Newcastle Empathic Counselling Service

20/12/2025

YOU ARE NOT ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS.

If you’re struggling, lonely, or in need of advice, please reach out to these free and confidential UK services.
​Most of these are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including Christmas Day:

​🧠 MENTAL HEALTH & LISTENING SERVICES
​Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7)
​Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7 text support)
​CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–Midnight)
​Papyrus (Under 35s): Call 0800 068 41 41 (24/7)

​🏥 MEDICAL HELP (NON-EMERGENCY)
​NHS 111: Call 111 (24/7 for urgent medical or mental health advice)

​📞 SUPPORT FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
​The Silver Line (Older People): Call 0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7)
​Childline (Under 19s): Call 0800 1111 (24/7)
​National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Call 0800 2000 247 (24/7)
​Switchboard (LGBT+ Support): Call 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm)

​🚨 IN AN EMERGENCY
​Always dial 999 if there is an immediate danger to life.
​Please share this post—you never know who might need to see these numbers today. ❤️

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20/12/2025

If you need support over the festive period, you're not alone.

Our helpline phonelines will be open from:

✨9:30am - 1pm
Christmas Eve

✨10am - 2pm
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
29th December - 1st January

Call 0808 808 1677. If you’re struggling and the helpline isn’t available, please do call Samaritans on 116 123.

https://ow.ly/OFRJ50XJLtN

20/12/2025

Merry Christmas wishes to all ✨🎄🎉

27/11/2025

The launch of the region’s first Safe Haven for children and young people across Newcastle and Gateshead! 💜

We’re over the moon to be partnering with Children North East to launch the region’s first children and young person’s Safe Haven, to provide support to young people aged 13-18 in Newcastle and Gateshead, with a safe space to go during their toughest times.

50% of all mental health problems start by the age of 14, so we know how vital it is that children and young people can access the support they need, when they need it, in a way that works for them.

Launching in early 2026, and funded by North East and North Cumbria NHS (NENC) Integrated Care Board (ICB), the service will offer drop-in support, along with support over the telephone and online.

Ahead of the service launching, local young people will be invited to share their experiences and co-develop this vital service; ensuring a safe, supportive space that reflects what young people really want and need 💬

Through our crisis support services, we’re here for people during their toughest times, and we’re really proud to be able to support children and young people in this way too 💜

⬇️
https://www.everyturn.org/latest-news/children-young-people/the-launch-of-the-regions-first-safe-haven-for-children-and-young-people-across-newcastle-and-gateshead/

18/11/2025

03/11/2025

🫂 Feeling Overwhelmed by the World? Here’s What You Can Do.

​It's completely normal to feel down or anxious when the news is difficult, or things around you feel uncertain.

When the weight of the world gets heavy, remember you have the power to create a peaceful space within it.

​💡 Some things you can do.

*​Filter Your Feed: Actively choose how much negative input you consume. Set time limits for news and social media, and curate your feeds to include more uplifting or positive accounts.

*​Focus on Your Circle of Control: You can't fix every global issue, but you can control your actions, reactions, and efforts in your immediate surroundings. Dedicate energy to local kindness, personal goals, or family time.

*​Connect with Kindness: Reach out to someone you care about, or offer help to a neighbour. Positive human connection is a powerful antidote to feeling isolated and down.

​*Practice Presence: Engage your senses fully in a small, pleasant moment—a cup of tea, a walk, or listening to music. Grounding yourself in the here and now reduces anxiety about the future.

*​Move Your Body: Even 15 minutes of movement (stretching, walking) can change your mood. It’s a physical release for mental stress.

*​Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're consistently struggling to cope, please consider reaching out to a counsellor or therapist. Your mental health matters.

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10/10/2025

Happy World Mental Health Day! 🌍💚

​Today, October 10th, is a vital reminder to prioritize our mental well-being and support those around us.

​Mental health is just as important as physical health. It's okay to have struggles, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay not to be okay.

Let's continue to break down stigma and create a world where everyone feels comfortable discussing their mental health journey.

​Take a moment today to:
​Reflect on your own mental well-being.

​Reach out to someone you care about.

​Practice a form of self-care that brings you peace.

​Be kind to yourself and others.
​You are not alone.

Let's foster a community of understanding and support, today and every day.

​

30/09/2025

Understanding and setting boundaries is a cornerstone of good mental health and healthy relationships. This powerful acronym reminds us exactly what a BOUNDARY truly is:

Your needs matter too.
​It's about respecting your own limits, protecting your energy, and recognizing that your well-being is valid and important. Setting boundaries isn't selfish; it's an act of self-care and self-respect.
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22/09/2025

Do you understand the game that is being played?
You can’t have a hope of winning or defending yourself if you don’t know the rules of the game.

21/09/2025

The response we receive when we disclose abuse, assault or r**e can often be life changing for us.

26/08/2025

When someone mistreats you, remember this truth. Their actions often stem from their own struggles, not from anything you lack.

​Let's focus on building each other up, not tearing down. ✨
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