Support: One Piece at a Time
We know how heavy it can feel when you’re trying to hold everything together.
Motherhood. Mental health. Life.
This page isn’t about fixing it all in one go.
It’s about finding what fits. One piece at a time.
You’ll find a list of organisations we regularly share in our support groups — from local services to national helplines, for everything from crisis care to long-term support.
No pressure. No perfect path. Just options — ready for when you are.
Maternal Mental Health Support
Perinatal Mental Health Team (Cumbria)
Support during pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth. For moderate to severe mental health difficulties.
Accessed via referral from your GP, midwife, or health visitor.
Part of the NHS Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service.
More info on service
Maternal Mental Health Team (Cumbria)
Support for people experiencing trauma related to birth, pregnancy loss, or neonatal care.
Referral can be made by a healthcare professional.
01768 245954
mmhs@ncic.nhs.uk
Birth Trauma Association
Support for anyone who’s had a difficult or traumatic birth experience.
0203 621 6338
www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity)
Support after the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth.
0808 164 3332
www.sands.org.uk
Silent Footprint (Cumbria)
Peer-led support around pregnancy loss and stillbirth. Home | Silent Footprints Cumbria
silentfootprint2019@gmail.com
The Motherhood Group
Creating safe spaces and peer support for Black mothers.
info@motherhoodgroup.com
www.themotherhoodgroup.com
Maternity Voices Partnership (Cumbria)
Championing better maternity care by listening to the voices of parents.
carlisleeden@matvoices.uk or westcumbria@matvoices.uk
West North East Cumbria Maternity Voices Partnership
Men's Mental Health
Andy’s Man Club
Free peer support groups for men to come together, talk and be heard — no pressure, no judgement. Every Monday in a venue near you.
info@andysmanclub.co.uk
www.andysmanclub.co.uk
Offload Cumbria
Men’s mental health support groups in a relaxed, non-clinical environment. Come as you are.
offloadcumbria@outlook.com
www.facebook.com/offloadcumbria
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
A national service supporting men who are feeling low or suicidal. Offers webchat, resources and a helpline every day from 5pm–midnight.
www.thecalmzone.net
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Mind
One of the UK’s leading mental health charities. Offers trusted information, a peer community, and local support through its network of Local Minds.
www.mind.org.uk
0300 123 3393 | info@mind.org.uk
NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies
(formerly First Step)
Free, confidential NHS support for common mental health problems like anxiety, depression and trauma. Self-referral available — you don’t need a GP to get started.
Part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
0300 123 9122
More info
Together We
Cumbrian-based support for mental health and wellbeing through counselling, peer groups and community programmes.
www.togetherwe.uk
Growing Well
A mental health charity that combines working farms with structured therapeutic support.
Based in Cumbria — real connection, real recovery.
07512 316568
www.growingwell.co.uk
Mindline Cumbria
A safe, non-judgemental space to talk.
Open Mon–Fri: 12pm–11pm | Sat–Sun: 5pm–11pm
www.mindlinecumbria.org
Shout
Text support from trained volunteers, 24/7. Free, confidential and immediate.
Text SHOUT to 85258
www.giveusashout.org
Samaritans
Available 24/7 for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed or in crisis.
Call 116 123 (free from any phone)
www.samaritans.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Support for men struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts.
Webchat and helpline open daily, 5pm–midnight.
www.thecalmzone.net
Kooth (Young People) / Qwell (Adults)
Free, anonymous mental health support online — with live chat, articles, forums, and counselling.
Young People: www.kooth.com
Adults: www.qwell.io
Every Life Matters (Cumbria)
Suicide prevention charity offering training, resources, and local signposting.
info@every-life-matters.org.uk
www.every-life-matters.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness
Peer support groups, housing services, crisis support and information for people living with severe mental illness.
www.rethink.org
SANE
Out-of-hours support and an online community for people living with complex mental health issues.
www.sane.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Evidence-based guides, resources, and toolkits to support your mental wellbeing.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Hub of Hope
A national mental health database that brings together support in your area — NHS, charities and community.
www.hubofhope.co.uk
Time to Change
Campaigning to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
www.time-to-change.org.uk
Switchboard LGBTQ+
Confidential support for LGBTQ+ people by LGBTQ+ volunteers.
0300 330 0630 | 10am–10pm every day
www.switchboard.lgbt
Always Another Way
Mental health and wellbeing support across West Cumbria. Offers a wide range of services including counselling, peer support, and crisis help for children, young people and adults.
www.alwaysanotherway.co.uk
Family & Parenting Support
Health Visitors (Cumbria)
Health visitors are there to support you from late pregnancy right up until your child turns five. They can help with feeding, sleep, development checks and those “Is this normal?” questions we all have.
You can contact the Healthy Child Hub directly:
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Cumberland: 0300 304 9029 (9am–5pm)
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Westmorland and Furness: 0300 304 9039 (8:30am–5pm)
Midwives (Cumbria)
Midwives offer care during pregnancy, birth and beyond. They’re often the first people to notice when something’s not quite right — physically or emotionally.
Key contacts:
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Penrith Birth Centre: 01768 245558
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West Cumberland Hospital: 01946 523242
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Or contact your local GP surgery for midwife clinics in your area.
