“You Are Not Alone”: A Realistic Guide to Mental Health Support in Keighley and the Aire & Worth Valley
Every week, we hear about of people in our community struggling, thinking there's nobody who can help. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, please read on.
Accessing mental health support can be confusing and frustrating. Services are under pressure. Waiting lists are long. And if you’re not in immediate crisis, it can feel like you’re left to cope alone.
But you are not alone.
There are places to go. There are people who care. And there are community services — right here in Keighley and the Aire & Worth Valley — quietly picking up the pieces every day.
Understanding the System: Counselling vs. Psychotherapy
Many people aren’t sure what kind of help they need. For instance, what’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy.
Counselling is usually shorter and focuses on a particular problem (like losing someone close to you or feeling anxious all the time). It's about finding ways to cope and get back on your feet.
Psychotherapy goes a bit deeper. It's often longer and helps you get to the bottom of what's really going on — things like past trauma, who you are, or patterns in how you get on with people.
At True North Collective, we offer affordable online counselling and psychotherapy without limiting the number of sessions. We believe healing takes time — and no one should be rushed out the door because of arbitrary session caps.
What About NHS Mental Health Services?
You can access NHS mental health support in West Yorkshire — whether or not you’re working or receiving benefits. Here’s the reality:
Crisis? Call 111 (Mental Health Option):
- Free, 24/7, and confidential.
- Immediate advice and referral if needed.
Ongoing NHS Therapy (Talking Therapies / IAPT):
- You can refer yourself or go via your GP.
- Most people are offered around 7 sessions of short-term therapy (usually CBT).
- Wait times can be several weeks or months.
Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs):
- For more complex or enduring mental health issues.
- Longer-term support is available — but referral usually needs to come through a GP or crisis team.
- Waiting times for assessment can be up to 15 working days.
Key issue: Many people fall between the cracks — not in crisis, but not “severe” enough to qualify for ongoing NHS support.
That’s where local charities and CICs step in.
10 Local Mental Health Support Services in Keighley & Worth Valley
True North Collective
Affordable long-term psychotherapy and peer support for mental health.
👉 www.truenorthcollective.co.uk
Mind in Bradford
Crisis support, wellbeing groups, and one-to-one services across the Bradford district.
The Cellar Trust
Mental health crisis support, employment services, and recovery coaching.
Healthy Minds
NHS talking therapies including CBT, counselling, and wellbeing resources.
Project 6 Keighley
Support for people affected by addiction, mental health challenges, and multiple disadvantage.
Missing PeaceMissing Peace offer a range of services and support to improve your well being.
Step 2 Young People’s Health Project
Counselling and mental health support for children and young people.
Carers’ Resource (Aire Valley)
Emotional support and respite services for carers.
Creative Support Keighley
Supported housing and outreach services for adults with mental health needs.
The Samaritans – Bradford Branch
Confidential support for anyone in distress, 24/7.
👉 Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
National Support Available Anytime
Even if local support feels out of reach, these national charities are always there:
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org
- Mind – Information, support, and advocacy: www.mind.org.uk
- SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support
- PAPYRUS (for under 35s) – Call 0800 068 4141 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – For men’s mental health: www.thecalmzone.net
If You’re Struggling, You Deserve Help
Whether you're grieving, completely overwhelmed, feeling ashamed, or just feel nothing at all — you matter. Help is out there, even if it doesn't always work out on the first go.
If you work in local services, or you're just someone who cares about your neighbours — please share this. You never know who might be one conversation away from picking up the phone.
