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Stories, tips, and updates from the Unmasked team.
Charity news
Counselling at Unmasked Mental Health: Support When You Need It
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, relationships, work, family life or simply feeling like things have become too much to manage on your own. You don't always need to have the answers. Sometimes, having a safe space to talk to someone who will listen without judgement can be the first step towards feeling more able to cope. At Unmasked Mental Health, our counselling service provides confidential, one-to-one support for adults experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Our experienced counsellors offer a safe and supportive environment where you can talk openly about what you're going through and explore what may help. What Is Counselling? Counselling provides you with the opportunity to talk through your thoughts, feelings and experiences with a trained professional in a confidential and supportive environment. You don't need to know exactly what you want to talk about before your first session. You may simply know that something doesn't feel right. Perhaps you've been feeling overwhelmed, struggling with your emotions or finding everyday life more difficult than usual. Counselling can give you dedicated time to focus on yourself and explore what's happening in your life at your own pace. How Can Counselling Help? Everyone's experience of counselling is different, because everyone's circumstances are different. You may seek counselling because you're experiencing: * Anxiety or persistent worry * Low mood * Stress or burnout * Grief or bereavement * Relationship difficulties * Problems at work * Low confidence or self-esteem * Difficult life experiences * Changes or challenges within your personal life * Feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope Counselling isn't about someone telling you what to do. Instead, it can provide a space to explore your thoughts and feelings, understand yourself better and consider possible ways forward. Counselling at Unmasked Mental Health Our aim at Unmasked Mental Health is to provide support at the point of need and in a way that works for the individual. Our counselling service is designed to be accessible, compassionate and person-centred, recognising that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. We want people to feel comfortable, respected and listened to from the moment they reach out. Affordable Counselling We believe that financial circumstances shouldn't be a barrier to accessing mental health support. Our low-cost counselling sessions are currently £30 per session, making them significantly more affordable than many private counselling services. Unmasked Mental Health also operates a Counselling Hardship Fund, which can help people on low incomes access counselling free of charge. This is an important part of our commitment to making professional mental health support accessible to the people who need it. Support Without Long Waiting Lists When you're struggling with your mental health, waiting months for support can feel incredibly difficult. Unmasked Mental Health's counselling service operates on an at-the-point-of-need model, helping people access support when they need it rather than being placed on a lengthy waiting list. What Happens When You Access Counselling? Taking that first step can sometimes feel daunting. You may worry about what you'll be asked, what you'll need to talk about or whether counselling will be right for you. You don't need to worry about having the 'right' things to say. Our team can help you understand the process and explore what type of support may be appropriate for you. Unmasked Mental Health currently provides a self-referral route for people looking to access counselling, and the team aims to respond to self-referrals within three working days. Your privacy and wellbeing are important to us, and our counselling service operates within our safeguarding and confidentiality procedures. You Don't Have to Wait Until You're at Breaking Point One of the biggest misconceptions about counselling is that you need to be experiencing a mental health crisis before you can ask for help. That's not the case. You don't have to wait until everything feels unbearable. You can reach out because you're struggling to cope, because something has changed in your life, because you're feeling overwhelmed or simply because you want some support. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a positive step towards looking after yourself. Counselling Is One Part of Our Wider Support At Unmasked Mental Health, we understand that counselling isn't necessarily the right option for everyone. That's why we provide a range of services designed to support people in different ways. Alongside one-to-one counselling, we offer Group Peer Support Hubs, where adults can meet others in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The hubs are informal, facilitator-led spaces where you can talk if you want to or simply sit and listen. We also provide wellbeing activity groups and mental health workshops, giving people different ways to connect, learn and support their wellbeing. Our approach is simple: Find the support that works for you. You Don't Have to Face It Alone Talking about your mental health isn't always easy. You might have spent a long time keeping things to yourself or telling everyone that you're fine when you're not. Counselling can provide a space where you don't have to put on a mask. A space where you can be honest. A space where someone will listen. At Unmasked Mental Health, our goal is to help people feel supported at the point they need it and to remind them that they don't have to navigate difficult times alone. Take the First Step If you're considering counselling, you don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, low mood or simply finding life difficult, our team can help you explore whether counselling or another form of support could be right for you. You don't have to struggle in silence. If you're ready to take that first step, get in touch with Unmasked Mental Health to find out more about our counselling service and how we can support you. Unmasked Mental Health Removing the stigma of mental health, one mask at a time. Because sometimes, the first step towards feeling better is simply having someone to talk to.
