WHO ARE WE?
"Depression UK" (D-UK)*, is a national self help organisation that offers support to help its several hundred members cope with depression. These members may suffer from depression, or have suffered from depression in the past, or care for those who have the illness. Their anonymity is strictly preserved.
This trusted organisation is run independently of the NHS by a team of 15 or more unpaid non-professional volunteers who work mainly from their own homes. The charity is entirely self-funding, has no commercial links, employs no staff, and has no office headquarters.
The mission of Depression UK is to promote mutual support between individuals affected by or at risk from depression, with the aim of encouraging self help, recovery and personal growth.
We believe our members are helped when they share their problems with fellow sufferers, because they understand, better than any non-depressed professional or carer can ever do, what it really feels like to be depressed. These members can then share their thoughts, feelings, hopes, disappointments and successes, and in so doing offer mutual support to each other.
We know that being able to "talk" to someone in this manner has helped us fight our own depression, proving that this is an illness that can definitely be overcome and cured.
HOW DO WE SUPPORT AND SHARE?
We operate the Internet discussion forum D-UK Chat. See PEN and CHAT.
We issue a NEWSLETTER at least four times a year.
We operate a Pen-Friend scheme. See PEN and CHAT.
We operate a Phone-Friend scheme. See PEN and CHAT.
We have an information phone line. (Answered when a volunteer is available.)
We have a few information sheets about depression.
We maintain contact with independent depression GROUPS.
Address:
P O Box 10566, 32-36 Pelham Street, Nottingham, NG13 8LU.