Help Hub

While we have many laughs with our guests throughout the series, we do explore some subjects which may be upsetting and triggering for some.

Issues explored, include:

• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Complex post-traumatic stress ‘disorder’ (CPTS‘D’)
• Imprisonment
• Parental imprisonment
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Post-natal depression (PND)
• Post traumatic stress ‘disorder’ (PTS‘D’)
• Self-harm
• Suicide ideation or planned suicide
• Trauma

We want you to know that you are not alone and that help is available.

This Hub includes easily accessible UK-based resources that we have found helpful. We hope that you do, too.

In the case of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation or a planned suicide, you can reach out to the following (be it for yourself, or on behalf of someone you are concerned about):

Call 111 – 24 hours every day

Call free of charge, on 116 123

Email jo@samaritans.org

Action for Stammering Children – is the UK charity for children and young people who stammer, their families and the communities who support them. They provide a wealth of advice and information, champion research and campaign for policy and societal change. Find out more at: https://actionforstammeringchildren.org/

The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service – visit their website to choose from a range of useful resources:

http://www.addiss.co.uk/

ADDITUDE Magazine is an online magazine which also has frequent webinars on different aspects of ADHD. 

https://www.additudemag.com/

For menopause – visit their website on the link below to download their useful guide on the menopause and possible interventions:

https://www.additudemag.com/download/menopause-adhd-treatments-interventions/?srsltid=AfmBOorwFob5W_1D61hZ8mNmXcXLU0Df-My8ZjnFlK0jYm_DFtheigPj

ADHD Action offers resources and support for parents of children with ADHD, at:

https://www.facebook.com/ADHDUKcharity/

ADHD Babes is a support group for Black women and Black non-binary African-Caribbean ADH‘D’ers. Visit their website to access a range of useful resources

https://www.adhdbabes.com/

At https://www.adoptionuk.org

Action for families enduring criminal trauma offering face to face or telephone counselling, telephone support, group meetings, befriending, court support, training and presentations.

Call 0300 365 3651

Alcohol Change UK, at https://alcoholchange.org.uk/

This website is packed with accessible information, tips and interactive tools to help you reduce your alcohol intake – and the benefits of doing so.

Their practical guide to reducing alcohol intake is also worth checking out – not only because of Lee Mack’s contribution to it!:

Try Dry: The Official Guide to a Month Off Booze.

A no-nonsense official guide to an alcohol-free month, by Alcohol Change UK – with Foreword by comedian, Lee Mack.

Available to purchase here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CZ769BZ?tag=prhmarketing2552-21

Call their free helpline, on 0800 917 7650

Email help@aamail.org

Provides advice and resources to support autistic people who are LGBTQ+. Find out more here: https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

Appropriate Adults UK provides support to juveniles and vulnerable adults held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (P.A.C.E) Codes of Practice for the Detention Treatment and Questioning of Persons by Police Officers or being interviewed by any statutory organisation.

They help individuals who, because of disability, illness, social exclusion and other challenges, find it difficult to express their views or get the support they need.

Visit their website for information, at https://www.appropriateadults.co.uk/ 

During her interview, Katie Price heaped thanks upon the Appropriate Adult service, which, as she explained, made a critical difference in helping her to better process and understand legal issues and what she needed to do, to help improve outcomes for herself.

A weekly peer-support meeting centred around ADHD awareness and personal sharing, while acknowledging the identity intersections of mental health, gender and sexuality. They provide a community for women and non-binary people who identify as LGBTQIA+ or Queer. Find out more here: https://add.org/queer-women-non-binary-adhders/

Autistica is the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity and their website is full of diverse resources. The link below takes you to the list of menopause related resources: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/autism-and-menopause

A small registered charity, with a website jam-packed with diverse resource. Check it out at: https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org

A website for autistic people going through menopause. Find out more at: https://autisticmenopause.com/

Founded by autistic parents seeking connection and support,  this is the only national, autistic-led charity offering support. Given the high co-occurrence between ADH’D’ and autism, we feel it is important to also signpost our listeners to resources for autists and AuDH’D’ers. For further information, visit: https://www.autisticparentsuk.org

I had to include Dr Carrie Grant’s and David Grant’s book here, because it truly is a manual in how to survive parenthood and all the struggles it may bring! Carrie and David have four children, one of whom is adopted and all have come with a curveball: mental health challenges, neurodivergence, trans non-binary identities, various sexualities and they are a mixed-race family. In this book, they share their challenges, while providing pertinent and applicable advice:

Grant, C. and Grant, D. (2023). A Very Modern Family: Stories and guidance to nurture your relationships. London: Piatkus Books.

