Health and wellbeing
Where can I get help with my mental health if I am feeling sad, anxious or depressed?
If you need help with your mental health, speak to:
- your GP
- an adult you trust
There are support organisations that can help.
If you need urgent help and are at immediate risk or harm:
- call 999 and ask for an ambulance
What should I do if I am being bullied?
Bullying can happen online or face to face. If you are being bullied:
- tell someone you trust
- keep a record of what is happening
- do not retaliate
- surround yourself with people that make you feel good
- do not blame yourself
- be proud of who you are
Find information, helplines and useful websites on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website.
Video about what to do if you are being bullied online
Video from the Anti-Bullying Alliance
Relationships, sex and sexual health
Relationships are an important part of life but can be difficult to talk about.
Mencap have produced information about sexuality and relationships for those with learning disabilities.
There is also an article about the do's and don'ts of dating.
Brook offer a free sexual health and contraception service for people living in Southend-on-Sea.
Sexual health information on GOV.UK
Sexual health easy read guides.
Sexual health videos with British Sign Language.
Information about LGBTQIA+
- LGBTQ+ information from Ambitious about Autism
- Resources about gender identity, gender expression and sexuality on Mencap
Making appointments with doctors and dentists
Doctors
Your GP surgery can help you book an appointment. You may also find this useful:
Information about GP appointments (easy read).
Information about appointments and bookings at your GP surgery on the NHS website.
If you are not registered with a GP, you can find one on the NHS website.
Information about how to register with a GP surgery.
Dentists
If you do not have a dentist, find one on the NHS website.
Community Dental Services (CDS) offer dentistry for those whose needs cannot be met by other NHS dental services. This includes people with special educational needs and disabilities. General Dental Practitioners and Health and Social Care professionals can refer into the service. Self-referrals are also welcome for some services.
Information about CDS Essex Clinics, including the Southend Clinic.
Find out what happens when you visit an NHS dentist.
Watch videos with words, symbols and Makaton about what happens when you visit the dentist:
Your dental appointment - a positive choice.
Information about dentists for people with special educational needs and disabilities:
Dentists for disabled adults and children - Scope
Dental treatment for people with special needs - NHS
Dental care for people with special needs - Oral Health Foundation