In Your Community
Listed on this page are organisations that provide support specifically in Cumbria, South Scotland and Lancashire. You can also download a Directory of support organisations from our October 2022 Barrow event, Supporting Each Other Through Loss, as a pdf here.
See organisations that provide support specifically to young people here.
First Step
First Step is part of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and provides free, talking therapies to adults in Cumbria with depression and anxiety disorders. They are part of the national IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) programme. First Step can help with a range of common mental health problems including mild to moderate depression, anxiety disorders (such as chronic worry, panic attacks, health anxiety and obsessions), mild bulimia, anger or sleep problems. First Step practitioners will listen to your experience and work with you to understand how you have been feeling. Together you will decide what sort of help might work best for you. Talking treatments (the commons ones being cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling) are designed to help you to understand and change your ways of thinking, feeling and acting which can then help you to do the things you want to do and live a more satisfying life.
First Step: North Cumbria | South Cumbria
Every Life Matters
Every Life Matters believes suicide is everyone’s business. Their focus is particularly on enabling members of their local communities across Cumbria to feel able to talk openly about suicide; understand when someone is at risk; find out how they can support people experiencing suicidal thoughts; and develop understanding of what local and national support is available. Every Life Matters also works with other providers to develop the breadth of suicide bereavement support for individuals and communities across the County.
Every Life Matters: Cumbria
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care is a registered charity and has branches throughout the United Kingdom, providing free and confidential support to individuals and families, helping them to come to terms with the loss of someone important in their lives and to understand their grief. Cruse have many trained and experienced volunteers across our area who can see people individually and help them talk about the death of someone close. Cruse has no connection with any church or faith and the service is free and confidential.
Cruse branches: Cumbria | Lancashire | Scotland
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of other bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents who have suffered the death of a child/children. They offer support both directly to bereaved families and indirectly by fostering understanding and good practice amongst professionals concerned with child death and by increasing public awareness. They recognise that many who have suffered the loss of a child feel a bond with others similarly bereaved and wish to extend the hand of friendship. The Compassionate Friends hold support groups around the country. In areas where there is no group currently meeting (Cumbria and South Scotland), there may be local support contacts who will talk on the telephone, via email and/or meet with you one-to-one. Please phone or email the Helpline for the contact details of volunteers offering this support in your local area.
The Compassionate Friends branches: Lancashire
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. Every year they train over 6000 professionals, helping them to better understand and meet the needs of grieving families. The South Lakeland branch is based in Kendal. You can download their leaflet here.
Child Bereavement UK branches: South Lakeland
Mind
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 branches: Furness | Ulverston | Carlisle Eden | West Cumbria
Samaritans
Talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. With over 20,000 volunteers based in 201 branches across 5 nations, the Samaritans are actively involved in a community near you.
Samaritans branches: Dumfries | Carlisle | West Cumbria | Barrow, Furness and South Lakes | Lancaster and District |
Counselling
Being listened to by someone who isn't directly involved with your issues can be hugely helpful.
Counsellors: Cumbria | Lancashire | Dumfries
Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.