Mental health

We all feel stressed or unhappy at times. Bad times usually pass. But, for one in four of us at any time, things just don’t seem to improve and we can find it hard to cope.

If you’re struggling, there are people who can help. A good place to start is your GP.

If you don’t feel like talking to your GP, there are many organisations in Islington which can help.

iCope offers free and confidential help to adults with stress, worry, depression or insomnia. You’ll learn ways to help yourself so that you feel more able to cope. If you’re over 18 and you live in Camden or have a Camden GP, you can refer yourself to iCope or contact your local iCope team.

Good Thinking is an NHS approved online mental health and wellbeing resource, which contains a range of evidence-based tools, information and apps to support people with anxiety, stress, low mood and sleeping issues.

A full list is available on the Islington Mental Health website. The council hold are a number of mental health training courses, which are free to anyone who works, volunteers, studies or lives in Islington.

Get free mental health support

iCope provides free, confidential help for problems such as stress, worry, depression and insomnia.

You can be seen for assessment and treatment in a range of locations, including your GP surgery, community venues, and our team bases.

If you are an Islington resident, or registered with a GP in Islington, aged 18 years or older and suffering from stress, worry, depression or insomnia, the service can help you.

icon–phone 0303 123 1000
icon–web icope.nhs.uk/self-referral
icon–web icope.nhs.uk


  • Living with Covid-19
    • Living with Covid-19

      It is more important than ever to look after your mental health.

      You do not have to manage it by yourself, we are here to help:

      • Simple things such as getting outdoors, moving more and connecting with others can have a huge impact on your mental health. Check out the Mind website for practical tips for staying well during the pandemic.
      • Many people have been feeling lonely and isolated this year. The befriending network lets you find ways to make connections locally.
      • The Islington Mutual Aid group on Facebook can also help you to connect with support in your neighbourhood.
      • Help on Your Doorstep aim to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Islington, especially those who are vulnerable and isolated. They offer befriending and group telephone chats. They can be reached on 020 3931 6080  or by email.

       

  • For children and young people
    • For children and young people

      Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being support service in Islington for children and young people, which can be accessed via a mobile, laptop or tablet.

      Children or young people can be signposted to Kooth or can sign up themselves to access free and safe online mental health and wellbeing support, so no referral is required.

      The online counselling is provided by a professional team of qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners. Alongside the counselling, there are other online tools and features they can use, such as a daily journal, mini activities and Kooth’s magazine, with peer to peer and community elements. All of these are safe, secure, pre moderated and age appropriate.

      Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) Services are available to support any young person in the borough who may be having difficulties with their emotional wellbeing and/or mental health. Details of how to contact the services are on the Islington Council’s emotional wellbeing page.

      Also, the NHS Every Mind Matters campaign is aimed particularly at young people, with practical advice on how to care for your mental health. More information can be found on the NHS website.

  • For over 55s
    • For over 55s

      Mental wellbeing is important at all ages. Age UK Islington offer free counselling, psychotherapy and group therapy services to people 55 and over in Islington, more information can be found on the Age UK Islington website.

  • For LGBTQ+
    • For LGBTQ+

      There is a free support helpline for anyone identifying as transgender, non-binary or gender fluid?, available Mondays and Fridays 8pm to midnight. Check out the Mindline website for more information.

      Outcome from Islington Mind offer online social groups on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They aim to provide a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ people – somewhere safe where they can be themselves, socialise free from discrimination, receive therapies to improve their mental health, learn new skills and acquire knowledge to improve their quality of life.

      Forum+ is an independent charity working to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Camden, Islington and the surrounding boroughs. They offer online activies which change each month. Call 020 7388 5720 or email info@forumplus.org.uk.