The Coronavirus pandemic is having a big affect on our mental health, from issues around isolation to increased anxiety. The Race Equality Foundation notes that people from BME communities in particular disproportionately suffer with these issues. In this section, you can find support and resources to support you during this time.
Manchester Parents Group is a voluntary organisation which supports families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). The online forums are run by parents of lesbian, gay and bisexual sons and daughters, they understand the confusion and questions parents may have when when first learning their child is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. There is also a section advising children to communicate with and come out to their parents.
Rainbow Noir is a volunteer-led social, peer support and community action group, which celebrates and platforms people of colour who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer and/or Intersex (LGBTQI). As well as a commitment to represent and platform LGBTQI people of colour and our communities, one of our soul aims from our very beginning, is been to create a space of our own, places to feel safe, where LGBTQI people of colour can meet, hang out, form friendships and find community. We create monthly social spaces both online and in person.
MaCO is a community led group which has been set up to support Congolese asylum seekers and refugees that have been placed in Manchester. They offer free and confidential advice, assistance, representation, advocacy, translating and interpreting services in matters relating to welfare, health, social education (culture), academic development, employment, finance management and orientation to life in the UK.
The Centre helps provide support to the South Asian Communities in mental health, welfare rights, counselling, domestic violence, learning disabilities and the criminal justice system.
Back on Track works with adults who are going through a process of recovery or rehabilitation. Through training programmes, skills for work, info advice and guidelines, they support around 750 people every year who have been through problems with alcohol or drugs, offending, homelessness and mental health. Their projects enable people to build the skills they need to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. They have a women's zine called Women Aloud as well as intersectional initiatives and projects.
WomenMATTA is a Women's Centre in Manchester that provides intense, holistic support to women affected by the criminal justice system and to those at risk.
The Centre provides women with a safe and homely space in which to access gender-specialist support services. It is a 'one-stop-shop' offering group work, one-to-one and counselling supporting women around:
Domestic violence/sexual abuse
Mental health
Substance misuse and alcohol addiction
Debt or money issues
Parenting support
Housing and homelessness
Safety4Sisters works to support migrant women across the North West who have experienced gender-based violence and who have no recourse to public funds or state benefits.
The Society aims to challenge all forms of discrimination and social exclusion through the provision of diverse and reactive services, delivered by a team of qualified social workers, nurses and other professionals. As the Society has grown, they have developed a range of employment, education and community services for Chinese men and women and for other ethnic minority groups, including Somali, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian and many European nationalities. Through their adult classes and drop-ins their aims are:
Accessible to speakers of nine different languages, Cheetham Hill Advice Centre is an independent neighbourhood service in one of Manchester's most diverse areas. They can advise on:
Welfare Benefits
Money & Debt
Housing/Homelessness
Consumer and employment problems
Getting into work
Access to adult learning, training and volunteering
Immigration/Nationality issues (we are registered with OISC to provide Level 1 advice)
Access to Education, Health and other statutory services
Boaz offer safe accommodation and holistic support to destitute asylum seekers and refugees. They host recreational and vocational activities, and help with essentials such as a small food allowance and clothes donation.
This charity supports members of the local BME community by providing language support, advocacy, social support and activities, assistance to access primary care services and including advice and education services.
Stoke-based free counselling services for survivors of rape from ages 4+
Based in Manchester, the African Rainbow Family (ARF) is a non-for-profit charitable organisation that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender intersexual and queer (LGBTIQ) people of African heritage and the wider Black Asian Minority Ethnic groups.
Part of the Leeds Bereavement Forum, WIFCOS offers a free, confidential counselling service in safe and comfortable surroundings. Where necessary, home or hospital visits can be arranged. The organisation also offers advice, information and advocacy and, if unable to help, will ensure you are appropriately referred. Help is offered with benefit claims. WIFCOS caters for individuals, couples and families. The service takes place in Roscoe Methodist Church.
BHI is a community engagement organisation working towards equality of access to health and social care within Leeds and the surrounding areas for disadvantaged communities. They offer community initiatives, senior support groups and counselling.
Created in mind for ethnic communities to have an outlet to grieve and receive support after the passing of a loved one, in particular babies and miscarriages. Hope offers multi-lingual counselling services, workshops, counselling and coaching among other things.
Solace aims to alleviate the sickness, distress and suffering of refugees and asylum seekers in the Yorkshire and Humberside Region, in particular those suffering from mental health problems or emotional difficulties.
A place where Asian women can meet and form friendships. The service offers individual and group support to meet the diverse needs of Asian women. Staff speak various Asian languages and have expertise in mental health. Dosti offers culturally appropriate activities promoting a programme of mental health recovery. Dosti is a safe and confidential support service improving women’s mental health in Leeds. The services they offer include:
Women’s friendship group in Armley and Chapeltown,
1:1 support
IT classes
ESOL classes
Young Black Minds is a Leeds Mind service in partnership with Black Health Initiative, open to male-identifying Black individuals, aged 16 to 25, who live in Leeds.
It will create closed peer support community groups based on shared personal experience and empathy, focusing on strengths to help develop skills and strategies to maintain mental health and wellbeing. The delivery of each group is co-produced with its group members to meet their specific needs.
Governed by local people and embedded within the communities they support.
Supporting BME and migrant communities by providing them with a voice, advocating on their behalf and representing their interests.
Aiming to build relationships between communities and services by providing them with support and activities that encourage community co-operation.
Co-ordinating projects and events that are tailored to the needs of communities and encourage the celebration of culture.
Levelling the Playing Field uses the power of sport to engage and improve health and life outcomes for ethnically diverse children who are at risk of entering, or already involved with, the criminal justice system (CJS).
LTPF operates in the following areas:
Touchstone is committed to ending mental health stigma in all its forms, through collaborations and campaigning, and as an employer of people with direct experience of mental health difficulties. It works with black and ethnic minority communities and provides a BME Dementia Service as well as Sikh Elders Service.
Part of the Leeds Crisi-led Survivors Service, Sisterhood BAME Women’s group runs on Monday every week between 12pm – 3pm at the BAME Health and Wellbeing Hub, Reginald Terrace. There are plans to expand and diversify their services beyond this group.
Practical and Social Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, this charity provides ESOL, Women's Group and weekly drop-in sessions with hot meals and food aid.
The main focus of Khidmat Centres is to address inherent inequalities in provision of services for the most vulnerable members of the community from minority ethnic backgrounds. Services include:
Older People Services
Drop-in
Education Classes
Health and Wellbeing
Advice on Welfare Benefits
Womens Group
Learning Disability Project
Carers Hub
Halal Food inspection in schools
Muslim Women in Prison Project
BEAP seeks to empower members of the Bangladeshi community in Bradford. Addressing issues arising from separation between local communities, including different forms of conflict based on cultural diversity. Tackling this through projects such as Women's Group, The Job Club, sports activities, older people's Day Care etc, which recognise and accept the importance of differences, whilst finding common ground between them.
The Jyoti service is a specialist service for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women and girls, which is run by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women. Jyoti offers a culturally sensitive approach to dealing with issues around rape & sexual violence. offer services in a range of languages and are able to access a confidential interpreting service. All our counsellors and interpreters are BAME women.
Helpline: 01274 308 270
Womenzone Community Centre is a registered charity established in 2003 to address the isolation and lack of voice and visibility of South Asian women in the Bradford 3 area. With ESOL classes, Women's Health groups, employment support and other services, Womenzone identifies needs primarily of South Asian women for a women-only safe place, to prevent them from being socially excluded and assist their fuller integration into society
A community-run group, BAC look to achieve integration, adaptation and help to meet the need of refugees by empowering them to participate fully in the UK society. Services also include a Women's Group, Homework Club, and ESOL classes.
Since 1990, QED have been running projects such as ESOL, integration 'into the mainstream', men's groups and workshops to aid the BME communities in finding employment.
Sharing Voices Bradford (SVB) aims to reduce mental health and related inequalities through community development in partnership with Black Minority Ethnic (BME) communities and other stakeholders through promoting inclusion in all spheres of civil life. They offer counselling, dementia aid, community support among many other services.
A network of churches in Bradford but not limited to Christian aid, BEACON hosts a range of support for asylum seekers and refugees, including McKenzie friends who provide mentoring and legal assistance, and hosting support. They hold a weekly drop-in ESOL session called CHAT.
DASH hosts drop-in days providing hot meals, a safe social space, casework and referrals (not legal aid), liaising with housing providers, form-filling for health and education institutions, a food bank, creative activities, and advice on settling in to life in the UK.
Located in Prince's Avenue Methodist Church providing activities and resources for asylum seekers, refugee and migrant workers. Their weekly drop-in service includes:
Light breakfast(Tea/Coffee/Toast)
Small Cash Support
Free Clothes (Used and New)
Free Music and English (ESOL) classes
Immigration/Benefit Advice and Support (British Red Cross)
Support for Migrant Workers
AJAR is a network of people in Leeds, often from faith communities, seeking to help people currently in detention who have a valid case for applying for bail. It supports asylum seekers who have been detained beyond reason, are struggling with support and would live in the Leeds area if released.
With their Refugee Project in Leeds and Destitution Project in Bradford, Abigail House is a West-Yorkshire based charity dedicated to providing support and homes to refugees and asylum seekers who find themselves destitute on our streets.
(Leeds)
0113 898 0574 / 07743 189314
(Bradford)
07908 364112
Working with Churches, Bradford-based TLG reaches out to some of the most vulnerable children in the UK. With expertise in school exclusions, emotional wellbeing and holiday hunger, TLG is one of the UK's fastest growing children's charities.
This Bradford-based charity helps to women, men and children who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. They work with West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Safer and Stronger Partnership Boards, and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Strategic Boards.
Weekly support group as part of the Leeds Survivor-led Counsel Service.
Call 0113 260 9328 or email Patrick at patrick.gatewood@lslcs.org.uk for more information.
The African Community Centre (ACC) Wales is a registered charity which operates across Wales. We welcome all people, especially Africans born in Africa, African Caribbean’s and British Africans who are currently resident in Wales.