Available to purchase at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Very-Modern-Family-guidance-inclusive/dp/0349434727

For more book recommendations please see our Bibliography page.

The UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf. Find out more at: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/about-beat/

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser, by calling its adult helpline on 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.

An organisation and support group for black SEND mothers which aims to break down barriers and build inclusivity through its services. Find out more on their website at https://blacksenmamas.com/about/

This website is full of diverse resources to help individuals experiencing body dysmorphia, as well as their family. Visit their website to choose from a range of useful resources at https://bddfoundation.org/

Mind’s online information on body dysmorphia also has some useful resources that you might wish to explore. Visit their dedicated page at https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/useful-contacts/

A national mental health charity which supports individuals who have bipolar, their families and carers. It has an excellent website, with brilliant resources, including Mood Monitoring via their Mood Tracker App, Mood Scale and Mood Diary here, as well as a Peer Support Line, online support community and so much more. Check it out at https://www.bipolaruk.org

A membership organisation working to achieve a dyslexia-friendly society for all. Support for dyscalculia is also offered.

Call their helpline, from Mondays to Thursdays, on 0333 405 4567

Email them at helpline@bdadyslexia.org.uk

Find out more here: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day

Visit the webchat page at https://www.thecalmzone.net/suicide-prevention-helpline

Please note: the webchat opens from 5pm

Support young people by using the C.A.R.E. Kit at https://care.thecalmzone.net/

For children and young people under 19.

Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill.

Many of the top cubers are autistic. Cubing competitions have been a massive help for many autistic children and their parents, as cubing competitions provide a way to socialise more easily as everyone shares a common and unique hobby. This website is full of useful information about cubing and better still – how to set up your own cubing club, be it at school, after-school club or youth centre! They also sell Club Bundles and offer advice, to help you get started! Find out more here: https://cubingclubs.co.uk/

Provides online support groups that enable individuals to share experiences and discuss coping skills. DBSA also has resources for family members and friends of those with bipolar. Find out more at https://www.dbsalliance.org

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of talking therapy. It’s based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), but it’s specially adapted for people who feel emotions very intensely. Visit Mind’s dedicated page at https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/dialectical-behaviour-therapy-dbt/ 

Created by Joseph Pack, this website and its accompanying resources are a must for any ADH‘D’ers who is thinking about managing ADH‘D’ without medication (and instead, with skills not pills, as Joseph says!) For further information and inspiration, visit https://www.drugfreeadhd.org/

At https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk

At http://www.dyscalculiaassociation.uk

Alternative provision of contemporary arts education including video games design, music performance and preparing for adulthood life skills courses for neurodivergent individuals, from a growing number of dedicated centres across the UK and online. Find out more at: https://eobacademy.com

At https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org

This organisation offers free support to anyone who has been sexually abused by someone in the Church, or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.

For further information, visit their website at https://www.firstlight.org.uk/our-services/safe-spaces/

A national anti-drug advisory service

Call their helpline, on 0300 123 6600

Text 82111

Visit their website, at https://www.talktofrank.com/

Email via their contact page, at https://www.talktofrank.com/contact

Gendered Intelligence runs youth groups in London and Leeds for trans, non-binary and questioning young people. It also runs a peer-led support group in London for people aged 18 to 30. A helpful resource for neurodivergent trans, non-binary and questioning young people – and for those in their lives who want to learn more and help.

Find out more here: https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/

An advocacy centre and proud partner of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). Their mission is to assist anyone who has been victimised by sexual assault or abuse. Their website contains a compilation of information concerning the different instances of sexual violence and is replete with resources to assist survivors and their families. To find out more, follow the link: https://helpingsurvivors.org/

Heidi is an advocate for education otherwise than in a school (EOTIS), offering help for families with children in EOTIS. For further information, visit: https://www.heidimavir.com/

A website with packed with information and stories about the menopause, including advice on talking to doctors. Check it out at: https://henpicked.net/

Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. By wearing the Sunflower, you’re letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding or just more time. Find out more at: https://www.hdsunflower.com

This website provides a comprehensive list of support for both female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, as well as those who have survived rape and sexual assault as a result of domestic abuse. You can find their comprehensive list of helpline services at https://sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/#support

An OC’D’ organisation with the most relevant LGBTQIA+ info. Find out more at: https://iocdf.org

The leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, providing free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. For further information, visit: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

This X2 award-winning FREE app was designed by me, Dr Mine Conkbayir.

I designed this app during the first lockdown, to help parents, foster carers, childminders, Early Years professionals and teachers to access quick and effective ways to help children and young people to better manage their emotions.

