help and support is available
Managing a home and family, however big or small, can be challenging, especially when money is tight.
We have pulled together information about what support is available in the local area, from where to get help to kit children out for school to charities that can offer practical and emotional support to victims of domestic abuse.
further support
Durham County Council is working with various organisations to create welcome spaces across the county.
To find out more, please visit: Welcome Spaces in County Durham
Free school meals – www.durham.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
Buying items for school – Help with buying items for school – Durham County Council
Food banks – https://durham.foodbank.org.uk/locations/
Food cost support – Help with food costs – Durham County Council
Emergency food – www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/emergency-food/
Bread and Butter Thing – www.breadandbutterthing.org/members
Crisis and resilience funding – https://www.durham.gov.uk/crf
Freecycle – Freecycle: Front Door
Reusing furniture – Reusing furniture and household items – Durham County Council
Salvation Army – www.salvationarmy.org.uk/community
Furniture support – furniture support | believe housing
Crisis and resilience funding – https://www.durham.gov.uk/crf
Healthy Start – you may qualify for Healthy Start vouchers if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have children under four years old and you or your family claim certain benefits. Find out more at: www.durham.gov.uk/article/24281/Apply-for-Healthy-Start
We understand that sometimes things can feel overwhelming, and your mental health can be affected. If you are finding it difficult to cope, you are not alone – support is available. We advise that you speak to your GP if you are concerned about your mental health, as they can help you access the right support. At believe housing, we want to help you feel safe, well, and able to manage at home.
Urgent mental health support
- NHS Mental Health Crisis Support – call 111 and select option 2
- Samaritans – call 116 123 (free, 24/7 listening service)
- Shout – text 85258 for confidential text support
- CALM – helpline and online support (5pm–midnight).
If you feel that you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
Local support in County Durham
There are a range of services across County Durham that can support your mental health and wellbeing:
- Durham Mental Wellbeing Alliance – access a wide range of local wellbeing and recovery services
- Wellbeing for Life – practical advice and support to improve your health and wellbeing
- Durham and Darlington Talking Therapies – counselling and support for anxiety, depression and other common mental health concerns
- ManHealth – peer support groups for men across the North East
- CRUSE Bereavement Support – support for anyone experiencing grief
- Durham Locate – a directory of local services and support available in your area.
You can also speak to your GP if you are concerned about your mental health, as they can help you access the right support.
These services can help you find the right support for your situation, whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or help to manage your mental health.
National support services
If you would prefer to access support outside of your local area, there are also national organisations available:
- Mind – information and advice on mental health support
- Rethink Mental Illness – information, advice and support services
- NHS Every Mind Matters – practical tips and guidance to support your mental wellbeing
- SANE – emotional support and mental health information.
If gambling is affecting your wellbeing, finances or home life, support is available to help you take control and access the right support.
We understand that gambling can sometimes become difficult to manage and may impact your wellbeing, finances, and home life. If you are worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, you are not alone – support is available.
You can also speak to your GP, who can help you access the right support. At believe housing, we want to help you feel safe, supported, and able to manage at home.
Urgent support
- https://www.gamcare.org.uk – call 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential support 24/7)
- https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/ – speak to an adviser online
- Samaritans – call 116 123 (free, 24/7 listening service)
- Shout – text 85258 for confidential text support
- If you feel that you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
Support services
There are a number of organisations that offer specialist support if you are affected by gambling:
- https://www.durham.gov.uk/gamblingsupport
- https://www.gamcare.org.uk – confidential advice, information and support for anyone affected by gambling
- https://www.begambleaware.org – information, tools and support to help you take control
- https://www.gamstop.co.uk – a free service that lets you self-exclude from online gambling companies
- https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk – residential and community support for people experiencing gambling addiction
- https://www.stepchange.org – free, confidential support if gambling has impacted your finances
How we can support you
If gambling is affecting your tenancy or finances, please contact believe housing. We can:
- listen to your concerns and understand your situation
- support you with budgeting and accessing debt advice
- help you engage with appropriate support services
- work with partner agencies where needed
- support you to maintain your tenancy during difficult periods
You can contact us by calling 0300 1311 999 or by speaking to your Housing Team.
You are not alone
Gambling problems can affect anyone, and reaching out for help can feel difficult. Whether you access a support service, speak to your GP, or contact us, there are people who can support you through this. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out.