We run regular drop-in sessions, offering advice, information to the newcomers to access local health and education facilities. We also hold regular consultations with service users in Cardiff specifically within Community First areas.
Women Connect First was established on 1 March 2001, St. David’s Day, to empower Black & Minority Ethnic Women in Cardiff and South East Wales by offering a range of services and training in order to improve their livelihoods and employability.
To support people with mental health needs in the UK through health care training and development programmes. The charity does this by providing essential needs such as medicines and training for health professionals.
Diverse Cymru provides support, services and advice to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people throughout Wales who are affected by mental ill health.
BAC-IN is a Nottingham based, specialist drug and alcohol recovery support service for individuals, families and young adults from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. An award winning, nationally recognized grassroots service.
Al-Hurraya was founded in 2014 by Asad Fazil after he recognised that there was an emerging need of a service which works directly with minority communities.
He wanted to offer services where he could use his specialism, empower people and engage with them.
As an independent charity, we guarantee a tailored service based on your needs where your conversations and all personal information will remain 100% confidential*.
We employ a diverse workforce including BAME therapists.
Trade Sexual Health is a health charity working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) community of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We offer a range of free and confidential support and advice services around sexual health and HIV.
Specific Faith based councelling for Muslims within Birmingham. This type of counselling explores all aspects of counselling in a humanistic framework; which focuses on the (fitrah) natural disposition of mankind.
Impact Pathways is a ‘map’ of provision designed to help people who live and work in the West Midlands access support they might need. It allows the public and professionals to search in their area for the resource, knowledge and expertise of statutory agencies.
Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) is the only national Muslim women's organisation in Britain. We are a small national charity and work to improve the social justice and equality for Muslim women and girls.
CMHA now provide a diverse range of services with the aim of serving Chinese people who suffer from mental health related issues and problems. We also provide support for their carers whom may not be familiar with all the nuances of traditional Chinese culture.
Tamarind Centre was established in 1998 to provide a holistic, culturally sensitive support service for African, Caribbean and Asian communities who are experiencing mental ill health or are under pressure.
Tarkai works with Punjabi communities to create spaces where all individual can access mental health awareness, education and support to better care for themselves and one another.
The Kuumba Centre is a service, provided by Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation.
This organisation aims to improve the lives of African & Caribbean people, along with their families who are affected by mental illness in and around Sandwell & West Birmingham.
Cysters is a grassroots charity, dedicated to supporting individuals & improving the health, education & welfare of those with reproductive & mental health issues. We aim to educate the public about reproductive health & education.
To embed African centred psychological thinking as the foundation for all the work we do To promote self-knowledge and the potential in people, so helping to build healthier communities.
Space runs regular, free youth groups all across Dorset, in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth, Beaminster, and Sherborne, for every LGBT+ person regardless of race, religion, or social background.
The Shores in Dorset provides a service to men and women who have experienced rape or sexual assault. They work hard to acknowledge the extra barriers faced by ethnic minorities, LGBT+ individuals, and those with physical, learning or mental difficulties.
STAR is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender, who lives works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
My Time works to support young carers across the South. My Time makes it possible for young carers to have a break and balance their mental and physical wellbeing. The charity provides respite adventure breaks in a residential outdoor centre in the Isle of Purbeck.
New Forest Young Carers support Young Carers and their families across the New Forest. They can help families access services that will make their lives easier as well as offering Young Carers time out and respite from their caring responsibilities.
Carer Support Dorset supports carers of people over 18 in Dorset. They help carers access services, information, education and training, respite and breaks from their caring role. They have a dedicated service for under-18s.
Mosaic offers a pathway of support and guidance for bereaved children, young people and their families across Dorset. They also offer support to those facing the death of a loved one.
Cornwall Hospice Care supports patients with life limiting illnesses from the age of 18 onwards. The charity also extends that care to their families and friends.
The Beehive Centre aims to reduce social isolation and connect communities in Whitehall and St. George. The Centre hosts social events and activities and many activities are tailored to the needs of older people (55+ years).
The Hope Project in Bristol provides short-term emotional and practical support for men aged 30-64, specifically those who are in psychological distress or have recently self-harmed, but are not currently engaged with other mental health services.
The Bristol Crossroads group has been supporting the transgender community in and around Bristol for over 25 years. The meetings are informal and provide the opportunity for all transgender people and their partners and family to meet and dress in a safe and supportive environment. There are changing facilities available for those who need them.
1625 Independent People is a charity that supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the South West. They find secure homes, teach life-skills, offer advice, help access training and job opportunities.
SWEDA engage with people across Somerset and Wessex who are affected by eating disorders, including family, friends and carers, by offering hope and enabling access to support services to empower recovery.
The Bristol Eating Disorder Peer Support Group has been running for over twenty five years. They aim to provide a space for sufferers (aged 18 years and over) and for friends/families/carers to support one another.
Bluebell offers therapeutic support in a number of ways for new parents experiencing anxiety and low mood during pregnancy and up to 2 years after birth across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BANES, North Somerset and South Devon.