The tools in this Toolbox are provided by Early Years professionals, mindfulness experts, parents and foster carers – each of whom feature in this app. Give it a go!

The app is available on Android phones and has its own website: https://keepyourcooltoolbox.com/

For people with disability, including learning disability, at https://www.mencap.org.uk

Created by a psychologist and mental health specialist, this website is full of practical techniques to help ease the impact of the perimenopause and menopause. Check it out at: https://menopause-ology.com

The Menopause Charity is designed for individuals experiencing menopause, to help them better understand the changes that are happening to them and know what to do next. Find out more at: https://www.themenopausecharity.org/

Helps gender-diverse young people and their families, at https://mermaidsuk.org.uk

Michael Palin Centre for Stammering – provides practical support for children, young people and adults who stammer, through individually-tailored therapy delivered by highly experienced specialists. They also have resources for speech and language therapists, teacher and parents via their Resource Library. Their helpline, 020 3316 8100, is open during office hours (9am-5pm) and voicemail messages can be left when the office is closed. Find out more here: https://michaelpalincentreforstammering.org/

Call their helpline, on 0300 123 3393

Visit their website for information concerning PND, at https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6c63BhAiEiwAF0EH1BU0rW0JcwVfr9_RoMb_S2GIHaQbvWZ8qxAcEz3TMJvOL8pGcth6hhoCopwQAvD_BwE

Mind’s online information on body dysmorphia also has some useful resources that you might wish to explore. Visit their dedicated page at

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/useful-contacts/

Call their helpline on 0808 801 0331

Email support@napac.org.uk

Provides information and support specifically for parents of autistic children, at https://www.autism.org.uk/

At https://nnpcf.org.uk

A mental health and wellbeing organisation, on a mission to empower people from neurodiverse and culturally diverse communities to thrive. Find out more at: https://neurotribe.uk/

This website contains some helpful information and lifestyle changes which might alleviate the symptoms of the perimenopause and the menopause. Find out more at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/things-you-can-do/

A resource for the ever-growing numbers of families with children experiencing school attendance barriers. Find out more at: https://notfineinschool.co.uk/home

You might also wish to join their Facebook group, which has a membership of 72,000+ parents, carers and other family members

OCD Action is the UK’s largest OCD charity. It provides support for people with OCD and the people in their lives. Find out more here: https://ocdaction.org.uk/

A community of people who support each other in order to recover from compulsive eating and food behaviours. From meetings, to workshops and retreats, their website is full of helpful information and resources. Find out more at: https://www.oagb.org.uk/

Prevention of young suicide.

Visit their webchat page at https://www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-HOPELINE247/

Call 0800 068 41 41

Text 07860 039967

Email pat@papyrus-uk.org

For help with pathological demand avoidance, at https://www.pdasociety.org.uk

Visit their website to choose from a range of useful resources: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/

The national charity providing support to prisoners, people with convictions, and their families

Call their prisoners’ families helpline, free of charge, on 0808 808 2003

https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/

An online community for anyone with a loved one in prison

Visit their website, at https://prisonchatuk.com/

Rape Crisis England and Wales is a feminist charity working to end sexual violence and abuse. They are also the membership organisation for Rape Crisis centres across England and Wales.

You can contact their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line, free of charge, and speak to one of their specialists – at any time of the day or night, on

0808 500 2222

Visit their website to start a free online chat, at https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organisation. Their website is packed full of diverse resources.

Check it out at: https://rainn.org/about-rainn

A charity providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence

Call their helpline on 0808 2000 247

Visit their webchat page at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Chat-to-us-online/

Rock My Menopause offers diverse resources for managing and thriving during the perimenopause. Check it out at: https://rockmymenopause.com/resources/

This organisation offers support to anyone who has been sexually abused by someone in the Church, or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales – no matter how long ago. You do not have to have told the police or the church authorities and you do not have to still be involved with the church.

For further information, visit their website at https://safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk/

You can call them on 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)

Email them at safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk

A support group for adults over 18 who have a brother or sister living with mental health issues

Email info@siblinglink.co.uk

Visit their website, at https://www.siblinglink.co.uk/

Call 0808 115 1505 – 8pm to midnight Monday to Friday, 4pm to midnight Saturday and Sunday

An autistic-led UK based charity, offering diverse support for autistic children and young people, to help them live meaningful and enriching lives. Find out more at: https://www.spectrumgaming.net/

A nonprofit built by and for neurodivergent and disabled people, who describes themselves as ‘’ Feisty Group of Disabled People’’. Love it!

