Basingstoke mental health support organisations you can use

Whether you are struggling with mental health, addiction, domestic abuse or homelessness, Basingstoke is full of organisations that can help provide support.

Several organisations came together during The Baton of Hope's tour through Basingstoke on Thursday, September 25, to share details about the support they offer and how you can find them.

This article provides details of six organisations and support networks you can turn to.

The Camrose Centre(Image: Newsquest)

The Camrose Centre

The Camrose Centre is a drop-in centre for anyone who is sleeping rough, homeless or vulnerably housed within Basingstoke and Deane.

It offers breakfast and a hot lunch in a friendly and non-judgmental environment. It is a place where people struggling with accommodation can find a listening ear and companionship, as well as access to a hot shower, clean clothes, shoes and food packs.

It also distributes tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks to homeless people in Basingstoke when they are available and can help with access to physical and mental health services with a local GP visit once a month.

Claire Farrow, centre manager, said: "As well as running our normal service for vulnerable people five days a week, we will begin to open on Mondays in November on a temporary basis to cover the refurbishment of May Place hostel and provide further support."

Find out more by visiting: thecamrosecentre.org/

Cocaine Anonymous(Image: Newsquest)

Cocaine Anonymous

Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction.

There are no membership fees; the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.

The Basingstoke branch meets at St Michael's Church Cottage on Tuesdays and Oakridge Hall on Thursdays.

Emma Murray, who runs the sessions, said: "We're a support group not affiliated with anyone and we have meetings in the area and online, helping people to cope with all substances, not just cocaine.

"We encourage people to get a sponsor who has been through the 12 steps, to help them get through them themselves."

Find out more by visiting www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council(Image: Newsquest)

Basingstoke and Deane White Ribbon accreditation

Working to end violence against women and girls, by engaging men and boys to make a stand, has led to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council being accredited by White Ribbon UK.

A comprehensive three-year action plan has been crafted to change the attitudes and cultures that lead to abuse and violence and to promote gender equality.

Rachel Fletcher, of the BDBC housing team, said: "We are actively working to end violence against women and girls, as part of a wider scheme to end abuse.

"We just became accredited, and we do lots of work within the local authority to help support and end the causes of domestic abuse."

Find out more by visiting: www.basingstoke.gov.uk/white-ribbon

Cruse(Image: Newsquest)

Cruse

Cruse is a national organisation that helps people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.

A Hampshire-specific support after suicide service helps to ensure that those grieving after death by suicide are not left to cope alone.

Liz Jones, suicide bereavement liaison worker, said: "We offer practical and emotional support to anyone involved with or affected by suicide.

"We are open to anybody, it's a free service and not time-bound, so we can work with a client as long as needed.

"We offer practical help like liaising with coroners and police, and attending inquests, we also have a children and young persons counsellor."

Find out more by visiting: https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Sparsholt College Group(Image: Newsquest)

Sparsholt College Group

With campuses in Winchester and Andover, Sparsholt College Group offers adult education and is committed to supporting pupils struggling with mental health.

Nikki Yates, of Sparsholt College, said: "There is a big focus on wellbeing and support across both campuses, helping young people get the support they need, including students who are suffering with suicidal thoughts."

Find out more by visiting: www.sparsholt.ac.uk/the-college/

Stop Domestic Abuse(Image: Newsquest)

Stop Domestic Abuse

Stop Domestic Abuse is a woman-led organisation that supports and protects victims and survivors of domestic abuse and stalking, providing a range of flexible and accessible services across Hampshire.

Debbie Wenderby, of Stop Domestic Abuse, said: "We support women, children, young people and men going through domestic abuse.

"We do a specialist service working with teenagers who are abused in their own relationships, we also go into schools and host workshops and awareness days."

Find out more by visiting: stopdomesticabuse.uk

Helplines 

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers:

Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or go online at samaritans.org 

Child Bereavement UK 0800 028 8840 childbereavementuk.org 

Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 cruse.org.uk  

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org