Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hartlepool has several places offering support for autistic adults, people with ADHD and others who identify as neurodivergent, and LilyAnne’s Wellbeing is one of the key community options.

At LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, we provide free, neurodiversity-aware support for adults aged 16 and over. This includes counselling, emotional support, help with routines and coping strategies, quieter sensory-friendly spaces, and a welcoming environment where you can talk openly without fear of judgement. Many of our team have lived experience of autism, ADHD or mental health challenges, which helps make our support genuinely understanding and accessible.

In addition to LilyAnne’s, there are other neurodiversity-supportive services in the wider area, including specialist charities, NHS Talking Therapies, local wellbeing hubs and community groups that offer peer support, advice and practical help.

If you’re unsure where to begin or need guidance choosing the right service, you can contact LilyAnne’s Wellbeing and we’ll help you find the support that feels right for you.

If you’re autistic or think you may be autistic and need emotional support in Hartlepool, there are several places you can turn to – and LilyAnne’s Wellbeing is one of the most accessible options.

At LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, we offer free, neurodiversity-aware emotional support for adults aged 16 and over. Our environment is calm, welcoming and sensory-friendly, and many of our team have lived experience of autism, ADHD and mental health challenges. You don’t need a diagnosis to access help. You can self-refer, be referred by a professional, or simply drop in when you feel ready.

Support at LilyAnne’s may include counselling, help with anxiety or overwhelm, coping strategies, routines, sensory-aware adjustments, and a safe place to talk openly without fear of judgement.

In Hartlepool and the wider Tees Valley, additional emotional support may also be available through local autism charities, peer support groups, NHS Talking Therapies and community wellbeing organisations.

If you’re unsure where to begin, you are welcome to contact LilyAnne’s Wellbeing. We can help guide you through your options and make accessing support feel easier and less overwhelming.

Our counselling is person-centred, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-aware. Sessions are shaped around your needs, your pace and what feels comfortable for you.

Yes. You can access support at LilyAnne’s Wellbeing without a GP referral. Adults can self-refer, drop in or be referred by family, friends or local services. Many people access help directly when they need it, and you don’t need a diagnosis or formal paperwork to receive support.

We offer immediate emotional support, crisis conversations, safety planning and pathways into NHS crisis teams, GPs and other services when needed. Adults can drop in at any time to speak with trained staff who understand anxiety, overwhelm and distress. We help people feel safe, supported and not alone during difficult moments.

There are several ways to access mental health counselling in the UK, and LilyAnne’s Wellbeing is one of the community-based options offering free, confidential support without long waiting lists.

Across the UK, you can access counselling through your GP, NHS Talking Therapies, private therapists, local charities and community wellbeing services. Many areas also allow self-referral into NHS Talking Therapies, which can help with anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional stress.

At LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, we provide counselling for adults aged 16 and over in a calm, welcoming and stigma-free environment. Our team offers person-centred, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-aware counselling tailored to your individual needs, including support for anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, loneliness, autism and ADHD. You don’t need a diagnosis to access help, and you can self-refer, be referred by a professional, or simply drop in.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, LilyAnne’s Wellbeing can help guide you through the different counselling choices available locally and nationally, making it easier to access the support you need.

You can book counselling for anxiety in several ways across the UK, and LilyAnne’s Wellbeing is one of the most accessible options. At LilyAnne’s, adults can access free, confidential, person-centred counselling without needing a diagnosis or GP referral. You can self-refer online, drop in to speak with the team or contact us directly to arrange support.

Across the UK, counselling can also be accessed through:

• NHS Talking Therapies, which you can self-refer to in most areas

• Your GP, who can connect you with local mental health services

• Private counsellors, available through professional directories

• Community and charity organisations offering emotional support

If you’re unsure where to begin, LilyAnne’s Wellbeing can help guide you through the options and support you in booking counselling that feels right for you.