Studio Upstairs in Bristol provides artistic resources and support to adults experiencing mental and emotional distress, in drug and alcohol recovery, as well as those wtih mild learning disabilities and/or moderate conditions.
Missing Link is a mental health and housing service for women in Bristol. hey support women who are homeless, or have a history of sleeping rough or whose housing is at risk because of their mental health issues.
Bristol’s Marriage Care is a Catholic organisation that supports couples by offering free or low cost counselling at times of distress or difficulty. Services are also available to couples at a pre-marriage stage.
Knowle West Health Association are a voluntary organisation to promote, protect and preserve good health and wellbeing in and around Knowle West.
Help Counselling offers help to people aged 9 to 25 in a confidential setting. With services available from as little as £10, Help Counselling work with both parents and children to support young people in all aspects of their life across Bristol, Bradford on Avon, Chippenham and Yate.
Low-cost counselling service in Bristol offering counselling with a qualified or student counsellor to anyone over the age of 12, including couples counselling.
The Harbour provide free counselling for death, dying and bereavement in Bristol. They provide individual counselling, couples counselling and group therapy.
The Green House in Bristol has been providing therapy for people affected by sexual abuse for over 30 years. They provide therapy for men, women and children.
The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre who offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted across Bristol and Weston.
Kinergy is a specialist counselling agency offering support for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Bristol. Kinergy is inclusive to all genders, 16 years and above. The website features help guides, leaflets, apps and information on other support available.
Headway have just over 40 years experience in helping survivors of brain injury live as independently as possible. They provide social and cognitive rehabilitation for adults with brain injury across Bristol, North and North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.
The Rosie Crane Trust treats all contact in absolute confidence, working with bereaved parents in the South West.
SARSAS provide support to people who have experienced rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives through counselling, live chat and other specialist support. They are open to all; girls, boys, women, men, trans and non-binary individuals.
Womankind helps hundred of women across the South West every year to improve their mental health and well-being so they can experience a better quality of life. They offer counselling, group therapy, befriending as well as a speciality service for deaf women.
The Trust aids young people aged 16-25 fighting Cancer, or affected by Cancer, throughout Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Devon by the provision of grants which can be used towards relieving physical or financial needs.
The Marmalade Trust in Bristol are a charity dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and helping people make new friendships. They provide companionship and joy to those struggling with loneliness, they run an annual Awareness Week campaign as well as events.
Brigstowe in Bristol offer specialist, confidential and free support, advice and information to anyone living with or affected by HIV. They run a specialist service for Migrants and Asylum Seekers, as well as a specialist service for those living with Type 2 Diabetes.
Hawkspring is a community rooted organisation based in Hartcliffe, an area that is within the worst 1% of deprivation in England and Wales. Hawkspring provides confidential support to both adults and primary school aged children.
Western Counselling in Weston-Super-Mare offers a structured, abstinence-based, 12-step residential treatment programme.
SWAN in Bristol offer low-cost counselling primarily to those suffering from addiction, however they won't turn anyone away if they think they can help. The therapy they offer can last for up to 2 years.
The Southmead Project provides free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction in Bristol and surrounding areas.
The Junction Project in Bristol is an accommodation-based drug and alcohol service. They provide good quality housing combined with individual support to men and women whose lives have been directly affected by alcohol or substance misuse.
Chandos is a treatment centre for men in Bristol who recognise that alcohol and/or other substances are a problem for them, and who have a genuine commitment to doing something about it.
Bristol Drugs Project reduces harm, promotes change, challenges prejudice and maximises people’s potential by helping with alcohol and drug problems. They offer a free and confidential service, including one specifically for 11-19 year olds, and another for LGBT+ individuals.
ARA provides structured treatment, counselling, housing support, education, training and employment guidance, as well as many other interventions to promote recovery and a healthier life. They are a major provider of supported housing services in Bristol.
Mothers for Mothers is run by mothers who have suffered or recovered from depression, anxiety or isolation during pregnancy or after the birth of one or more babies across Bristol. They also run a service for Dads and Partners.
The Willow Tree Centre in Bristol provides a professional and confidential service available to anyone experiencing unintended pregnancy, pregnancy loss or difficulties following an abortion.
BASS Autism Services for Adults provide a service to adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and professionals and carers who support them.
The Specialised Deaf Service works with deaf people who are experiencing significant mental or emotional distress, both British Sign Language (BSL) users and people who do not use sign language, including those who have become deaf later in life.
Bristol ADHD has a specialist team of doctors, psychologists, occupational therapist and nurses who work exclusively with adults who have ADHD across Avon and Wiltshire.
The service seeks to provide increased access and treatment to appropriate and timely mental health services for armed forces personnel approaching discharge and veterans with mental health difficulties in the South West.
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) provides inpatient and community-based mental health care, as well as specialist services, for people extending throughout the south west.
They provide a range of domestic abuse support services to women and children, including safe houses, children’s services, dedicated Black and Ethnic Minority Services, resettlement and outreach services, and a crisis response service. The website offers further information and what to do in a crisis.
They provide drop-in clinics across Bristol, offering a holistic approach to healthcare covering emotional, physical and mental health needs. You can go to them with any health problem, they list a full timetable on their website.
