INDEPENDENT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & RESPITE

Professional, compassionate one-to-one support for adults experiencing mental health difficulties

There are times when someone may need more than a weekly therapy appointment. They may need someone experienced and trustworthy alongside them — someone who can provide practical, emotional and consistent support in everyday life.

I offer independent one-to-one mental health support and respite for adults experiencing ongoing or complex mental health difficulties.

Support can take place in your own home or within the community and is tailored to your individual circumstances, needs and goals.

WHAT I CAN OFFER

My support is person-centred, respectful and focused on helping individuals maintain independence, confidence and connection.

Depending on your needs, support may include:

One-to-one emotional and mental health support

A calm, non-judgemental person to talk to

Companionship and support with social connection

Encouragement with routines and structure

Support to build confidence and independence

Accompanying you into the community

Support attending appointments or activities

Encouragement to participate in meaningful activities

Support during periods when mental health is more difficult to manage

Help to reduce isolation and withdrawal

Practical encouragement with everyday activities

Planned respite for family members and informal carers

Every person is different, so the support provided is discussed and agreed on an individual basis.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AND CARERS

Supporting someone with ongoing or complex mental health difficulties can be demanding, particularly for family members who may have been providing support for a long time.

I can provide planned respite, giving family members and informal carers some time for themselves while their loved one receives professional, compassionate and consistent one-to-one support.

This might be a regular weekly session, occasional support, or a longer period of respite depending on individual circumstances.

MY APPROACH

I believe that good support starts with treating people as individuals rather than as a diagnosis.

My approach is compassionate, respectful and non-judgemental. I work alongside the individual, encouraging independence and choice rather than taking over.

I understand that accepting support can sometimes feel difficult. My aim is to create a professional relationship based on trust, dignity and respect.

MY EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

I am a BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling graduate and an ACCPH-accredited practitioner, with professional experience supporting adults experiencing complex mental health difficulties.

I am also registered with Social Care Wales.

My professional background includes experience within mental health support alongside my independent therapy practice.

This combination gives me an understanding of both the emotional and practical challenges that can accompany mental health difficulties.

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE?

This service may be suitable for adults who:

Experience ongoing mental health difficulties

Feel isolated or lack confidence

Find leaving the house or engaging with the community difficult

Need encouragement and structure

Would benefit from consistent one-to-one support

Have family members who need regular respite

Would benefit from additional support alongside existing professional services

Support can be particularly valuable where someone is managing their mental health at home and would benefit from having a trusted person alongside them.

WHERE I WORK

I provide support across South Wales and surrounding areas, either in the individual's home or within the community.

Travel outside my usual area may be possible by arrangement.

WHAT THIS SERVICE DOES NOT PROVIDE

This is a mental health support and respite service rather than a personal-care service.

I do not provide washing, dressing, toileting or other personal-care services.

I also do not provide an emergency or crisis response service. If someone is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or is at risk of harm, appropriate emergency or crisis services should be contacted.

HOW IT WORKS

The first step is simply to get in touch.

We can have an initial conversation about the type of support you or your family member is looking for, the circumstances involved and whether I am the right person to provide that support.

There is no obligation to book following an initial enquiry.

Support can then be arranged on an individual basis, depending on your needs and availability.

GET IN TOUCH

If you would like to discuss whether independent mental health support or respite could help you or someone you care about, please get in touch.

Email: helenbarbaramsc@gmail.com

You can also contact me through the enquiry/contact form on this website.

I am happy to have an informal conversation first and answer any questions you may have.

PROFESSIONAL, COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED SOMEONE ALONGSIDE YOU.

Helen Barbara

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
ACCPH Accredited Practitioner
Registered with Social Care Wales