STEP 1
Referral and conversation
Complete a referral. Our team will speak with you about your needs and whether listening support may be suitable.
LilyAnne’s Listening Support
Listening and Mental Health Support in Hartlepool
A safe, welcoming and confidential space for people who need someone to listen, help them feel less alone and support them to find the right next step.
Time to be heard
What is listening support?
Listening support gives you regular time with a trained listener who will listen without judgement, help you feel heard and give you space to talk about what is happening in your life.
It is not counselling or therapy. It is a calm, confidential and consistent relationship where you can talk at your own pace, reflect on how you are feeling and feel less alone.
You do not need to have the right words. You just need a place to start.
Consistent, personal support
How listening support works
You will be matched with a trained listener for between six and twelve months. You will meet once a week on the same day and at the same time, helping you build trust, routine and a consistent space to talk.
Listening support may be suitable if you are not ready for counselling, or if you have completed your six counselling sessions and feel you would benefit from more time to talk.
STEP 2
Meet your listener
We will match you with a trained listener and agree a regular weekly appointment.
STEP 3
Weekly listening sessions
Meet once a week at the same time and on the same day, with dedicated space to talk and feel heard.
STEP 4
Review and next steps
Support continues for six to twelve months. We will review how things are going and discuss your next step.
Not ready for counselling?
Listening support can give you time to build trust, talk at your own pace and consider what may help next.
Completed counselling?
If you have completed your six counselling sessions, listening support can provide longer-term space to keep talking.
Appropriate and safe support
Listening support suitability
These suitability guidelines help us make sure listening support is safe, appropriate and matched to each person’s needs and circumstances.
Who can attend?
Listening support may be suitable for people who:
Feel lonely, isolated or disconnected and would benefit from regular supportive contact.
Feel anxious, overwhelmed or low in mood and need a safe place to talk and feel heard.
Need help understanding what support is available and identifying an appropriate next step.
Are neurodivergent or neurotypical and would benefit from calm, non-judgemental emotional support.
Are willing to respect service boundaries and engage safely and respectfully with their listener.
Are prepared to engage positively and take steps towards improved wellbeing at their own pace.
When specialist support is needed
Who cannot attend?
Listening support cannot accept anyone who is:
- Experiencing active suicidal thoughts or an immediate crisis. Please speak to a team member so we can help you identify the appropriate support. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
- Experiencing a current drug or alcohol dependency.
- Involved in an active criminal investigation or ongoing proceedings where specialist support is required.
- Convicted of an offence against women or children.
Where appropriate, people outside the service criteria will be signposted to organisations better placed to provide specialist support.
How our listeners can help
Someone to talk to
A safe space to talk openly about what is going on without feeling judged or rushed.
Emotional support
Support to help you feel heard, understood and less alone during difficult times.
Finding the right support
Help understanding what services are available and what next steps may be appropriate.
How to access listening support
Please complete an online referral. Once received, our team will review your information and consider whether listening support is the right pathway for you.
Make a referral online
Complete our online referral form and tell us a little about the support you are looking for.
You do not have to face things alone
LilyAnne’s Listening Support is here to offer time, connection and a safe place to talk.