BOSH provides an outreach service providing anything they reasonably can to make lives more comfortable. They also provide advocacy, advice, one to one support and help settling in to a new home and maintaining a tenancy.
Bristol Homeless Connect is a website which has information about how people can get help, find out how to help, or find out more information about rough sleeping in Bristol. They offer support on topics including healthcare, laundry, gambling support, work and training, drug/alcohol support, food and much more.
Bristol Against Violence and Abuse (BAVA) is a collection of people and organisations in Bristol working to end all types of violence and abuse. Their resources are available in a range of languages including Arabic, Somali, BSL, Chinese and more.
One25 are a Bristol-based charity that work with women facing multiple vulnerabilities.
Nilaari are a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic-led charity with over 20 years experience delivering social care support, talking therapies and training to adults and young people. Nilaari’s services are available to ALL communities across Bristol.
Off The Record Bristol (OTR) is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. They have specific LGBTQ+, Trans* and people of colour networks. All services are free and confidential.
SARI are there for any victim of hate crime from the Avon and Somerset area. They have online resources, out of hour emergency service, casework services, training, education and more.
Bristol Hate Crime and Discrimination Services can help you in a variety of ways; from practical and emotional support to legal advice, everything will be guided by you and only with your consent. This service is completely free and confidential.
Bristol Black Carers is an award-winning charity committed to an important mission - to provide culturally appropriate support and assistance for carers and their families within Black and Asian communities across Bristol.
Aid Box Community provides support, supplies and sanctuary to Bristol’s refugees and asylum seekers.
Bristol branch of the nationwide mental health organisation. Run emotional support helplines, virtual drop-ins, offer advocacy services and resources on how to care for your mental health during the pandemic.
The Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s Group exists to support the health and social care needs of Chinese women and their families in Bristol and the surrounding area. They provide assistance, advice, representation and services, as well as facilities for recreation and leisure time.
Refugee Women of Bristol (RWoB) is the only multi-ethnic, multi-faith organisation which specifically targets the needs of refugee women in Bristol, and are directly governed by women of the refugee and asylum-seeking community.
Khaas is the only service of its kind in the South West that has worked across the Bristol area delivering services to improve the lives of disabled children, their carers and families for over 25 years.
Dhek Bhal provides a range of quality services to the South Asian community in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including respite services for carers of South Asian elders, a Daycentre for frail and disabled elderly individuals, outreach support schemes, carer support groups, women's and men's projects and more.
Pentreath Ltd run a Community Development Worker service for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic mental health needs in Cornwall. They provide support to any person from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background including migrant workers and gypsies and travellers, who are experiencing mental health difficulties including stress, anxiety, isolation and low mood.
The Multi-cultural family base works with families from minority communities and new migrants who are experiencing difficulties.
Some of these are practical, such as housing or financial problems; others are more personal, such as dealing with discrimination or emotional issues. They work in a therapeutic way and offer time and support to help people make sense of the difficulties in their lives and work out how to deal with them.
Edinburgh rape crisis centre offers free and confidential emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to women, all members of the trans community, non-binary people and young people aged 12-18 in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian, who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. To find out more please
The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is an organisation that gives the opportunity for students aged between 8 and 25 to experience the complete orchestral experience. The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland offers a comprehensive pathway to join orchestras, jazz bands, training ensembles, and an ever-expanding outreach programme. To find out please visit the website.
Unity in the Community works to provide practical support and solidarity for people in need in our communities, especially asylum seekers. As a organisation they offer many different services from English lessons, access to food banks, unity allotment community, bike workshops, LGBT friendly. To find out more please visit the website.
The Drop-In provides a safe and friendly environment for asylum seekers and refugees. They offer services such as internet access, free swim and gym, ESOL, free haircuts, free trips to places of interest, donations of food and clothes.
DAR is a voluntary organisation helping refugees assimilate into UK society after being granted asylum. DAR has many partners in the North East and are able to help with legal aid, food banks, language classes, transportation and local knowledge to legal aid and form-filling for doctor and dentist registration.
ADAMHS is a day service providing a safe environment for adults with learning disabilities and/or mental health support needs.
Based in Stockton-on-Tees, A Way Out is an outreach and prevention charity which aims to engage, empower and equip vulnerable and excluded women, families and young people.
They offer support for people with substance misuse problems, those involved with sex work, homeless or living on the streets, often engaged in offending or victims of abuse.
In response to a study that found Middlesbrough as the 'worst place in the UK for girls growing up', this charity aims to increase self-esteem, builds resilience and form a safe women's community and space.
A registered charity based in Teesside offering free and confidential counselling and ISVA (independent sexual violence advisor) support to people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any point in their life.
Regional multi-faceted charity offering help with domestic violence for men, women, children, with therapy programmes and a dedicated Young People Service. They also offer security measures and help with housing for refugees.
Specialist counselling and therapy services offered to women 16+ who have experienced domestic violence. They also have links to Sanctuary, which offers support to those feeling unsafe in their homes through extra security installation and measures.
