Health and wellbeing
Where can I get help with my mental health, if I am feeling sad, anxious or depressed?
If you need support with your mental health, speak to your GP or an adult you trust to find out what help is available.
You can also find out about some support organisations here.
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
You can find more information and details of helplines and websites on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website.
You can also watch a video about what to do if you are being bullied online or a video from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
Relationships, sex and sexual health
Relationships are an important part of everyone's life but it can be difficult to talk about.
Mencap have produced some 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 provide 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 (doctors) surgery will be able to help you book an appointment, but you may also find this information useful:
Information about GP appointments (easy read).
Information about appointments and bookings at your GP surgery on the NHS website.
If you are not yet 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 already have a dentist, you can find one on the NHS website.
Community Dental Services (CDS) provide dentistry for those whose needs cannot be met by other NHS dental services, including 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.
You can also watch video's 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