MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR ADULTS, CARERS & NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUALS
Whether you're a young adult navigating the complexities of adulthood, a carer supporting someone over 18, or a parent of a neurodivergent adult — mental health support matters. Life can bring a range of emotional and practical challenges, from managing independence and relationships to coping with anxiety, stress, or a late diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental condition. It's important to know you're not alone, and that help is available.
For adults with SEND or neurodivergent conditions, accessing appropriate support can be even more complex. Challenges like sensory overwhelm, social isolation, or a lack of tailored services can have a real impact on mental health. Similarly, carers may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or unsure where to turn for guidance — especially when navigating adult services.
That’s why it’s vital to have access to services that understand these unique needs — services that offer emotional support, clear signposting, practical tools, and safe spaces to talk. Whether you're looking for counselling, wellbeing advice, peer support groups, advocacy, or urgent help in a crisis, there are organisations ready to support you.
Emotional and mental wellbeing support
Counselling and talking therapies
Peer-led groups and community support
Crisis support for immediate help
Advice for carers and families
Advocacy to help you speak up and understand your rights
Guidance for navigating adult social care or SEND pathways
If you’re not sure where to start, RANi can help by signposting you to services that best meet your needs, including culturally appropriate, neurodivergent-friendly, or SEND-informed mental health support.
Your GP is the first point of contact. They can refer you to:
• Talking therapies (e.g. CBT)
• Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)
• Crisis or urgent care services
Free, confidential, 24/7 support via text. For anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to cope.
• Text SHOUT to 85258
A leading mental health charity offering:
• Information on mental health conditions
• Local peer support groups
• Helplines & advocacy services
• Infoline: 0300 123 3393
For anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
• Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Free NHS counselling and therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
• Self-referral is available in most areas.
• Therapeutic support for young people transitioning to adulthood.
• Counselling, group sessions, and LGBTQ+ safe spaces
A national mental health database to help you find local and online support based on your postcode.
Suicide prevention support for young people and their carers.
• Call: 0800 068 4141
• Text: 07860 039967
If you or someone you care for has SEND and is over 18, you may be eligible for:
• Mental health support plans
• Care packages
• Supported living referrals
Contact your local authority’s Adult Social Care department.For Manchester Residents:
• Manchester Mind – Local support, drop-ins, therapy
https://www.manchestermind.org• No.93 Wellbeing Hub (North Manchester) – Community services
https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/no-93• Self Help Services Manchester – Psychological therapy support
https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/self-helpOffers practical advice, peer support groups, housing help, advocacy, and mental health training for families and carers.
• Advice Line: 0808 801 0525
Supports people with mental health needs to live independently, including those transitioning from hospital or crisis care.
Support for autistic adults or those seeking late diagnosis.
Resources include:
• Counselling
• Advocacy
• Independent living support
For adults with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, or complex needs.
Offers:
• Care assessments
• Carer support
• Personal budgets
Mental health support for men and anyone in crisis or distress.
• Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight)
Provides relationship counselling and mental health support for individuals, couples, and families.
National mental health and substance misuse service. Offers supported housing, talking therapies, and crisis recovery.
Supports unpaid carers of adults with disabilities or mental health needs.
Provides:
- Emotional support
- Wellbeing guides
- Online meetups & helpline
Independent advocates can help people understand their rights and communicate their needs, especially for:
• Care Act assessments
• Mental Capacity decisions
• Care or treatment plans
Search for local advocacy groups via your council or POhWER
An anonymous online community for adults with mental health struggles. Offers peer support and self-help tools (free through NHS in some areas).
At RANi, we understand how confusing it can be to find the right support.
We offer:Guidance on adult social care referrals
Signposting to mental health and neurodiversity-friendly services
Peer support for carers of over-18s
Contact us at info@rani.org.uk to speak to someone who understands