Provides information, advice and support to individuals and families who have experienced, or are experiencing, discrimination/harassment. They also provide training to service providers.
Anglo-Chinese Cultural Exchange provides A supplementary school, benefits for the elderly, translation support, health and wellbeing information, free immigration legal advice, seminars, workshops and certified volunteering opportunities for teenagers
BRASS supports refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire, UK. They provide advice on a range of issues, English language tuition, and social activities
St Rollox Community Outreach offers a range of support and services to local residents, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees in North Glasgow. The organisation has a drop-in café available which is available for anyone to come in and have a coffee and meet friends. To find out more about St Rollox Community Outreach please visit the website.
P.H.O.E.B.E is an Ipswich-based registered charity that offers specialist advice, information, casework, advocacy and support and counselling services to black and ethnic minority women and children.
Ashford BME Association is part of Kent’s local ‘See, Hear and Respond’ partnership, coordinated by Barnardo’s, for working with young people who may be experiencing harm or difficulties during the coronavirus period.
Health Watch are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. They’re there to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care.
Trubys Garden Tea Room is an interfaith community cafe run by Muslim women building positive relationships between communities in Milton Keynes
DREAMSAI's objectives are:
1. Promoting teachings of Shirdi Saibaba as set out in Satcharita
2. Supplying food, hygiene items and essentials to homeless & needy people in temporary sheltered accommodation.
3.Raising awareness of the blood donation, bone marrow and stem cells within Indian community.
The Gatehouse offers free support for adults aged 25+ who are homeless, vulnerably housed, on low income and/or looking for company and community.
Open Door is a drop-in service for refugees and asylum seekers at the East Oxford Community Centre. They offer advice, information, support, recreational activities and a free lunch. They provide a welcoming environment for people to meet, make connections, chat to volunteers and friends, gain training and participate in the preparation of a hot lunch (with halal and vegetarian options).
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern
A discrete offshoot of Brighton Migrant Solidarity. They are the only organisation in the Brighton area providing housing support to destitute migrants who are not allowed to work or have no recourse to public funds.
They take referrals directly from organisations such as Brighton Voices in Exile. In addition to accommodation, they also provide financial, practical and emotional support to locally based migrants.
Room For Refugees is a community hosting network that offers safe, temporary homes and pastoral support for insecurely-housed refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable groups - families, the sick, the elderly and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children with no recourse to public funds. To find out more please check out the website.
The Hansel group is one of Scotlands leading charities that support those who live with disabilities.
Hansel Alliance provides services directly supporting young people in their transition to adulthood. They also support people in their own homes; within residential settings; through daytime opportunities; through short breaks and respite opportunities, and through employment support.
Gender Jam supports and bring together young trans, non-binary, questioning, and intersex people together and create resources to help the community in Northern Ireland. GenderJam NI has an array of advice and services such as: housing, education, healthcare and other issues that affect the trans community in the region.
Counselling All Nations Services (CANS) is an organisaition that is designed to support and promote the mental health and emotional well-being of people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities throughout Northern Ireland. CANS services seek to implement these through the provision of culturally appropriate or common minority ethnic language, high quality and accessible counseling service. To find out more please visit the website.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust works in collaboration with the Public Health Agency and the Health and Social Care Board, and for many years has established an evidence-based Nurse-led service for new entrants to Northern Ireland. The project offers an array of support and access to clinics that will assist new immigrants, asylum seekers, refugee children of the ages 0-16 years old with their health and well-being. The organisation seeks to support all new entrants by offering screening, health education and signposting to other services. To find out more please visit the website.
YMCA North Down is a faith-based volunteer organisation that seeks to support the local community across North Downs. The organisation's ethos is to support young people, families and the local community to 'flourish in mind, body and spirit'. YMCA North Down works with all groups, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, religion, culture, or race. To find out more please visit the website.
Wah Hep which means “Chinese self-help", is a community development association that represents and provides services for the Chinese community in Armagh county. The organisation 'Wah Hep' has a drop in centre which provides key information to the Chinese and wider community of Northern Ireland.
Craigavon Travellers Support Committee aims to support Irish Travellers within the Craigavon area.
The committee offers a large array of services - healthy living and well-being, housing support, education, mortality, racism and discrimination support. CTSC believes in and works towards positive community cohesion which is done through education, community development and welfare rights.
Extern is a social justice organisation that seeks to transform the lives of people by promoting social justice across the island of Ireland. Some of its core values seeks ot provide anti-racism and anti discrimination, thereby offering up support and advice within the realm of housing, homelessness, migrants and refugees issues, mental health and drug use and much more. To find out more about the organisation please visit the webiste.
The Rainbow Project is a health organisation that aims to improve the physical, mental, emotional health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in Northern Ireland.
They have two centres: one in Belfast city centre and the other in Foyle, L’Derry. The organisation offers up an array of services from free sexual health checks to counselling services.
First Housing Aid and Support Services is a voluntary sector non-profit making organisation. First housing provides professional advice on housing in Northern Ireland and solutions to people who find themselves facing housing difficulties. The organisation offers an array of services from accommodation services, floating support services and addiction services
Shine is an organisation that supports people with Spina bifida, Hydrocephalus, and other similar conditions like Intracranial Hypertension and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
The organisations offer support in a number of ways. If you, a family member or a friend are seeking support and or advice find by visiting the website.
