You’ve reached this page by scanning the QR code on the reflection bench at BRNC Dartmouth.
This bench was placed here by HELP - Jim’s Story, a charity set up in memory of Captain James Simpson RN. To find out more about what we do, and why, visit our website
Welcome to Help Jim's Story, a mental health awareness charity. Well done on taking the first important steps towards seeking help for yourself, or for someone you are concerned about. We know reaching out for help can be difficult.
We are so glad that you have found us. We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or alone. But you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide experience mental health challenges, and help is available.
There are many resources available, including therapists, counsellors, and support groups. Some organisations that may be right for you are listed below. We urge you to now to take the next step and use one of the organisations, or your GP, to start getting the help you need.
Thank you for taking the first steps to seek help. Remember, you are not alone. There is help available, and you should not have to struggle in silence.
Keep Safe
From the team at HELP.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 and select option 2 to be connected to the crisis team in your area.
The five ways to well-being are:
1: Connect
Connect with other people and build strong relationships.
This can be done through family, friends, social groups, or volunteering.
2: Be active
Get regular physical activity.
This can be anything from walking to playing sports.
3: Take notice
Pay attention to the present moment and appreciate the things around you.
This can be done through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking some time each day to relax and reflect.
4: Keep learning
Learn new things and challenge yourself.
This can be done through taking classes, reading books, or simply trying new things.
5: Give
Do something nice for someone else without expecting anything in return.
This can be anything from volunteering your time to simply holding the door open for someone.
Life in the Armed Forces has its own unique set of challenges for all who serve, their families, and those who support them.
Our people in the Royal Navy have a long tradition of looking out for each other – it’s part of the fabric of who we are – underpinned by a range of support services and resources to help our people look after their Mental Fitness and wellbeing.
This guide is one such resource and is intended to provide information and advice for everyone across the Whole Force (Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Reserves, Civil Service) to support each other, their teams and themselves.
What to Look for in Personnel That Need Support:
1. Behavioural or Emotional Changes
Clear shifts from someone’s usual demeanour—persistent negative thinking, visible distress, irritability, or loss of motivation.
2. Concerning or Hopeless Statements
Expressions such as “I’m useless,” “No one cares,” or “Nothing is getting better” that indicate emotional strain or declining resilience.
3. Risky, Destructive, or Out‑of‑Character Actions
Self-harm, disciplinary issues, excessive alcohol use, reckless behaviour, or sudden conflict with others.
4. Withdrawal or Decline in Functioning
Isolation, unusual absence or overcommitment, stopping social activities, not going home on weekends, or noticeable drops in work performance.
5. Indicators of Immediate Risk
Suicidal comments, giving away belongings, letters “in case something happens,” or severe deterioration in appearance, concentration, or behaviour—requiring urgent professional assessment.
-
24-Hour Military Mental Health Helpline.
Free, confidential helpline available to all serving military personnel and to families and friends that may have concerns.
Website: combatstress.org.uk
E-mail: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
Tel: 0800 323 4444 open 24/7
Text: 07537 404 719
-
Provides a safe place to talk about anything that's bothering you, 24/7.
Website: samaritans.org
E-mail: Jo@samaritans.org
Tel: 116 123
-
Free confidential helpline and e-mail service providing support independent of the military chain of command.
Website: ssafa.org.uk
Tel: 0800 731 4880 open 9:00 - 17:30 Monday - Friday
-
A safe anonymous 24/7 online community where you can talk to people, who feel like you; whilst guided by trained professionals.
Website: togetherall.com
E-mail: theteam@togetherall.com
-
“Our mission is to save and change the lives of those in our Armed Forces, our veteran community and their families who are affected by stress. Our approach is to inspire, coach and motivate towards a more positive future. “
Website rock2recovery.co.uk
-
“Our programme enables individuals to manage their emotions and to develop the resilience, focus and motivation to succeed in today’s world. The programme has been developed over the last ten years to meet the demands and challenges experienced by past and present members of the armed forces and their families.”
Website: warriorprogramme.org.uk
-
“We are an NHS charity hosted by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust dedicated to preventing suicide. We work in collaboration with NHS trusts, non-profit organisations, local authorities, businesses and individuals to raise awareness of suicide and its contributing factors. We aim to break the stigma that surrounds suicide and enable leaders to drive meaningful action to help prevent suicide in the UK and beyond.”
-
Thinking about Suicide? Worried about someone?
Download the award winning Stay Alive app and discover life-saving resources.
-
The Hub of Hope is the UK's largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services, so you can find help when you need it, wherever you are.
-
Reasons to Stay is a suicide prevention project reaching people at difficult moments through anonymous letters written by volunteers.