3 min read
Mental health tips
Stress and Your Mental Health: Understanding It, Managing It and Getting Support
Stress is something that most of us experience at some point in our lives. It can be caused by work, relationships, finances, family responsibilities, health concerns or simply feeling like there is too much to manage. A little stress can sometimes help us stay motivated and focused. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it can begin to affect both our physical and mental health. At Unmasked Mental Health, we believe that talking about how you feel is an important first step towards looking after your mental wellbeing. Understanding stress, recognising the signs and knowing where to find support can make a real difference. What Is Stress? Stress is the body's natural response to pressure, demands or situations that feel challenging. When we experience stress, our body can enter a 'fight, flight or freeze' response. This can cause physical changes such as an increased heart rate, faster breathing and muscle tension. Short periods of stress are a normal part of life. The problem can arise when we experience stress for prolonged periods and don't have enough opportunity to rest, recover or deal with what is causing it. How Can Stress Affect Your Mental Health? Long-term or excessive stress can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing. You may notice that you: * Feel constantly worried or overwhelmed * Find it difficult to relax * Become more irritable or emotional * Have difficulty concentrating * Feel exhausted or lacking in motivation * Struggle to switch off your thoughts * Experience changes in your sleep * Withdraw from friends, family or activities you normally enjoy * Feel unable to cope with everyday responsibilities Sometimes, stress can also make existing mental health difficulties feel harder to manage. It's important to remember that experiencing stress doesn't mean you're failing or that you should simply 'get on with it'. Stress is a genuine response to pressure, and recognising when you're struggling is an important part of looking after yourself. The Connection Between Stress and Physical Health Stress doesn't only affect our minds. When we experience ongoing stress, we may also notice physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, tiredness, digestive problems, changes in appetite or difficulty sleeping. This can create a difficult cycle. Poor sleep can make us feel more stressed, while stress can make it harder to sleep. Taking care of your mental health is therefore an important part of taking care of your overall wellbeing. How Can You Manage Stress? There isn't one solution that works for everyone. Managing stress often involves finding small, realistic changes that work for you. 1. Talk to Someone One of the most helpful things you can do when you're feeling overwhelmed is talk about it. Whether it's a trusted friend, family member, colleague or professional, sharing what's on your mind can help you feel less alone. You don't need to have all the answers before you start talking. 2. Take Things One Step at a Time When everything feels overwhelming, try breaking your responsibilities down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on everything you need to do, ask yourself: "What is the next thing I need to deal with?" Taking things one step at a time can make situations feel more manageable. 3. Make Time to Switch Off It's important to give yourself permission to rest. Try creating some time each day where you aren't working, checking emails or thinking about your responsibilities. This could be as simple as taking a walk, listening to music, reading, having a cup of tea or spending time with people who make you feel comfortable. Rest isn't something you need to earn. It's an important part of looking after yourself. 4. Look After Your Sleep Stress and sleep can have a significant relationship. Creating a regular bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed and giving yourself time to wind down may help you establish healthier sleep habits. If your mind is racing at night, writing down your thoughts or tomorrow's to-do list can sometimes help you feel more organised before going to bed. 5. Keep Moving Physical activity can be beneficial for our mental wellbeing. You don't have to join a gym or run a marathon. Going for a walk, doing some gentle exercise, gardening or simply getting outside can be a positive way to take a break from stressful thoughts. Even small amounts of movement can provide an opportunity to reset. 6. Be Kind to Yourself When we're stressed, it's easy to become our own biggest critic. You might tell yourself that you should be coping better or that other people have more to deal with. Try to speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer someone you care about. You don't have to be okay all the time. 7. Recognise What You Can and Can't Control Stress can become particularly overwhelming when we're trying to control things that are outside of our control. Take some time to think about what you can realistically change and what you may need to accept or ask for help with. Focusing your energy on the things you can influence can help reduce feelings of helplessness. When Should You Ask for Help? You don't need to wait until you're at breaking point before asking for support. If stress is beginning to interfere with your everyday life, relationships, work, sleep or general wellbeing, it may be time to talk to someone. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you're recognising your needs and taking steps to look after yourself. How Unmasked Mental Health Can Support You At Unmasked Mental Health, we're here to provide a safe and welcoming space for people to talk about their mental health. Our free peer support hubs provide an opportunity to come along, have a chat and access support within a friendly community environment. Our hubs run across Calderdale, including Sowerby Bridge, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Elland, Illingworth and Brighouse, giving local people opportunities to access support within their communities. You don't have to know exactly what to say when you arrive. You don't have to have the right words. And you certainly don't have to face everything on your own. Our team is here to listen, provide support and help you explore what might be helpful for you. You're Not Alone Stress can make life feel overwhelming, but you don't have to deal with it by yourself. Sometimes, the most important first step is simply acknowledging: "I'm struggling, and I need some support." Whether that's speaking to someone you trust, making small changes to your daily routine or reaching out to a mental health organisation, asking for support can be the beginning of positive change. At Unmasked Mental Health, we're passionate about creating communities where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health without judgement. If stress is affecting your mental wellbeing, please don't suffer in silence. Reach out, start a conversation and take that first step towards feeling supported. Unmasked Mental Health Here to listen. Here to support. Here to help you feel less alone.
3 min read
Charity news
Mental Health Fundraising: How You Can Support Unmasked Mental Health
Mental health is something that affects us all. Whether we experience challenges ourselves or support a friend, family member, colleague or loved one, having access to the right support can make a life-changing difference. At Unmasked Mental Health, we are committed to making mental health support more accessible within our local communities. As a local mental health charity, we provide safe and welcoming spaces where people can talk, connect and access support when they need it. But we can't do this alone. Fundraising for mental health is one of the most important ways you can help us continue our work. Why Is Mental Health Fundraising Important? Mental health services are needed now more than ever, and many people can find it difficult to access the support they need. As a community-focused mental health charity, fundraising enables us to continue providing valuable services and creating opportunities for people to talk about their mental health without fear of judgement. Every donation and every fundraising effort, no matter how big or small, helps us work towards our goal of ensuring that nobody has to struggle alone. From organising community events to taking on personal challenges, your fundraising can help support the work we do across our local communities. How Does Fundraising Support Unmasked Mental Health? Fundraising helps us continue developing and delivering services that support people's mental wellbeing. Our work includes free talking therapy hubs, community support, mental health awareness initiatives, events and opportunities for people to connect with others. By raising money for Unmasked Mental Health, you are helping us create welcoming spaces where people can take that first step towards talking about how they feel. For someone who may have been struggling in silence, having somewhere safe to go and someone to talk to can make an enormous difference. Ways to Fundraise for a Mental Health Charity You don't need to take on an extreme challenge to raise money for mental health. There are countless ways to get involved, whether you're fundraising on your own, with friends, as part of a community group or through your workplace. You could: 🏃 Take on a sponsored run, walk or fitness challenge 🚴 Organise a cycling challenge 🎯 Host a quiz or games night 🧁 Hold a bake sale 🎟️ Organise a raffle or fundraising event 🎉 Host a party or social gathering 💼 Arrange a workplace fundraising challenge 👥 Get your friends, family or colleagues involved 🎄 Organise a seasonal fundraising event 💡 Come up with your own unique fundraising idea The most important thing is to choose something that you enjoy. Your fundraiser doesn't have to be complicated — it just needs to make a difference. Fundraising Brings Communities Together One of the most wonderful things about charity fundraising is the way it brings people together. A fundraising event can provide much more than financial support. It can create opportunities for conversations, friendships and connections. Mental health can sometimes be difficult to talk about. Fundraising provides a positive way to start those conversations and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Whether