HERe Ni is a community group and a safe place for lesbian and Bisexual Womxn here in Northern Ireland. HERe Ni aims to create a community space where women can meet, organise, and interact in whatever manner they like. The space is utilised in a number of ways but HERe Ni encourages active discussions, events classes and much more. To find out more get in touch.
The Muslim Bereavement Support Service is a registered charity, founded in 2012. We are a non-profit organisation serving the Muslim community by supporting bereaved women who have lost a loved one. We also work with other organisations, the NHS and hospices in particular, to give a spiritual context to the bereavement support services they offer.
IKWRO’s mission is to protect Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence and to promote their rights.
The National Children's Bureau is an organisation that seeks to address and reduce the inequalities that prevent children from achieving their lives to the fullest and reaching their full potential in and around Northern Ireland.
Sufra NW London is a Community Hub that provides Emergency Food Parcels; a Community Kitchen; Guidance and Advocacy; an accredited Food Academy course; a Refugee Resettlement programme; and a Community Growing Project that provides training in horticulture, school environmental visits and a vocational training course.
Doctors of the World's vision is a world where everyone can see a doctor when they need to. They provide free healthcare, advice and practical support to people who struggle to access NHS services, while working to tackle the barriers to healthcare they face. They believe everyone has the right to healthcare, regardless of their immigration status.
May Project Gardens provides practical, affordable, and collective solutions for people to live sustainably and challenge power structures that don't serve their interests. They do this using what they consider universally connecting tools - nature, food and creative arts - to foster people’s personal transformation, which collectively leads to social change.
With services including care, counselling, dementia and advocacy support, this charity aims to promote social inclusion for the public benefit by working with people who are socially excluded on the grounds of their ethnicity, religion, belief or creed by providing a local network group that encourages and enables the people to participate more effectively with the wider community.
Black Thrive is a partnership between communities, statutory, voluntary and private organisations working to address Black mental health inequalities in Lambeth
Mindwise is a mental health charity that seeks to raise awareness, challenge the stigma, and campaign for changes to be made within the mental health sector.
Mindwise has an array of key services and offers advice, training, counseling and teaches workplaces to better understand and support good mental health practices.
Disability Action is a Northern Ireland charity that works with people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory disabilities, hidden disabilities, and mental health disabilities. This organisation offers up a range of services from advice, advocacy, driving support, education and training, transport, legal and work advice.
Be is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They work to improve the lives of Trans and Non-Binary people throughout the North East and West of England and beyond through their weekly drop-in sessions, peer support groups and social events.
ASCERT is a charity that has been providing services across Northern Ireland that have been reducing alcohol and drug-related harm in communities across Northern Ireland.
SOAS Detainee Support attempts to break the isolation of immigration detention, and supports people to take control of their cases and resist their imprisonment and deportation. They visit people held in Immigration Removal Centres and London prisons under immigration powers.
The Advocacy Academy is a transformational Social Justice Youth Organising Movement for young people from South London who are passionate about creating a more fair, just and equal society.
We support adults who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, and who may also need to overcome a dependence on addictive substances. We do this in a number of ways with: Outreach work, supported housing, resettlement support
A social enterprise supporting young women affected by gangs
Milk and Honey is an expressive safe space that allows young women and girls to flourish and take ownership of H.E.R (Healing, Empowerment and Resilience) through 1:1 sessions and creative group projects.
Take Back The Power is a programme for young people aged 16-25 to access support to challenge injustice which affects them and their communities.
Hackney CVS is an important umbrella body committed to making Hackney a fairer place. They believe everyone should have the best start in life and the best opportunities to succeed regardless of their background, race, social class, gender, sexuality or disability.
Article 39 is a small, independent charity which fights for the rights of children living in state and privately-run institutions (children’s homes, boarding and residential schools, mental health inpatient units, prisons and immigration detention) in England.
Sangini is a multicultural women’s organisation based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. They seek to improve the quality of women’s lives by increasing their physical, mental and spiritual health through educational, creative and participatory activities that also celebrate cultural diversity. Classes include cooking, art, storytelling for young people, henna, creative writing etc.
A non-profit organisation which prioritises and advances the representation of Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds within psychiatry and psychology.
Clan Mor Sure Start works with an array of organisations, parents, and children to ensure every child and parents of a child under 4 have access to advice, information, and services they need to give their children the best start in life and enhance their family lives. This organization offers a range of services from family support, health visiting, midwife support, and much more.
QTPoC Mental Health is a facebook group that exists to provide greater access to community healing. They host meditations for queer & trans people of colour and publish original art and writing on www.restforresistance.com.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) understand that everyone’s individuals and unique experience of sight loss and therefore offers up help and support for blind and partially sighted people. Services are varied and extensive and this can be from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change, reading services etc.
