Mental health & emotional distress

If you are struggling and need support, our Community Support team is available for first line emotional support, or to signpost to further psychological support, from Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm). If you need help urgently or in a crisis please refer to the helpline numbers below:

Support in times of crisis
Country-specific support
Additional support resources

To get in touch with our Community Support team, please contact us on 01344 771961 (option 1) or via email at [email protected]. Outside of our usual hours you can email or leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your call this morning - I appreciate how busy you are and feel very supported by you.

DEBRA member

Long-term health conditions can often affect people's mental health and lead to periods of psychological distress. Our team have training in listening skills and mental health first aid; we can act as a listening ear whilst also providing information and guidance and practical help with another issue, such as:

A little help in one area, sharing your worries and knowing you have some support can help to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety and improve your overall wellbeing. If you are worried about debt and how it is impacting your mental health, Money Saving Expert has some great information for Help, info, guidance and support for individuals and carers.

Thank you very much for your time this morning. It was like a breath of fresh air.

DEBRA member

Thank you for your help and support. I am really grateful to you.

DEBRA member

Support in times of crisis

If you require immediate attention:

Text SHOUT to 85258 to access a free, 24/7 support service

Call Samaritans on 116 123 24/7 if you need to talk

Country-specific support

England - NHS: Every mind matters; you can also refer yourself for NHS counselling services

Scotland - ClearYourHead

Wales - Public Health Wales

Northern Ireland - NI Direct

Additional support resources

Mind - mental health charity

Anxiety UK - charity for those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression

Kooth - support for young people (and referrals to counselling)

Some people may find it useful reaching out to their GP or directly to their school for support.

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End of life & bereavement

We can offer a listening ear when grieving, refer you for further support in your local area, help make funeral arrangements, help you access benefit entitlements, as well as assist in creating a DEBRA remembrance page.
Learning & education

People living with EB may require support in their educational journey, as well as an understanding of EB by their schools and peers.
Work & employment

If you are living with EB you may require some support throughout the employment process - from job searching and interviewing to understanding workplace and employment rights.
Finances & benefits

People living with EB, and their families may be entitled to certain government benefits or other schemes for financial support, including grants provided by DEBRA.
Carers

Every day 6,000 people become unpaid carers. You may find this information useful whether you yourself are a carer yourself or you receive support from a carer.
Meet the Community Support Team

Meet the team delivering essential EB support services, including practical, financial and emotional support and advocacy to the EB community.
How we can help

We have a dedicated team with a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to deliver EB support services including practical, financial, emotional support and advocacy for the EB community.