If you're having a really bad time and need to talk to someone right now, you can call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, any time of the day or night.

If you'd like more information about mental illness, the charity Rethink has a very informative website, particularly about schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses.

Direct.gov has a wide range of useful information about employment law and your rights as an employee; including information about mental health and the Disability Discrimination Act.

The other main organisation that can help you resolve any conflict with your employer is ACAS. In particular, they have information here about health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Other local organisations you might be interested in include Richmond Borough Mind, the local branch of the National Mind Organisation. Richmond Borough Mind runs a wide range of services for people with mental health difficulties, including drop-in centres, activity groups, and a free counselling service.

Also, Richmond AID offers advice and support to people with all sorts of disabilities, including mental illness. They are particularly useful people to talk to if you need advice about benefits; see the website or call 020 8831 6080 to make an appointment with one of their advisors.

We also have close ties with RCVS (Richmond Council for Voluntary Service. They are the experts on helping people find volunteering placements in the local area. We fund two staff members - Martin and Amy - there as the resident specialists in working with people with mental health difficulties.

We're part of Imagine Mental Health, a national charity with its head office in Liverpool. The service in Richmond is funded by Richmond Social Services and the local NHS Mental Health Trust. Both those links have information about other services that they provide.