London Buddhist Centre teaches meditation and Buddhism in a way that is relevant to contemporary life. They offer a full schedule of classes and events available online. They also run yoga classes, PoetryEast, school visits, two charity shops, fairs, festivals and classes for people under 25 - all in an atmosphere of community and friendship.
The Rowans provide a number of different services for individuals who have been raped or sexually assaulted. The service is open to a range of users and had a 24-hour advice helpline. If you were assaulted in the past or recently the company offers a wider range of support for individuals and their specific needs.
Crisis night shelter for the LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer) community who feel endangered, who are homeless or 'hidden' homeless and feel they are on the outside of services due to historical and present prejudice in society and their homes.
The Trust is accountable for the distribution of safe and effective health and social care services to a population of approximately 470,000, the single largest resident population in Northern Ireland.
A Brixton based service for the homeless and people in need
A charity supporting community and civil society organisations with varied schemes and programmes including social, cultural, health and economic development to help communities belonging to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.
An ecosystem builder centring the experience of Black people and People of Colour through an anti-capitalist, reparative justice framework. LION hold workshops and events to strategise and network-build while consistently documenting their activities through writing, photography and video.
A grassroots organisation working at the intersections of oppression, health, healing and liberation practice, that supports People of Colour by delivering workshops, skill shares and trainings to share knowledge and build alternative health provision/ community-led health, rooted in the needs of those marginalised.
Working with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to identify their key issues around health and improve the health information available to them. HAREF then communicates their findings with local health services so that they then have a better understanding of what communities need.
A youth-led organisation based in Barnet addressing teenage relationship abuse through creative education and specialist, survivor-centred support
A member-led organisation supporting young people with experiences of violence and/or in contact with the criminal justice system to fight for justice, peace and freedom.
Support group for bereaved parents and siblings.
Boloh is Barnardo's COVID-19 helpline and webchat for 11+.
They encourage children, young people and families from ethnic backgrounds affected by Covid-19 to get in contact: about their worries, their problems and their stresses during this time. Between Monday and Friday, 1pm and 8pm, they provide emotional support, advice and signposting to other organisations who can help.
JET provide support and free ESOL classes for people from ethnic backgrounds, refugees and asylum seekers. JET offers help searching for work, suitable training and work experience, as well as integrating into society and local communities.
MESMAC Newcastle works with gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men to increase the range of choices open to them. They offer free HIV tests, advice and information on many different health issues including Sexual Health, STI’s, support groups and much more. They also offer 1-2-1 support and a 5-day-a-week helpline.
Women's space for eating distress and combating disorders in Newcastle. Call or email to book an appointment for information, wellness, counselling and support.
Improving the quality of life of ethnic minorities in the North East by providing support for their integration through:
Providing support in information, advocation and services for disabled people. DAD offer services such as youth support and an independent living hub.
Helping victims of crime or witnesses in the North East with services including coping and recovery plans, court support, and programmes for supporting children and young adults.
NWA is a confidential service run by women, for women. They provide a range of specialist domestic abuse services which include:
Investing in People and Culture promotes the economic and social inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers and other minority communities in the North East. They provide links to education, work, training and integration advice.
Mental health services are free on the NHS, but in some cases you'll need a referral from your GP to access them.
There are some mental health services that allow people to refer themselves. Find out how to access mental health services.
Rethink are one of the largest charities providing care and support for those living with mental health conditions.
They have set up this online hub to provide practical support and information that is useful for people living with, or supporting people with mental illness.
Mind believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They'll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner.
Mind has built a Coronavirus Information Hub, which includes specific advice on what to do if you are worried about your wellbeing.
Young Minds is the UK's leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. They are working to make sure all young people get the best possible mental health
If the current news on Coronavirus (COVID-19) is making you feel anxious, concerned or stressed, read Young Minds advice on what you can do.
Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
Student Minds are collating guidance and developing resources to support you with this. This page is updated regularly with new information as it becomes available.
Bipolar UK is the national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, their families and carers.
They also run an ecommunity - a online forum to access information and support.
The Mental Health Foundation has an online resource hub for looking after your mental health.
A great resource for mental health tools generally, the Mental Health Foundation has collated a list of information and statistics looking at the impact that issues such as racism and discrimination has on ethnic minority communities.
Hosted by three friends - Dustin Ross, HeyFranHey, and Assante - The Friend Zone is a podcast exploring mental health and mental hygiene.
New episodes every Wednesday
MannMukti - Hindi for “mental liberation” - is an American organisation encouraging healthy, open dialogue of mental health issues among the South Asian community.
They host a podcast sharing the stories of individuals.
Created so that men and boys of colour would have a dedicated place to find relevant mental health resources.
Therapy for Black Men strisp away the stigmatization associated with men of color regarding therapy in their communities at large.
So often the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist.
This space, Therapy for Black Girls, was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible.
Written by Harshita Ganesh, this Brown Girl Magazine post is a personal and moving account of one woman’s experience with therapy.
Home of the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK.
Visit their website to access support or find a therapist.
The Make A Difference Trust is fighting HIV and AIDS one stage at a time.
Their Crisis Fund is designed to provide support to those in the theatre industry who are experiencing unexpected financial distress as a direct result of Covid0-19.
