This is a working document which is updated frequently with the help and support available to those who live in Cornwall and have ADHD (whether diagnosed or self-realised).
Useful READING about adhd
The difference between ADHD and autism
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-adhd-and-autism
NHS UK | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
Royal College of Psychiatrists | ADHD in Adults
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/adhd-in-adults
Getting an ADHD Assessment
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/adhd-self-help
NHS England Right to Choose
https://adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/
ADHD Self Help
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/adhd-self-help
How Does ADHD Medication Work? With Lots of Monitoring
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/how-does-adhd-medication-work/
How ADHD medication works
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-adhd-medication-works
Information on ADHD medication
http://choiceandmedication.org/cornwall/condition/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder
Guidance on ADHD and driving
http://www.gov.uk/adhd-and-driving
ADHD Impulse Control: 5 Tips To Help You Manage
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-in-adults-5-tips-for-taming-impulsivity#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
For supporting getting work and/or staying in work and self-employment: Access To Work
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Online Resources
AADD-UK
https://aadduk.org/
The site for and by adults with ADHD.
ADDISS
http://www.addiss.co.uk/
The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service.
ADHD UK
https://adhduk.co.uk/
ADHD UK is by people with ADHD for people with ADHD.
ADDitude
https://www.additudemag.com/
ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content about ADHD related topics.
Local Support
Healthy Cornwall
https://www.healthycornwall.org.uk/
Comprehensive health resources, including mental well-being support.
📧 healthy.cornwall@cornwall.gov.uk
☎️ 01872 324200
ADHD Cornwall
https://www.adhdcornwall.com/
ADHD Parent & Carer Drop-in: Malabar Children’s Centre, Treyew Primary School, Albany Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3PQ
📧 jattwell@cornwall.gov.uk
☎️ 07837 311 505
Managing Neurodiversity Group Run by Talking Therapies Service
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/groups-and-courses
Takes place over 8 x 2 hours sessions held fortnightly.
The course provides an opportunity for clients who are diagnosed or self-identify as autistic and/or ADHD to learn more about their individual neurodivergent challenges.
Through the course you will learn some coping strategies and build a better sense of self-compassion.
📧 cft.talkingtherapiesenquiries@nhs.net
☎️ 01208 871 905
Reduced-Cost or Free Counselling
If you’d like to better understand the different types of therapy available, these might help:
NHS Inform | Counselling and Therapies
https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/counselling-and-therapies/
NHS UK | Types of Talking Therapies
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/types-of-talking-therapies/
Mind | How to find therapy or counselling
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/how-to-find-a-therapist/
Counselling Directory
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
They are passionate about counselling and want to promote the huge benefits talking therapy can have. They know how important it is to find the right counsellor for you and are dedicated to making that process as simple as possible.
They continue to work closely with counsellors and psychotherapists to ensure they provide you with the very best service. They have over 25,000 qualified counsellors listed and you can search for therapists in your area with options to filter for low-income and type of therapy.
☎️ 0333 325 2500
Talking Therapies Cornwall
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/talking-therapies
The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies Service is a free, confidential service for people aged 16 years and over who are registered with a GP in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They offer free counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Appointments are by phone, video or face-to-face
You can self-refer, using this form.
📧 cpn-tr.Enquiries@nhs.net
☎️ 01208 871905
Ratcliffe & Brown
https://www.ratcliffeandbrowncic.co.uk/
A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy of improved mental health and wellbeing for their community. They offer 6 free sessions with trainee counsellors (the sessions can be extended but there might be a charge if you have more than 6 sessions) They also offer paid sessions with qualified counsellors and crisis support.
You can self-refer, using this form.
Marjon Counselling Clinic
https://www.marjon.ac.uk/mhw/info-for-patients/counselling-clinic/
A safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space for clients to talk about their struggles, issues and concerns.
The majority of their counsellors are third-year students on the BSc (Hons) Counselling for the Helping Professions or MPsy Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling courses.
All their student counsellors are required to be student members of either the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). The clinic is open to all members of the public (see exclusions here), over the age of 18.
The counselling sessions operate on a ‘pay as you can’ basis. We suggest a donation of £15 per session. You will be able to select your chosen donation when completing the self-referral form. Any donations beyond this amount are greatly appreciated and will be utilised to develop and widen access to the counselling clinic.
You can self-refer, using this form.
📧 counsellingclinic@marjon.ac.uk
☎️ 01752 636751
Relate
https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/talk-someone
A group of licensed local counsellors that provide face-to-face counselling and support. Their counselling services include relationship counselling, family counselling, mediation, children’s counselling, young people’s counselling and sex therapy. For those who are in more need of a quick chat than ongoing support, they offer 30 minute chats with a counsellor over the phone or on web chat, or one session therapy designed to tackle a specific issue and see results straight away.
Many local Relate Centres offer reduced rates depending on your income or if you’re receiving benefits. Contact them to find out the best option for you.
📧 NewEnquiries@relate.org.uk
☎️ 0300 100 1234
Counselling for Social Change
https://www.counsellingforsocialchange.org.uk/
They offer an accepting and confidential space to discuss any issues currently affecting your life and work. Services include online, phone and face-to-face support.
Sessions are charged on a sliding scale:
£12 income up to £12,000
£18 if your income is between £12,001 and £18,000
£24 if your income is between £18,001 and £33,000
£40 if your income is over £33,000
£50 for Agency referrals (please contact office@counsellingforsocialchange.org.uk)
You can self-refer as long as you are over 18 years old, using this form.