You can also connect with the Maternity Voices Partnership if you’d like to share feedback on maternity care.
Family Action – FamilyLine
Family life isn’t always easy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated or stuck, FamilyLine offers free emotional support and guidance.
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Call: 0808 802 6666
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Text: 07537 404 282
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Email: familyline@family-action.org.uk
www.family-action.org.uk
Cumbria Family Support
Helping families through difficult times — whether that’s a rough patch in parenting, relationship struggles, or extra stress at home. Friendly, practical, non-judgemental.
01768 593102
www.cumbriafamilysupport.org.uk
Barnardo’s
Wide-ranging support for children and families across the UK — from safeguarding to emotional wellbeing.
www.barnardos.org.uk
Team Evie
Support for families of seriously ill children, offering practical resources and emotional support.
www.teamevie.org
Child Bereavement UK
Support for children who are grieving — or for parents facing the unthinkable loss of a child.
0800 0288 840
www.childbereavementuk.org
Spiral (Cumbria)
For children and young people experiencing bullying, low confidence or emotional distress.
01228 642640
maryann@spiralcumbria.co.uk
Abuse, Trauma & Crisis Support
Safety Net (Cumbria)
Support for people affected by rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse — including children and young people.
01228 515859
www.safetynetuk.org
The Bridgeway (Cumbria)
24/7 support for anyone who has experienced sexual assault. They offer medical care, emotional support, and guidance on reporting (if and when you’re ready).
0808 118 6432
www.thebridgeway.org.uk
Freedom Project West Cumbria
Domestic abuse support for women, men, and children.
Mon–Fri, office hours.
www.freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk
Victim Support (Cumbria)
Practical and emotional support for anyone affected by crime — recent or historic.
Local line: 0300 303 0157
National (24/7): 0808 1689 111
www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
Free, confidential support available 24/7 for women experiencing domestic abuse.
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women’s Aid – Survivor’s Handbook
Online guide for women navigating domestic abuse. Covers housing, legal rights, tech safety and more.
www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook
Respect – Men’s Advice Line
Support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
0808 8010 327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Galop
LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity. Offers specialist support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk
Karma Nirvana
Support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
0800 5999 247 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
www.karmanirvana.org.uk
The Survivors Trust
National umbrella organisation offering resources, helpline support and a directory of specialist services for sexual violence survivors.
Helpline: 0808 801 0818
www.thesurvivorstrust.org
Growing Well
A mental health charity that combines working farms with structured therapeutic support.
Based in Cumbria — real connection, real recovery.
07512 316568
www.growingwell.co.uk
Rape Crisis
24/7 national helpline and access to local centres for anyone affected by sexual violence.
0808 500 2222
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Mindline Cumbria
A safe, non-judgemental space to talk.
Open Mon–Fri: 12pm–11pm | Sat–Sun: 5pm–11pm
www.mindlinecumbria.org
Neurodiversity & Additional Needs
Diff-Ability
Advocacy and training around learning disabilities and inclusion.
info@diffability.co.uk
www.diffability.co.uk
Bee Unique
Raising autism awareness and supporting autistic children and their families.
beeuniquecharity@gmail.com
www.beeuniquecharity.co.uk
4 Eden
Community-based support for people with learning disabilities and autism. Focused on independence, inclusion and meaningful activity.
www.4eden.co.uk
Team Autism
Support for autistic adults — including peer groups and mentoring.
07748 350587
susan@teamautism.co.uk
People First
A user-led charity supporting people with learning difficulties to have their voices heard.
0300 303 8037
www.peoplefirstcumbria.co.uk
Sendiass Cumbria
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service. Independent support for parents, carers and young people navigating education and EHCP processes.
07788 360336 or 07825 584865
www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/sendiass
Ican / WeCan (Carlisle)
Support around confidence, wellbeing, communication and independence for people with additional needs.
01228 819101
www.cumbriapartnership.nhs.uk
Practical Life Support
Citizens Advice Cumbria
Free advice on benefits, debt, housing, employment, and more.
0808 278 7844
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Healthwatch Cumbria
Helping you navigate health and social care — and making sure your voice is heard.
0300 303 8567
www.healthwatchcumberland.co.uk
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)
Support with NHS complaints, hospital issues and healthcare rights.
Available via your local hospital’s PALS office.
More info
Cafcass
Supports children and families through family court processes — including custody and contact arrangements.
0300 456 4000 or 0808 175 3333
www.cafcass.gov.uk
Step Forward
Helping people experiencing mental health challenges return to work or training.
01768 800350
www.stepforwardcumbria.org.uk
Joy App
Find local support services in just a few clicks — from mental health to finances to community groups.
www.thejoyapp.com
Finding What Fits — One Piece at a Time
Support isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding what fits you.
Your needs, your pace, your life.
We hope this guide has helped you discover a few more options — whether you’re in crisis, in recovery, or just in need of someone who gets it. There’s no single path through this. But there is support.
Start small. Pick one piece. Add what you need when you’re ready.
And if something here doesn’t feel like the right fit? That’s okay too. Try another piece. Keep building.
We do our best to keep this list up to date, but contact details and services can change over time. If you work for an organisation listed here — or think one should be added — feel free to get in touch.
You can reach us at info@happymums.org.uk
We’d love to hear from you.