Last week marked Mental Health Awareness week and this year the Mental Health Foundation set the theme as Action, a theme that focuses a spotlight on change for ourselves and for others, a theme that forces us to be proactive and seek change and a theme that resonates with us at Represent Women.
Whilst we are seeking change and action within the women and girls sector and the Mental Health Foundation are seeking change and action in the way we treat and view mental health, both our own and of others, we are united in our joint quest for change and advocacy.
As we focus on the women and girls sector, particularly in the North East, we would like to use this opportunity to highlight some of the amazing organisations who offer life changing support to women and girls struggling with their mental health across the region.
The work they do does not go unnoticed by us, and Mental Health Awarenesses week is as much about the work they do, and the support they offer, as it is about mental health in general. We would like to use this opportunity to thank and shine a light on our members who work endlessly to support women and girls with their mental health.
A note from our Sector Engagement Officer, Livv, whose role is to connect with our member organisations:
“I wanted to take a moment to give our mental health organisations their flowers, to recognise their dedication and compassion. The restorative mental health support you provide for women and girls across the North East would not be possible without your commitment and care.
“Thank you for continuing to hold space for healing, empowerment, and change.”
Find a detailed list of who these organisations are and what they do below, and for a list of women and girls services beyond just mental health, have a look through our directory – Directory | Represent Women
Women and girls services in the North East who support with mental health:
A Way Out – Supports women who are at risk or have experienced multiple disadvantages (including addiction, homelessness and mental ill health) by providing psychotherapy.
Al Falaq Counselling – Al-Falaq Counselling CIC provides inclusive mental health support for minoritised communities.
Angelou Centre – Provides counselling support to black and minoritised survivors.
Aspire – Confidential listening helpline for those dealing with mental health issues.
Dottir Wellbeing Centre – Dottir Wellbeing Centre in Hebburn brings together holistic care with strength & fitness, counselling, physical therapy and community initiatives to help women feel stronger, healthier and more connected.
Free Women’s Community – Group counselling sessions for survivors’ recovery.
Just for Women – A safe, confidential space where women can speak openly about their experiences, emotions, and challenges without fear of judgment.
My Sister’s Place – Provides counselling and therapy that is ‘trauma informed’ and in many cases ‘trauma specific’. They offer free and confidential one to one counselling for survivors 16 and over who have experienced or witnessed abuse of any kind, either historical or on-going.
RSACC- Darlington & Co Durham Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre – Provide telephone and email mental health support to survivors.
Rubies – Provide counselling support for young girls.
Tyneside Women’s Health – Counselling services for women and girls struggling with their mental health.
Wears Valley Women’s Aid / Newcastle Women’s Aid – Provides counselling services and group support for survivors.
WHIST (Women’s Health in South Tyneside) – Offer free individual counselling for women aged 16+ Their counselling service has been running for over 30 years.
Women Today – Mental health support via groups and activities to support black and minoritised communities.
WWIN (Specialist Domestic Abuse Services)– Offer free and confidential, one-to-one trauma informed counselling for victims aged 16 and over who have experienced or witnessed abuse of any kind and are still being affected physically and emotionally by the experience.
Young Women’s Outreach Project – Counselling service for women and girls struggling with their mental health.
If you would like to be featured in our directory reach out to us at hello@representwomenne.org.uk – We are keen to add as many women and girls organisations in the North East as possible.
Disclaimer: We continuously work on keeping our directory as up to date as possible but as things are always changing we appreciate we may not always be as up to date as we would like. If you notice any changes that should be made to our directory, please don’t hesitate to let us know.