you're taking on a challenge with your colleagues, organising a community event or getting friends together for a charity night, you're helping to create a culture where talking about mental health becomes easier. Mental Health Fundraising for Businesses Businesses can also play an important role in supporting mental health within their workplaces and local communities. Choosing Unmasked Mental Health as your charity partner or charity of the year can provide your team with meaningful opportunities to get involved. Businesses could organise fundraising challenges, hold charity events, encourage staff participation or support one of our fundraising campaigns. Supporting a local mental health charity can also demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and the wider community. When businesses and communities work together, we can create a bigger impact. Every Donation Can Make a Difference It can be easy to think that a small donation won't make much difference. But collectively, small donations can have a huge impact. Every pound raised helps us continue working towards our vision of creating communities where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health and know where they can turn for support. Behind every fundraiser is a person who may be struggling. A person who might need someone to listen. A person who might feel isolated. A person who simply needs to know that they aren't alone. Your fundraising can help us be there for them. Supporting Mental Health in Calderdale As a local charity, we are passionate about supporting people within our communities and helping make mental health support more accessible. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to talk about their mental health and access support in a safe, welcoming environment. By fundraising for Unmasked Mental Health, you're not only supporting a charity — you're supporting people within our local communities. Get Involved With Unmasked Mental Health Whether you're an individual, business, school, community group or organisation, there are lots of ways you can support our work. You can organise your own fundraiser, take part in one of our events or support one of our fundraising campaigns. There is no perfect fundraiser. There is simply the one that works for you. If you're thinking about fundraising for mental health and would like to support Unmasked Mental Health, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can raise awareness, challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and help ensure that more people have somewhere to turn when they need support. Every fundraiser matters. Every donation matters. Every conversation matters. Together, we can help people feel less alone.
3 min read
Charity news
What Happens at a Peer Support Hub? A Facilitator’s View
We hear it all the time: “I wanted to come, but I didn’t know what to expect.” And I completely understand that. Walking into a room where you don’t know anyone can feel difficult at the best of times. When you’re already having a tough day, feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed or simply not quite yourself, taking that first step through the door can feel even bigger. As a facilitator, one of the most important things I want people to know is this: you don’t have to arrive knowing what to say. You don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to have a diagnosis, and you certainly don’t have to stand up in front of a room and tell everyone your life story. An Unmasked Peer Support Hub is simply a place where you can come as you are. Before you arrive There’s no referral needed and no expectation that you have everything figured out before you come. Our Peer Support Hubs are free, informal groups for adults aged 18 and over. You don’t need an appointment—you can simply turn up. Some people arrive because they’re struggling with their mental health. Others might be feeling lonely, going through a difficult period, dealing with stress or simply wanting to spend some time around people who understand what it can be like when life feels heavy. You don’t need the “right” reason to come. If something has made you think, maybe being around people would help today, that is enough. And if you’re nervous beforehand, you’re definitely not the first person to feel that way. What happens when you walk through the door? Usually, the first thing we’ll do is say hello. Nothing complicated. Nothing formal. As facilitators, we know that walking through that door might have taken a lot more courage than anyone else in the room can see. So our priority is to help you settle in rather than put you on the spot. There are refreshments available, and you’ll have a chance to find somewhere you feel comfortable. You might recognise nobody, that’s okay. You might sit quietly for a while. That’s okay too. You might wonder whether everybody else knows exactly what they’re doing. They probably don’t. Every person in the room had a first visit once. Do I have to talk? No. This is probably the question we’re asked most often. At an Unmasked Hub, you can talk if you want to, but you are equally welcome to sit and listen. Sometimes people come along for several sessions before they feel ready to say very