MAKE A REFERRAL
WHO WE ARE FOR
Is this the right support for you?
We support adults (18+) in Essex who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties and who, at some point, now or in the past, have struggled with suicidal thoughts. You don't need to be in crisis. You don't need the "right" words. If life feels heavy and you're not sure where to turn, we're a good place to start.
We're not the right fit if you need urgent help right now. If you're in immediate danger, or things feel unsafe today, please reach out to one of these instead — they're there 24/7:
In immediate danger? Call 999.
Samaritans — 116 123, free, any time.
We can also point you towards the right service for trauma, addiction, or anxiety support if that's what you need. Reaching out to us is never the wrong move — if we're not the right fit, we'll help you find who is.
Refer yourself — you don't need a GP to reach out
You don't need anyone's permission to ask for support. If you're an adult (18+) in Essex, finding life difficult, and you've struggled with suicidal thoughts, now or at some point in the past, you can refer yourself directly. No GP, no waiting for someone else to make the call.
You don't have to be certain you "qualify." You don't have to find the right words for how you feel. If you're not sure whether we're the right fit, get in touch anyway — we'll talk it through with you, and if there's somewhere better placed to help, we'll point you there.
What happens next:
StepWhat to expect
1. You get in touch - Fill in the short self-referral form below. It only takes a few minutes.
2. We talk - Our Clinical Assessor will be in touch to understand what's going on and what kind of support would help.
3. We match you - If we're the right fit, we'll arrange your counselling, telephone befriending or coffee group. If we're not, we'll help you find who is.
If you need help right now: This isn't an emergency service. If you're in immediate danger or things feel unsafe today, please call 999, or Samaritans on 116 123 — free, any time.
For GPs, Social Prescribers & Referrers
Referring a patient to Reach Out For Mental Health
We're an Essex based counselling and suicide prevention charity for adults (18+) with mild to moderate mental health needs and low to moderate current risk, who have current or historical suicidal thoughts or ideation. Suicidal ideation, current or historic, is a qualifying requirement for our counselling and coffee group services. We are not a general wellbeing or low-mood service.
The first question to ask: Does this person have current or historical suicidal thoughts or ideation?
Yes — they may be suitable. Please refer.
No, and none suspected — please refer to Mind, NHS Talking Therapies, or GP wellbeing support.
Unsure — please refer anyway. Not everyone discloses suicidal thoughts, particularly men. Our Clinical Assessor determines suitability at assessment, not from referral notes alone.
We don't accept referrals for: low mood or general anxiety with no suicidal ideation, active suicidality or unmanageable risk, complex trauma as the primary need, active alcohol or drug addiction, or ongoing court proceedings.
ALTERNATIVE SERVICES
Mind Mid and North East Essex
Trust Links
NHS Talking Therapies
Mid Essex Social Prescribing
Crisis Support
Longer-term Support
Mind mainstream support
NHS Talking Therapies
Frontline directory
Specialist Support
Essex Sexual Abuse Support (trauma)
Carers First (unpaid carers)
Substance misuse services