Paths to Support

A place to find support along the way.

Where possible, services include Deaf-friendly options such as BSL, text, or email support, so you can reach out in the way that works best for you. This helps ensure Deaf and hearing people can access support in ways that work for them.

If reading Becoming Aware brings up strong feelings, please know you don’t have to walk this path alone.

This page brings together trusted support resources, alongside the people and communities you may already turn to.

Different people need different kinds of support. This may come from organisations, trusted individuals, or your wider community. Wherever your path has led you, there are always voices and hands ready to walk beside you.

Experience WovenAware in BSL

A short British Sign Language (BSL) introduction to the support and resources available here.

You are welcome to experience it in BSL first.

English subtitles are included to support access.

This BSL video may require cookies to load. You can enable cookies if you’d like to watch it.

Support Categories on This Page

Jump to a section:

Important Information

The services listed here are external organisations. They are provided for information only. WovenAware does not control or accept responsibility for the content, services, or support provided by these organisations.

The services below are UK-based. If you are outside the UK, please look for equivalent organisations in your region – many countries have similar helplines, advocacy bodies, and support networks.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 (or use 999 BSL if you are a Deaf BSL user).

For the full statement, see the Disclaimer (Read First).

🚨 Crisis & Emergency Support

Immediate support for urgent or crisis situations.

999 BSL

Emergency video relay service in BSL, available 24/7 for Deaf BSL users. Hearing callers should use 999 by phone.

999 BSL

Emergency video relay service in BSL, available 24/7 for Deaf BSL users. Hearing callers should use 999 by phone.

NHS 111

Urgent but non-emergency medical help (online or phone).

NHS 111

Urgent but non-emergency medical help (online or phone).

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Specialist support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Specialist support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Refuge (Domestic Abuse Helpline)

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, including safe housing.

Refuge (Domestic Abuse Helpline)

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, including safe housing.

Samaritans

Free, confidential listening service available 24/7 for anyone in distress.

Samaritans

Free, confidential listening service available 24/7 for anyone in distress.

Shout

24/7 text-based crisis line.

Hearing: text SHOUT to 85258

Deaf or Hard of Hearing: text DEAF to 85258

Shout

24/7 text-based crisis line.

Hearing: text SHOUT to 85258

Deaf or Hard of Hearing: text DEAF to 85258

🧠 Mental Health & Trauma Support

Specialist support for emotional distress, trauma, and mental health concerns.

Mind UK

Information, advice, and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Mind UK

Information, advice, and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Free, confidential support line for anyone in emotional distress.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Free, confidential support line for anyone in emotional distress.

NHS Every Mind Matters

NHS tools and tips for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood.

NHS Every Mind Matters

NHS tools and tips for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood.

PTSD UK

Information, resources, and guidance for people living with PTSD or CPTSD.

PTSD UK

Information, resources, and guidance for people living with PTSD or CPTSD.

Rethink Mental Illness

Support, advice, and campaigning for people living with mental illness and their carers.

Rethink Mental Illness

Support, advice, and campaigning for people living with mental illness and their carers.

🤟 Deaf & BSL-Specific Support

Deaf-led and BSL-accessible services.

Deaf4Deaf

Therapy and counselling delivered in BSL by Deaf professionals.

Deaf4Deaf

Therapy and counselling delivered in BSL by Deaf professionals.

DeafPLUS

Independent advocacy, advice, and equipment support.

DeafPLUS

Independent advocacy, advice, and equipment support.

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)

Support and advocacy for families of deaf children and young people.

National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)

Support and advocacy for families of deaf children and young people.

RNID

Support, information, and services for people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or have tinnitus.

RNID

Support, information, and services for people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or have tinnitus.

SignHealth

Deaf-led charity providing mental health and wellbeing services in BSL.

SignHealth

Deaf-led charity providing mental health and wellbeing services in BSL.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Children Support

Support for families, parents, and children.

Contact

Advice and guidance for families with disabled children.

Contact

Advice and guidance for families with disabled children.

FamilyLives

Helpline and resources offering parenting and family support.

FamilyLives

Helpline and resources offering parenting and family support.

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)

Support for adult survivors of childhood abuse.

NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)

Support for adult survivors of childhood abuse.

NSPCC Helpline

Safeguarding helpline for concerns about a child’s safety or well-being.

NSPCC Helpline

Safeguarding helpline for concerns about a child’s safety or well-being.

YoungMinds Parents Helpline

Free, confidential advice for parents worried about a child’s mental health.

YoungMinds Parents Helpline

Free, confidential advice for parents worried about a child’s mental health.

⚖️ Workplace & Rights Support

Support for workplace issues, discrimination, and rights.

ACAS

Free advice on workplace rights, fairness, and resolving disputes.

ACAS

Free advice on workplace rights, fairness, and resolving disputes.

Access to Work (DWP)

Government scheme offering support for disabled people in employment, including funding for interpreters, communication support, and specialist equipment.

Access to Work (DWP)

Government scheme offering support for disabled people in employment, including funding for interpreters, communication support, and specialist equipment.

Bullying UK (part of Family Lives)

Support and guidance for anyone experiencing bullying at work, school, or online.

Bullying UK (part of Family Lives)

Support and guidance for anyone experiencing bullying at work, school, or online.

Disability Rights UK

Information and support on accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights.

Disability Rights UK

Information and support on accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights.

Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

Free advice on discrimination, equality, and human rights.

Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

Free advice on discrimination, equality, and human rights.

Protect

The UK’s dedicated whistleblowing charity, offering confidential advice to workers.

Protect

The UK’s dedicated whistleblowing charity, offering confidential advice to workers.

Speak Out Revolution

Platform amplifying voices silenced by workplace culture.

Speak Out Revolution

Platform amplifying voices silenced by workplace culture.

Transparency International UK

Tackling corruption, secrecy, and systemic injustice.

Transparency International UK

Tackling corruption, secrecy, and systemic injustice.

Advocacy Services (local)

Independent advocacy for NHS and care issues
Find these via Healthwatch or your local NHS

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) (local NHS service)

Support with healthcare concerns
Find via your NHS Trust

🌍 Identity & Inclusion Support

Support for identity, discrimination, and inclusion.

Black Minds Matter UK

Free therapy and mental health support tailored to Black communities in the UK.

Black Minds Matter UK

Free therapy and mental health support tailored to Black communities in the UK.

Galop

National support service for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse, violence, or discrimination.

Galop

National support service for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse, violence, or discrimination.

Inclusion London

Disability equality organisation providing advocacy, campaigning, and support.

Inclusion London

Disability equality organisation providing advocacy, campaigning, and support.

🌿 General Well-being Support

Support for general well-being and life challenges.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Support for people experiencing grief and loss.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Support for people experiencing grief and loss.

Relate

Counselling and advice for relationships, couples, families, and individuals.

Relate

Counselling and advice for relationships, couples, families, and individuals.

The Mix

Free, confidential support for young people under 25, including helpline and online chat.

The Mix

Free, confidential support for young people under 25, including helpline and online chat.

Accessibility & Service Notes

Many of these services offer text, email, or BSL video options. If you encounter barriers, you can request accessible communication when reaching out.

Services marked as local will need to be found within your area using the guidance provided above.

These resources are listed for information only. Please see the Disclaimer (Read First) for full details.

Closing Note

Whatever you are facing, you are not alone. Support is here, and there are always people ready to walk beside you.

Safety Reminder
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 (or use 999 BSL if you are a Deaf BSL user).