The Worcestershire Association of Carers is a registered charity that was founded in 1997. They act as an independent source of information, advice and support for the 63,000 unpaid adult carers in Worcestershire.  Call 01905 751340 or visit their website.  You can also contact them online.

Positive Thoughts is a mental health charity run entirely by volunteers: individuals who understand the experience of mental distress and recognise the importance of meeting in a sharing and supportive way. 

You are warmly invited to join them at one of their drop-in groups; on Wednesdays 10.30-12.00 and Fridays 1-3 pm for a drink and a chat in a friendly and supportive environment. They meet at The Lyttelton Well, Guesten Room, in the grounds of Great Malvern Priory, WR14 2AY. 

They have recently re-introduced their Friday afternoon group and due to additional funding, they are now able to provide this drop-in as an ongoing service. The group runs at The Cube, Albert Rd North, WR14 2YF from 1pm - 3pm. For more details, contact either Bob 01684 438692 or Gary 01684 439533

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Visit their website or join their Facebook group.  

This was set-up by Olly's parents Heather and David who unfortunately lost their son due to mental health problems. The Worcester-based foundation's mission is to "To assist in the treatment and care of persons suffering from mental or physical illness of any description or in need of rehabilitation as a result of such illness, by the provision of facilities for work and recreation."

The foundation aims to promote and protect the physical and mental health of sufferers of anxiety in particular through the provision of financial assistance, support, education and practical advice. They also want to advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to anxiety.

Their website is www.ollysfriendshipfoundation.org.uk and you can call Heather or David on 01886 853 006. There is also a Facebook page.

ASPIE is a social self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome (Aspies). They provide a centre in Worcester where Aspies feel welcome and accepted. Find out more on their website, email admin@wits-endweb.co.uk or call 01905 27825. 

For carers whose relatives have psychosis, bipolar mood disorder or related disorders.  This is an eight session course which aims to give carers information about these conditions.  It is offered to carers and relatives of individuals who receive treatment and support from Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust. 

For further information about the group that runs in south Worcestershire, please contact Dr Tom Barker on 01905 734594. For the north Worcestershire group, please contact Julia Shute on 01562 826307. 

For a range of information, advice and services offered by the Council, please visit their website.

Bipolar UK runs a Worcester Support Group which is free to attend and open to anyone affected by bipolar; including family, friends and carers. They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 7pm-9pm at the Horizon Community Centre, Midland Road, Worcester. Click here for more information and a map. You can also find out what happens at a typical support group here. 

Onside is a Worcestershire based charity established in 1993 stemming from a belief that everyone has the right to be a valued human being and to be treated in a just and fair manner.  In support of this belief, they provide a range of support and services to ensure fairness and equality for adults who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged, discriminated against.  This includes mental and physical ill health, sensory impairment, learning disability, drug and alcohol misuse, older people, and carers.  See their website, email info@onside-advocacy.org.uk or call 01905 27525.

This is a small, independent voluntary organisation, providing drop-in facilities two times a week for all adults of any age experiencing mental health difficulties. They are open Tuesdays and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 15:00 PM. They welcome their carers and family members too. 

Survivors aim to provide a friendly, safe, accepting, social environment, where members can enjoy each other's company, mutually support one another and build up their self-esteem and self-confidence. Volunteers say that being useful to others boosts their self-esteem and gives them a sense of purpose in their life. A high percentage of their volunteers have moved on into paid employment and or education. Membership is free, just visit them and see what you think! 

Visit www.survivorsworcester.org to find out more or call Mike on 0774 9817873.

A voluntary organisation providing support and advice to carers in Worcestershire. Their Helpline 0300 012 4272 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year

Worcestershire Mental Health Service Directory

NHS Services in Worcestershire

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

Herefordshire Carers Support exists to ensure that carers are universally recognised as fundamental to the communities in which they live and to ensure that there is a balance between their caring responsibilities and their lives outside their caring role.  Call 01432 356068, email help@herefordshirecarerssupport.org or visit their website for more about what they do.