A safe space to be heard, without judgement.

Listening Ear Service

Washington Mind’s Listening Ear service is here for anyone in the Sunderland, Washington or Coalfields area who needs confidential emotional support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply need someone to talk to, our trained practitioners are here to listen and help you take the next steps toward improved wellbeing.

This is not a counselling or crisis service, but a safe space to talk openly, share what’s on your mind, and feel heard without judgement.

Our Listening Ear service offers short-term, person-centred emotional and practical support for individuals who may be struggling with their mental health or overall wellbeing. Our aim is to listen, support, and empower you to develop coping strategies, access helpful resources, and move toward improved wellbeing.

How We Can Support You

Getting Advice & Support

We can help point you in the right direction by connecting you with local or specialist services that best meet your needs. This might include community groups, wellbeing activities, or organisations that offer more targeted support.

Practical Support

Sometimes the practical things feel the hardest to manage. We can offer solution-focused support with everyday issues such as housing, benefits, referrals, or making phone calls to other organisations.

Emotional Support

We provide a safe and confidential space where you can talk openly about your concerns or worries. You can also access occasional “check-in” sessions (around once a month) if you need reassurance or someone to talk things through with.

Getting More Help

If you’d benefit from a bit more structured support, we offer up to six short-term sessions (plus an initial triage). These sessions focus on coping strategies, supported self-help, and brief interventions, including psychoeducation, CBT-informed tools, and simple goal setting.

Therapeutic Groups

We also run small group sessions where you can learn coping skills, build emotional regulation techniques, gain practical tools for daily life, and connect with others for peer support.

Who the Listening Ear service is for?

Our service is ideal for adults (18+) who would benefit from some emotional or practical support. You might find it helpful if you’re:

Feeling low, anxious, stressed, or becoming socially withdrawn
Experiencing mild to moderated mental health or wellbeing difficulties
Looking for short-term support and are happy to engage in regular sessions
Not in crisis, but finding day-to-day life harder to manage and needing someone to talk things through with.

Why Choose Listening Ear?

A confidential, non-judgemental space to talk things through.
Reduces feelings of isolation and provides emotional reassurance.
Helps build confidence and supports your road to recovery.
Available in ways that suit you: face-to-face, telephone, online, and text.

This service is especially valuable if you’ve recently been discharged from hospital or community support, helping you re-engage in everyday life.

Many people use Listening Ear as a steppingstone to our Life Support Project, where you can access groups, wellbeing activities, and psycho-educational courses to support longer-term recovery.