Find out more at: https://stimpunks.org/

Stopping over medication of people with a learning disability and autistic people (STOMP) and supporting treatment and appropriate medication in paediatrics (STAMP) – a national NHS England work programme to stop the inappropriate prescribing of psychotropic medications. The website is full of accessible information and resources for families and carers, as well as all professionals, neurodivergent and disabled individuals. Find out more at:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities/improving-health/stomp-stamp/

Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA) – offers a mutual-help, 12-Step programme, Survivors of Incest Anonymous. They offer virtual and in-person meetings, dependent on location, as this is a U.S-based resource.

Find out more at https://siawso.org/

Their website contains a lengthy list of links to men’s suicide prevention charities which play key roles in breaking down the barriers that prevent men from seeking help for all aspects of their lives. Visit https://letstalkaboutsuicide.co.uk/mens-mental-health-charities/

This government document outlines the legal framework for identifying and supporting children with special educational needs (SEND) in England, at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

(The most recent version of the SEND Code of Practice was reviewed in October 2023)

https://www.met.police.uk/contact/how-to-make-a-silent-999-call/

Thriving in College with ADHD: Essential Tools and Strategies for Success – this article was recommended by a volunteer educator who is passionate about raising awareness of the studying challenges as an ADH‘D’er. Having written in and requested we include it, I had to oblige! So, here you go:

https://abamastersprograms.org/thriving-in-college-with-adhd/

LGBTQIA+ support and campaigns, at https://www.stonewall.org.uk

Call the Tommy’s Midwives’ Helpline, which is a freephone line open 9-5, Monday to Friday, staffed by their specialist team of midwives, for anyone who needs advice, reassurance or support on any pregnancy issue – including mental health, on  0800 0147 800

You can also book your call with their Black and Black Mixed-Heritage Helpline, on https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/about-tommys-pregnancy-information/video-call-service

Visit their website concerning PND, at https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/mental-health-wellbeing/postnatal-depression-pnd#:~:text=If%20you’re%20feeling%20like,Stephanie%2C%20mum%20of%202

UK Narcotics Anonymous (UKNA) is a community of people who have overcome their drug problem, to support each other to achieve and maintain a drug-free life.

It costs nothing to be a UKNA member; you are a member of UKNA when you say you are – and there are no waiting lists for UKNA. If anyone wants to attend a meeting, they just need to show up.

Visit their website at https://ukna.org/

Call their helpline between 10.00am – midnight, on 0300 999 1212

UK Safe Internet Centre (UKSIC) is a unique global partnership comprising of three charities, Childnet, Internet Watch Foundation and South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL), collaborating to identify online threats and harms and provide advice, resources and interventions that help to keep children and young people and adults, safe online. Find out more at: https://saferinternet.org.uk/send

An independent charity in England and Wales that provides support to people affected by crime and trauma

Call their helpline on 08 08 16 89 111

Visit their webchat page at https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat/

A gamified productivity timer that helps you stay off social media by using a virtual “bean” character as motivation. Find out more at: https://www.yourfocusfriend.com

A virtual coworking platform that connects users with accountability partners for 1:1, distraction-free work sessions. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/eUMbNCng

Forest – a productivity and time management tool that uses gamification to help users stay focused by planting virtual trees. Find out more at: https://www.forestapp.cc

A reading lamp that uses a patented technology to project a specific light flow to help people with dyslexia read more easily. Find out more at:

https://www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk/products/lili-lamp-for-dyslexia?srsltid=AfmBOopG9kYdiWVZ4l0ablw0hmB5HpyIgO63i7RDbbRmIschMPNkW7yl

A work management platform designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their projects and tasks. Find out more at: https://www.asana.com

A collection of AI-powered tools designed to assist with productivity and organization, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Find out more at: https://goblin.tools

A visual workspace for creative projects that allows users to organize ideas using a drag-and-drop interface. Find out more at: https://milanote.com

The website for Nuance Audio, a company that produces stylish eyeglasses with integrated, discreet hearing aid technology for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Find out more at: https://www.nuanceaudio.com

An AI-powered transcription and note-taking service that converts spoken language into written text. Find out more at: https://otter.ai

Portable, handheld devices that use text-to-speech technology to read printed text aloud. Find out more at: https://www.scanningpens.co.uk

A to-do list app that is available on a wide range of platforms. Find out more at: https://www.todoist.com

A personal task management app that helps you create and organize to-do lists. Find out more at: https://to-do.office.com

A web-based project management tool that uses a visual, Kanban-style system of boards, lists, and cards to help individuals and teams organize and track projects. Find out more at: https://trello.com

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