📧 office@counsellingforsocialchange.org.uk
☎️ 0333 050 8825
Devon Mind
https://www.devonmind.com/find-help/counselling
Provide affordable, high-quality counselling services tailored to meet your specific individual needs. They offer up to 12 counselling sessions, starting with a bookable initial assessment which is conducted free of charge. Each counselling session thereafter costs £30.
They are now offering evening slots on Mondays both online and in person at their Mannamead Wellbeing Hub, Plymouth office.
Free initial consultation, then £25 per session.
You can self-refer, using this form.
📧 hello@devonmind.com
☎️ 01752 512 280
Pegasus Projects for Women and Men
https://pegasusmenswellbeing.co.uk/harmonia-project/
The Pegasus – Men’s Wellbeing Centre also offers services for women, including counselling, therapy, and support groups. By providing a safe and supportive environment, Pegasus can help women address their mental health needs and build resilience. It’s important for women to prioritise their mental health and seek help when needed, as this can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and quality of life. By addressing mental health challenges and seeking emotional support, we can lead healthier, happier lives.
📧 beata@pegasusmenswellbeing.co.uk
☎️ 01209 205785 or 07817 261494
Counsellors Together CIC Counselling Services
http://counsellorstogether.co.uk/
A Community Interest Company based in St Austell, Cornwall, offering a low cost and accessible Integrative Counselling Service open to Children and Adults in Cornwall and across the UK.
You can self-refer, using this form
☎️ 07977 786785 or 07896 738108
Hub of Hope
https://hubofhope.co.uk
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.
The services and support listed on the Hub of Hope are not only for when things become unbearable – a crisis point. They are also for those times when we notice we are starting to struggle, or when we need extra support as we start to emerge from a particularly difficult time.
The Hub of Hope also lists support and services for family members and friends to enable them to find help for themselves, as well as for the person they are supporting. We recognise that the wellbeing of each member of an interconnected family or community is dependent on the wellbeing of all of its members.
You can filter the search results to show help available for neurodiversity, young people and menopause, etc.
Full Cost, Private counselling options
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP)
http://www.babcp.com
The lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. They promote, improve and uphold standards of CBT practice, supervision and training, supporting members to develop professionally and link with the CBT community. A professional association operating a highly-respected voluntary register for our accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapists, wellbeing practitioners, and evidence-based parenting practitioners – which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority – and help to protect the public by supporting best practice.
📧 babcp@babcp.com
☎️ 0330 320 0851
Psychology Associates for Clinical Psychologists
http://www.psychologyassociates.org.uk/
A multidisciplinary team of highly-qualified and skilled clinicians who have been providing evidence based and integrative therapeutic support to children, young people, families and adults for over 20 years.
📧 enquiry@psychologyassociates.org.uk
☎️ 0300 303 5233
ACAT Online for accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapists
http://www.acat.me.uk
A national association of members for the development of Cognitive Analytic Therapy. It has a membership of around 1000 individual members.
CAT Therapists / Practitioners usually have either core training as a mental health professional (e.g. as a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist,) with a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience, or previous training in counselling to an accredited level followed by a two year training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy with accreditation following successful completion. CAT Practitioner/Therapist are titles recognised by the Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) as training as a Psychological Therapist.
📧 admin@acat.me.uk
☎️ 07598 725 789 (during working hours – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (9 to 5); Thursday (8.30 to 12.00))
The Tavistock Centre
http://www.Tavistocktherapycentre.co.uk
Offers holistic and psychological therapies with a single goal in mind – to help their clients achieve optimal health and wellbeing. To do this, they believe in addressing the person holistically as one whole, with an integrated approach that draws on a wide range of disciplines, remedies, and healing modalities to boost body, mind and soul.
📧 admin@tavistocktherapy.com
☎️ 07877 577282
Free Online Mental Health Courses
Lighthearts UK
https://www.lighthearts-uk.com/free-mental-health-wellbeing-courses
Their free online mental health resources consist of several specially designed blog posts, leading you through either a 10-day mental health course or a 10-week mental wellbeing course.
The courses have been developed by a qualified counsellor and mindfulness instructor, and a cognitive analytic therapist/senior NHS psychiatric nurse specialising in anxiety, stress and depression. Each one includes videos to guide you on your wellbeing journey.
The courses are carefully curated to provide users with all the latest techniques to cope with a range of mental health issues.
You can view a list of their courses and events, here.
📧 katya@lighthearts-uk.com
☎️ 07717 288314
Recovery College Cornwall
https://www.pentreath.co.uk/recovery-college-cornwall
They offer courses to people living in Cornwall who are experiencing mental ill health. These courses may help you to identify and manage your mental health challenges allowing you to live the life you want.
They are now offering courses face to face and via Teams, delivering throughout communities in Cornwall, and from their base at Threemilestone, Truro. Recovery College Cornwall offer a blended approach to their courses so that they are accessible, person centred and supportive of a learners recovery journey.
You can view a list of their courses and events, here.
📧 pentreath@pentreath.co.uk
☎️ 01726 862 727
Books
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell Barkley
Delivered from Distraction by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
Fast Minds: How to Thrive if You Have ADHD by Craig Surman
ADHD: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults by Paul H. Wender
ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction – from Childhood through Adulthood by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey
How to Parent Children with ADHD: 48 Techniques & Strategies to Understand and Support Your Neurodivergent Child. Manage and Improve Your Kid’s Emotional Regulation, Focus, and Self-Control by Krissa Laine
ADHD Toolkit for Women: (2 books in 1) Workbook & Guide to Overcome ADHD Challenges and Win at Life (Women with ADHD) by Sarah Davis & Linda Hill
If you’re aware of any help and support which isn’t covered in this guide, then please do get in touch and we’ll get it added in.
