Where to Find Mental Health Support in Guernsey

If you're concerned about your mental health, you are not alone. Many of us have have mental health needs and require support at some point in our lives. The good news is that, for a small community, there's a lot of mental health support available to us here in the Bailiwick.

Sometimes reaching out can be the hardest part, so to make it a little easier we've created a list of some of the local support services and online resources you can access during difficult times.

  

 

1. Guernsey MIND

Guernsey Mind offers support and information to anyone in the Bailiwick who is over the age of 18, promoting a positive attitude towards mental health and supporting our mental wellbeing. They encourage anyone who wants to talk, or is worried about someone they know, to contact them. You don't need a referral, and their services are free of charge.

The team offers a whole range of services, from supported self help sessions to workshops and support groups. The team can also signpost you to local support groups and self help organisations. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am - 4 and they encourage anyone who has concerns about their own mental health, or is worried about someone they know, to get in touch. 

 

2. Healthy Minds

Healthy Minds is Guernsey’s link to professionals who can offer short-term therapeutic interventions for adults with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Their primary aim is to help people to learn healthier coping strategies to improve their wellbeing and, moving forwards, to manage their difficulties themselves.  

They offer access to workshops and presentations on a range of subjects, including assertiveness, mindfulness, self esteem, stress and worry.  You’ll find details of how to self-refer and a wealth of information here. 

 

3.  Bailiwick Social Prescribing

Bailiwick Social Prescribing is a free services which can link you to various sources of non-medical support to help improve your wellbeing. Their team of professionaly trained Link Workers will meet with you face to face, for up to six sessions, to discuss the issues you are dealing with and explore what support is available to help you feel better.

Together you can look into opportunities to help you access the support you need and take back control of your life. The team can also signpost you to befriending, counselling, and emotional support groups, as well as offering practical advice on matters such as finances and housing. You can find out more about Bailiwick Social Prescribing and how to meet with a Link Worker here.

 

4.  Your GP

Book an appointment with your GP practice and talk to your doctor about your feelings. They will be able to offer advice, and they may refer you to more specialist services for additional support they feel this will help.

 

5.  The Youth Commission 

The Youth Commission provides a safe and confidential space for children and young people, offering a range of free services which include listening support, youth clubs and support groups. If you are a parent or carer, the team can offer guidance on how best to support your child, as a toddler, as a teen, in the home, in school and offer support with bereavement or serious illness.

Take a look at their website for more information, and for details of how to access their services. If they can't meet your needs, they will help you find someone who can.

 

6. The Decider Skills

The Decider Skills teach us how to recognise our thoughts, feelings and behaviours and enable us to manage our emotions and mental health. They are used in local schools and by health professionals, in the Bailiwick and beyond.

For more informal access to the The Decider Skills, you can practice some of the skills with these videos. You can also download their STOPP app to your phone for free from the App Storeor Google Play. It's a perfect example of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in action, giving you an accessible strategy at your fingertips to help manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. 

 

7. The Samaritans

Guernsey Samaritans provide free and confidential support for around 7,000 people every year. You can also contact them at any time of the day or night on their 24 hour free telephone helpline, chat with someone online drop them an email or even write a letter - it can sometimes help to write down your thoughts and feelings. Get in touch if you are having a difficult time, or if you are worried about someone else. 

 

If you need urgent mental health support please seek help. If you are concerned that you might harm yourself, or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves, contact the emergency services.