much. Others find themselves talking more than they expected on their first evening. There is no correct way to take part. As a facilitator, I’m not sitting there waiting for you to “open up”. My role is to help create an environment where people feel respected, heard and able to take things at their own pace. If all you manage on your first visit is walking through the door, sitting down and having a cup of tea, that still counts. You turned up. Sometimes that is the biggest step. So, what do people actually talk about? It varies enormously. Someone might talk about having a difficult week. Someone else might share something that has been worrying them. There might be conversations about work, relationships, loneliness, family pressures or simply how exhausting it can feel pretending everything is fine. There can also be laughter and that sometimes surprises people. Peer support does not mean sitting in a gloomy room talking about problems for an hour. Sometimes there are serious conversations. Sometimes there are ordinary conversations. Often there is a mixture of both. What matters is the sense that you are spending time with people who are willing to listen without judgement. Unmasked hubs as welcoming, informal spaces where people can connect with others, share experiences and feel supported without judgement. That connection is at the heart of what we do. You are still in control of your story Coming to a peer support group does not mean handing over every personal detail about your life. You choose what you share. There may be things you are happy talking about and other things you would rather keep private. Both are absolutely okay. Nobody needs to prove how much they are struggling in order to belong in the room. As facilitators, we want conversations to feel respectful and supportive. We help look after the space so that everyone has an opportunity to be heard and so that people can take part without feeling judged or pressured. Our aim is to create the kind of environment Unmasked was built around: somewhere people can find support and connection without feeling they need to wear a mask. Peer support isn't about fixing people This is an important one. You are not coming to a hub because you need to be “fixed” and the other people in the room are not there to diagnose you or tell you how to live your life. Peer support is about human connection. It is being able to say, “I’m having a rough time,” and discovering that somebody else understands. It is hearing someone describe something you thought only you experienced. It is realising that you are not quite as alone as you felt before you walked through the door. Sometimes people share what has helped them. Sometimes the most useful thing anybody can offer is simply listening. There doesn't always have to be an answer. And then you come back... if you want to There’s no obligation to become a regular. You might come once and decide it isn’t for you. You might come occasionally when you feel you need some extra connection. Or you might find that the hub gradually becomes part of your week—a familiar room, familiar faces and somewhere you know you don't have to pretend everything is fine. That is exactly what we hope people experience. Not pressure or judgement, just welcome If you've been thinking about coming Perhaps you have looked at the hub information several times. Maybe you’ve planned to come and then changed your mind at the last minute. Maybe you’ve driven past, walked past or sat outside wondering whether you could actually go through the door. That's okay. You don't need to arrive feeling confident. You don't need to be particularly sociable that day. You don't even need to know what you want from the group. Just come as you are. We’ll put the kettle on. You can talk. You can listen. You can take your time. And hopefully, little by little, the room full of strangers you were worried about walking into starts to feel a little less strange. Unmasked Support Hubs are free to attend for adults aged 18+. No booking is needed. You can find your nearest hub and its current meeting times on the Unmasked Mental Health website. If you would like to know more before attending, call the team on 01422 356945.
3 min read
Mental health tips
Understanding anxiety: what it is and what helps
Anxiety affects millions of people across the UK. We break down what it actually is, what it feels like, and what genuinely helps.
1 min read
Charity news
What actually happens at a group peer hub?
First time is the hardest. We explain exactly what to expect when you walk through the door.
1 min read
Charity news
What actually happens at a wellbeing hub session?
First time is the hardest. We explain exactly what to expect when you walk through the door.
1 min read
Charity news
MHFA training now available for UK employers
We're now offering accredited Mental Health First Aid training for UK wide employers.
4 min read
Charity news
Four years of Unmasked — thank you
Four years of free mental health support across West Yorkshire — and we're just getting started.
1 min read
Mental health tips
Five self-care ideas that actually fit real life
Five practical self-care ideas that do not require a spa day or a perfect morning routine.
1 min read