungMinds: Offers a Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544 for concerns about a young person's mental health.