Counselling and Emotional Support

Coming to terms with and managing an immunodeficiency is likely to have an emotional impact. Many people will need emotional support or professional psychological counselling at some stage.

It is always important to discuss any emotional difficulties with your GP as they will be aware of local services. Having a conversation about your mental health to a GP may be difficult but the Mental Health Foundation have developed this excellent guide to help.

In addition to NHS services there are organisations that can either advise about or directly provide emotional support.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

http://www.bacp.co.uk/

This is the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. The Association sets, promotes and maintains standards for the counselling profession. When choosing a counsellor it is best for the person you work with to be a member of the BACP Register http://www.bacpregister.org.uk/ This gives you an assurance that they meet the standards of proficiency and ethical practice you would expect.

This link will help you find a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist close to you.

01455 883300

http://www.sane.org.uk/home

SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. They are open every day of the year from 6pm to 11pm.

0300 304 7000

http://www.themix.org.uk/

The Mix is a free, confidential and multi-issue helpline support service for young people. It covers mental health, relationships, work and study and money issues.

0808 808 4994

https://www.relate.org.uk/

The UK’s largest provider of relationship support. Relate helps people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations to strengthen their relationships.

0300 100 1234

http://www.samaritans.org/

Samaritan trained volunteers are able to listen to you any time of the day or night. They can help you talk through whatever is troubling you, find the answers that are right for you and offer support.

116123

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/

Changing Faces supports people who have any condition that affects their appearance, anywhere in the UK. They can provide confidential emotional support, advice and information.

support@changingfaces.org.uk

0345 450 0275 or 020 7391 9270