Mental health support

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service provides support and psychological therapies for common mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, low moods and depression. The service can offer workshops, a range of online courses, one-to one support, group sessions and group classes such as Stress Control Classes. If you are over 17 years of age, registered with a Leeds GP, you can self-refer on the service website. A number of questions will pop-up – these are to make sure you are being directed to the right service. You don’t need to see your GP to access this service although your GP will be updated about your treatment. This service is not appropriate for people who are already receiving treatment from another mental health service or who have a severe or long-term mental health problem. Call 0113 843 4388 (local-rate charges).

Linking Leeds is the social prescribing service for people in Leeds. It can help you to connect with a range of non-medical services and activities in your local area which can support your health and wellbeing. Your local service could help you, for example, get support to improve your physical health, find employment or volunteering opportunities, tackle money or housing issues or access befriending schemes and peer support. Your GP may refer you Linking Leeds or you can refer yourself.

The Market Place offers a range of services to young people in Leeds aged 11-25 years old for mental health and sexual needs and to provide support in times of crisis. All services are free and confidential. The Market Place has bookable drop-in sessions almost every day of the week (dates vary for under and over 18’s) when you can see a youth worker and can get some support for any issue that’s affecting you, either face-to-face or over the phone. They may also be able to refer you to other support services. Call The Market Place on 0113 246 1659 (local-rate charges) to find out more or book a drop-in session. Sessions are limited.

Aspire is the Leeds Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, providing support to people aged 14 – 65 who are, or may be, experiencing their first episode of psychosis. They can support families and friends as well. Referrals will be accepted from professionals such as a GP, practice nurse, counsellors, teachers etc and from concerned family/friends or from the person experiencing difficulties. Call 0113 200 9170 (local-rate charges)

Leeds Recovery College offers free educational courses that focus on keeping people in Leeds mentally and physically well. The aim of the courses is to help people learn more about mental health, work out what keeps them and others well, and find ways to enjoy life more. Courses are open to anyone from across the city who would like to better look after their own wellbeing. Referral is not necessary and people can enrol themeselves on courses. You can find out more about the college, their courses and how to enrol on the website or by contacting them: call 0113 855 5127 or email leedsrecoverycollege.lypft@nhs.net.

Alcohol and drugs

Forward Leeds is the alcohol and drugs service for adults, young people and families living in Leeds. You can call Forward Leeds for advice, information and support if you are concerned about your alcohol use or drugs use or someone else’s. You can also call to refer yourself or someone else to alcohol or drug services in Leeds or download a referral form from the website. Call 0113 887 2477 (local-rate charges).

Bereavement

Leeds Bereavement Forum has now closed and is unable to direct people to bereavement services or run events about bereavement. Their directory of local bereavement services is still available on the Forum website. You can also find out about peer bereavement support on the Full Circle Funerals website.

Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service offers support if someone you cared about has ended their own life. You can access family, group or individual support, practical information and one-to-one counselling. The service can support you whoever you have lost – whether a friend, colleague or relative – and whether your bereavement was a few days ago or many years. You can refer yourself or be referred using a referral form on the service’s website. Call 0113 305 5800 (local-rate charges).

Support in a crisis

Connect is a telephone helpline for people living in Leeds. The service provides emotional support and information for people in distress. People call Connect who are feeling anxious, lonely, angry, experiencing mental health problems or a ‘life crisis’ or just need to talk. The service is also there for carers who need to talk to someone. Trained volunteers and workers provide compassionate, non-judgemental support and can give information about other services, if needed. Whatever your problems, Connect can help. You can also talk to Connect through instant chat. Open 6pm-2am every night of the year. Call 0808 800 1212 (freephone).

Dial House is an out-of-hours Leeds service for people in times of crisis. It is a place of sanctuary where visitors can relax in a homely environment and have an hour of one-to-one support from the team of crisis support workers. You may be feeling anxious or lonely, experiencing mental health problems or money worries or going through a ‘life crisis’ like the break-down of a relationship. If you have been before you will need to ring 0113 2609328 or text 07922 249452 from 6pm on the night you want to request a visit (it’s best to ring before 7.30pm if possible). Dial House has a family room, so parents can bring children with them. Taxis to and from the service are provided. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 6pm to 2am.

Dial House@Touchstone isan out-of-hours crisis service in Leeds for people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups. When you are finding it hard to cope – it’s a place you can go for emotional support and information. Dial House@Touchstone is a confidential service and all staff are from BME groups. Refugees and asylum seekers are welcome. Call 0113 249 4675 or text 07763 581 853 on the night you wish to request a visit. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm to 11pm.

Here For You (formerly called Well-Bean Hope in a Crisis Café) is open to people in Leeds who are experiencing a crisis. The cafe can offer emotional one-to-one support for up to one hour, support in a safe social space as well as practical help. Support focuses on loneliness, isolation, emotional health and wellbeing. You can self-refer to this service – visitors should ring or text first on 07760 173 476 each time they would like to go to the cafe. If you turn up without calling first you will need to be assessed beforehand and then asked to wait to see if you are allocated a place. Refreshments and hot food are served every evening. Professionals can refer on 07760 173 505.

The Samaritans helpline is open at any time of the day or night to talk about whatever you are going through. You don’t have to be suicidal to call. 116 123 (freephone).