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Living with, or caring for a loved one with a rare chromosome or gene disorder can sometimes affect our emotional health. It is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
UNIQUE HELPLINE
At Unique we have our telephone and email helpline. Whatever your question, or if you just want to talk to someone, please do not hesitate to pick up the phone or send us an email.
T: +44 (0) 1883 723356 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm BST/GMT)
E: info@rarechromo.org
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS
Unique has a private and hidden Facebook group and several country-specific private & hidden Facebook groups for registered members of Unique. If you’re a member of Unique and not on any of our Facebook groups, please email our Family Support Officer, Marion Mitchell at marion@rarechromo.org.
NEW for 2022: Health and Wellbeing Information Guide
Click here to read and download our brand new guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing for parents, adults and children affected by and living with rare chromosome and gene disorders.
The guide provides lots of resources, helpful information and reassurance that if you are suffering with a mental health problem, you are not alone in feeling the way you do.
This and all our practical guides are available at https://rarechromo.org/practical-guides-for-families/
Here are links to other sources of support in the UK:
NHS SUPPORT
If you would like to talk to somebody about mental health or wellbeing, in the first instance you should talk to your GP. You can also read information about accessing mental health services and support at:
You can also refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service (IAPT) without seeing your GP as long as you are registered with a GP at:
These services offer therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), for common problems including stress and anxiety.
PRIVATE COUNSELLORS AND THERAPISTS
Affinity Hub
This website signposts to emotional support for parents and carers of children with special needs. Many parents of disabled children or children with special needs face additional associated challenges in practical, physical and emotional terms. There is also information about private practitioners with expertise in supporting parents of children with additional needs. www.affinityhub.uk
BACP
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy approved therapists can be found at the following link: www.bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists
GENERAL SUPPORT
There are also many organisations that you can turn to for support;
Mind
Young Minds
Samaritans
If you need to talk through your feelings call 08457 90 90 90
(open 24 hours a day, charges apply) or email jo@samaritans.org
Carers UK
Free helpline 0808 808 7777
UNIQUE’S PRACTICAL SUPPORT GUIDES
You may also find Unique’s practical support guides helpful, in particular, our Carers Wellbeing and Self-Isolation guides:
IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM TO YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE:
This is an emergency:
In the UK, CALL 999 OR 112 to get immediate support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
At Unique, we strive do as much as we can to help, as quickly as we can. However, Unique is not a crisis service and we might not be available in an emergency. Here are links to other sources of support in the UK if we are not immediately available.
IF THERE IS A CRISIS – NO IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM BUT STILL AN URGENT NEED FOR SUPPORT
For health advice and support:
CALL 111
For Covid-19 specific advice and support:
CALL 119
FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT:
CALL The Samaritans on 116 123 (any time, night or day, throughout the year)
EMAIL The Samaritans: jo@samaritans.org (24hr response time)
More information about The Samaritans here:
Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support, 24/7. Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK.: https://giveusashout.org/get-help/
MIND have a list of other crisis services here: