Key Takeaways
- Professional divorce support includes counselling, support groups, helplines and online therapy, with many free options available through the NHS and charities
- Self-help resources like books, courses, apps and journaling provide practical tools you can use at your own pace
- Support groups (both online and in-person) connect you with others who understand, reducing isolation during separation
- Different types of support suit different stages of divorce, from crisis helplines in early days to long-term counselling for processing grief
- Combining multiple support types (professional help, peer support, self-help tools) often provides the most effective recovery support
Introduction
Divorce support means finding the right help when you’re going through one of life’s most difficult transitions. You might need someone to talk to at 3am when anxiety keeps you awake, practical advice on managing overwhelming emotions, or simply connection with people who understand what you’re experiencing.
Research from Mind shows that approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health difficulties during major life changes like divorce. The good news is that divorce support in the UK is widely available, from free NHS services and charity helplines to support groups, online courses, and self-help resources.
This guide covers every type of support for divorce available in the UK. You’ll discover professional services, peer support options, self-help tools, and practical resources to help you cope with separation. Whether you need immediate crisis support or long-term help processing your divorce, you’ll find guidance on accessing the right support for your situation.
Understanding Different Types of Divorce Support
Professional Support Services
Professional divorce support involves trained therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals who specialise in helping people through separation and divorce.
Types of professional support:
- Individual counselling or therapy
- Couples counselling (before or during separation)
- Family therapy (involving children)
- Specialist divorce coaches
- Psychiatric support for complex mental health needs
According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), professional support helps people process grief, manage anxiety and depression, rebuild self-esteem, and develop coping strategies for life after divorce.
Peer Support and Support Groups
Peer support connects you with others experiencing divorce. This might be through organised support groups or informal connections.
Benefits of peer support:
- Reduced isolation and loneliness
- Validation that your feelings are normal
- Practical tips from people further along in recovery
- Safe space to share without judgment
- Understanding from people who genuinely know what you’re facing
Research from the University of Manchester shows that peer support significantly reduces feelings of isolation during divorce and accelerates emotional recovery.
Self-Help Resources
Self-help includes books, courses, apps, journaling, and other tools you can use independently at your own pace.
Why self-help matters:
- Available 24/7 when you need them
- Often free or low-cost
- Work at your own pace
- Privacy and anonymity
- Complement professional support effectively
Crisis Support and Helplines
Crisis support provides immediate help during acute emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or moments when you can’t cope.
When to use crisis support:
- Feeling suicidal or having thoughts of self-harm
- Overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks
- Complete inability to function
- Need to talk to someone immediately
- Late-night emotional crisis
Crisis services operate 24/7 and provide confidential, non-judgmental support when you need it most.
Professional Counselling and Therapy Services
NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT)
The NHS offers free talking therapies through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services across England.
What’s available:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Counselling for depression
- Guided self-help programmes
- Group therapy sessions
- Online therapy options
How to access: You can self-refer without seeing your GP first. Visit the NHS website and search for “IAPT” plus your area, or ask your GP for a referral. Waiting times vary by region, typically 4-12 weeks.
Cost: Free on the NHS
According to NHS England, IAPT services support over 1 million people annually, with approximately 50% achieving clinical recovery after treatment.
Private Counselling and Therapy
Private therapy offers more flexibility in timing, therapist choice, and therapy types than NHS services.
Finding a private therapist:
- BACP directory (www.bacp.co.uk) lists qualified, registered counsellors
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) directory
- Psychology Today therapist finder
- Relate offers relationship counselling and divorce support
- Local recommendations from GP surgeries
What to expect: Initial assessment session (often reduced price or free), followed by regular sessions typically lasting 50 minutes. Frequency varies from weekly to fortnightly based on need and budget.
Typical costs:
- £40-£80 per session outside London
- £60-£150 per session in London
- Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income
Questions to ask potential therapists:
- Do you have experience working with divorce and separation?
- What therapeutic approach do you use?
- How long do people typically work with you?
- What are your fees and cancellation policy?
- Do you offer reduced rates if money is tight?
Sarah, who accessed private counselling after her divorce, shares: “I couldn’t wait 10 weeks for NHS therapy when I was really struggling. I found a counsellor through BACP who charged £45 per session. Eight sessions helped me process the grief and develop coping strategies that I still use now.”
Specialist Divorce Coaches
Divorce coaches differ from therapists. They focus on practical strategies, goal-setting, and moving forward rather than processing past trauma.
What divorce coaches help with:
- Creating action plans for your divorce journey
- Decision-making support
- Co-parenting strategies
- Building confidence for the future
- Practical problem-solving
Finding a divorce coach: Look for coaches certified through The CDC, such as Chloe Oudiz.
Typical costs: £60-£150 per session, with packages often available
Relate Counselling Services
Relate is the UK’s largest provider of relationship support, offering services specifically for people going through separation and divorce.
Services available:
- Individual counselling
- Couple counselling (even when divorcing)
- Family counselling including children
- Sex therapy
- Online chat counselling
- Telephone counselling
How to access: Book directly through the Relate website (www.relate.org.uk) or call their helpline. Services available across the UK through local centres.
Costs: Relate charges fees based on income, typically £25-£90 per session. Some services may be free for those on low incomes.
Online Therapy Platforms
Online therapy has grown significantly, offering convenient access to professional support from home.
UK online therapy services:
BetterHelp UK – Unlimited messaging therapy plus live sessions, from £260/month
Talkspace – Text, audio, and video therapy options, from £240/month
Headspace Therapy – Video sessions with licensed therapists, from £195/month
NHS Digital Therapy – Free CBT-based programmes through the NHS
ieso – Free NHS-funded text-based therapy in some areas
Benefits of online therapy:
- Flexible timing (especially messaging-based services)
- No travel required
- Often more affordable than in-person
- Good for rural areas or limited mobility
- Written record of conversations (in text therapy)
Research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research shows that online therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for anxiety and depression.
Support Groups for Divorce
In-Person Support Groups
Meeting others face-to-face who understand your experience can be incredibly validating and helpful.
UK divorce support groups:
Relate Support Groups – Run regular groups in many areas focusing on relationship breakdown and divorce recovery
Gingerbread – UK’s leading charity for single parents, offering local support groups across the country
Church-based groups – Many churches run divorce recovery courses like DivorceCare, regardless of religious affiliation
Community centres – Local community centres often host separation support groups
How to find local groups:
- Search “divorce support group [your area]”
- Ask at your GP surgery or local library
- Check local Facebook community groups
- Contact Relate or Gingerbread for groups near you
What to expect: Groups typically meet weekly or fortnightly for 6-12 weeks. Format varies but usually includes discussion, sharing experiences, and sometimes structured activities or topics. Most groups are free or ask for small donations (£2-£5).
Tom, who attended a church-based divorce group, reflects: “I’m not religious, but the group was open to everyone. Meeting seven other people going through the same thing made me feel less alone. Hearing how others coped gave me ideas I hadn’t considered.”
Online Support Communities
Online communities provide support without leaving home, perfect for those with limited mobility, caring responsibilities, or social anxiety.
UK-focused online communities:
Mumsnet Relationships board – Active forum with dedicated separation and divorce section, thousands of members sharing experiences and advice
Gingerbread online community – Members-only forum for single parents
Reddit r/Divorce_UK – UK-specific subreddit for divorce discussions
Netmums Divorce Support – Forum specifically for divorcing parents
Facebook groups – Search for “UK divorce support” to find active private groups
Benefits of online support:
- Available 24/7 when you need them
- Complete anonymity if desired
- Connect with people across the UK
- Read others’ experiences even if not ready to share
- Search past discussions for specific topics
Safety considerations:
- Use privacy settings carefully
- Don’t share identifying information
- Remember advice from peers isn’t professional guidance
- Be cautious about sharing financial or legal details
- Report inappropriate behaviour to moderators
Specialist Groups
Some support groups focus on specific circumstances within divorce.
Specialist divorce support groups:
- Grey divorce groups – For over-50s divorcing after long marriages
- LGBTQ+ divorce support – Addressing specific challenges in same-sex divorces
- Divorced dads groups – Focusing on fathers’ experiences and challenges
- Domestic abuse survivor groups – For those leaving abusive relationships (Women’s Aid, Refuge, Mankind Initiative)
- Military divorce groups – Supporting service families through separation
Crisis Support and Helplines
24/7 Crisis Helplines
When you’re in crisis, these free, confidential helplines provide immediate support.
Samaritans
- Phone: 116 123 (free from any phone)
- Email: jo@samaritans.org (response within 24 hours)
- Available: 24/7, 365 days a year
- Who it’s for: Anyone struggling to cope, feeling suicidal, or needing someone to talk to
The Samaritans provide emotional support without judgment. You don’t need to be suicidal to call. They’re there for anyone who needs to talk.
Shout Crisis Text Line
- Text: 85258 (free from any phone)
- Available: 24/7
- Who it’s for: Anyone in crisis, unable to cope, or needing immediate support
Text-based support for those who prefer not to talk on the phone. Trained volunteers provide confidential support via text message.
Mind Infoline
- Phone: 0300 123 3393
- Email: info@mind.org.uk
- Available: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm
- Who it’s for: Mental health information, guidance, and signposting
Mind provides information about mental health conditions, treatments, and local services. They won’t counsel you but can direct you to appropriate support.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK (Under 35s)
- Phone: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 07860 039967
- Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
- Available: Monday-Friday 9am-midnight, weekends 2pm-midnight
- Who it’s for: Young people under 35 having suicidal thoughts, or anyone concerned about a young person
Specialist Helplines
Family Lives
- Phone: 0808 800 2222
- Available: Monday-Friday 1.30pm-9pm
- Focus: Parenting support, including co-parenting after separation
The Mix (Under 25s)
- Phone: 0808 808 4994
- Crisis text: Text THEMIX to 85258
- Available: 7 days a week, 3pm-midnight
- Focus: Support for young adults dealing with family breakdown
Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline
- Phone: 0808 2000 247
- Available: 24/7
- Focus: Women experiencing domestic abuse
Mankind Initiative (Male victims)
- Phone: 01823 334244
- Available: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
- Focus: Male victims of domestic abuse
Galop LGBT+ Helpline
- Phone: 0800 999 5428
- Available: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-8pm
- Focus: LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse
Emma found the Samaritans invaluable during early separation: “I called at 2am three times in the first month. Just having someone listen without judging kept me going through the worst nights. I didn’t need solutions, just someone there.”
Self-Help Books for Divorce Recovery
Highly Recommended Divorce Books
Reading about divorce from experts and others who’ve been through it can provide comfort, validation, and practical strategies.
“The Divorce Recovery Workbook” by Mark S. Rye and Crystal Dea Moore Practical exercises and activities to work through grief, anger, and resentment whilst building a new life. Evidence-based approach from psychologists specialising in forgiveness and healing. Purchase here
“Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After” by Katherine Woodward Thomas A structured 5-step programme for ending relationships with respect and minimising emotional damage. Particularly helpful for co-parents wanting to maintain a cooperative relationship. Made famous by Gwyneth Paltrow. But it here.
“Splitopia: Dispatches from Today’s Good Divorce and How to Part Well” by Wendy Paris Challenges negative divorce narratives with stories of people who’ve created positive post-divorce lives. Combines memoir, research, and practical advice for effective co-parenting relationships. Buy here.
“It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken” by Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt Straightforward, sometimes humorous approach to moving forward after relationships end. More accessible than academic self-help books. Purchase here.
“Will I Ever Be Free of You?” by Dr. Karyl McBride Specifically for those divorcing narcissistic partners. Addresses unique challenges of high-conflict divorces. Buy it here.
“Two Homes, One Childhood: A Parenting Plan to Last a Lifetime” by Robert EmeryEvidence-based guidance on co-parenting effectively, written by a divorce researcher and psychologist. Helps parents put children’s needs first with age-appropriate parenting plans. Purchase the book here.
“Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends” by Bruce Fisher and Robert Alberti Classic self-help book with proven exercises for processing grief, rebuilding self-esteem, and preparing for future relationships. Buy here
UK-Specific Resources
“The Good Divorce Guide” by Teresa Payne Practical UK-focused advice on legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce. Written by a family law solicitor who went through divorce herself, covering the divorce process, financial settlements, child arrangements, and how to navigate UK family law. Buy it here.
“Greater Expectations: Wealth and Wellbeing” by Ali Carter Personal journey from police officer to founding Mediate UK, the UK’s largest private family mediation service. Covers personal development, overcoming adversity, and building a fulfilling life through goal-setting and coaching during major life transitions. You can purchase this book here.
Where to Access Books
Free options:
- Local libraries (request specific titles if not in stock)
- Library e-book and audiobook services (BorrowBox, Libby)
- Book swaps in community groups
Affordable options:
- Charity shops often have self-help sections
- World of Books (secondhand books online)
- Amazon Kindle deals
- Audible free trial includes one free audiobook
Online Courses and Programmes
Structured Divorce Recovery Courses
Online courses provide structured approaches to divorce recovery you can complete at your own pace.
DivorceCare – Local churches 13-week programme offered through churches across the UK, combining videos, workbooks, and group discussion. Christ-centred approach featuring expert counsellors and pastors. Usually free or minimal cost (£10-£20 for workbook). Search for local groups at divorcecare.org.
“Healing from Heartbreak” – Udemy Self-paced course covering grief processing, emotional trauma recovery, and rebuilding confidence after breakups and divorce. Includes practical exercises and tools. Cost: Around £30-£50 (varies with Udemy sales).
Divorce Recovery Programmes – Various providers Multiple online platforms offer structured divorce recovery courses including emotional healing, co-parenting strategies, and practical next steps. Costs typically range from £30-£200 depending on comprehensiveness and support included.
Mindfulness and Meditation Courses
Mindfulness helps manage the anxiety and emotional overwhelm common during divorce.
Headspace – Meditation app Includes specific courses for stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. Free trial then £9.99/month or £49.99/year.
Calm – Sleep and meditation app Meditation sessions, sleep stories, and anxiety management tools. Free trial then £39.99/year (approximately £3.33/month).
NHS Every Mind Matters Free online resources including stress management and anxiety reduction techniques. Create a personalised Mind Plan at no cost. No subscription required.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8-week evidence-based programme available through some NHS trusts or private providers. Teaches mindfulness meditation for stress management.
According to research published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce anxiety and depression during divorce.
Journaling and Self-Reflection Tools
Benefits of Journaling During Divorce
Journaling provides a private space to process complex emotions, track progress, and work through difficult thoughts.
Research-backed benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Helps process grief and anger
- Tracks emotional patterns
- Provides perspective on progress
- Improves sleep quality
- Strengthens immune function during stress
A study from the University of Texas found that expressive writing about difficult experiences improved both mental and physical health outcomes.
Types of Journaling for Divorce
Free-form emotional journaling Write whatever comes to mind without structure or editing. Particularly helpful for releasing intense emotions.
Gratitude journaling Write 3-5 things you’re grateful for daily. Shifts focus toward positive aspects during difficult times.
Prompt-based journaling Use specific questions like:
- “What did I learn about myself today?”
- “What would I tell a friend in my situation?”
- “What can I control in my life right now?”
- “What am I proud of this week?”
Letter writing (unsent) Write letters to your ex, expressing everything you feel without sending them. Provides closure without creating conflict.
Future-focused journaling Describe the life you’re building and the person you’re becoming. Visualises positive outcomes.
Journaling Prompts for Divorce Recovery
Week 1-4 (Early separation):
- How am I feeling right now?
- What do I need today?
- What’s one small thing I can do to care for myself?
Month 2-6 (Processing phase):
- What patterns from my marriage do I want to leave behind?
- What strengths am I discovering in myself?
- What’s one positive change in my life?
Month 6-12 (Rebuilding phase):
- What does my ideal life look like?
- What relationships matter most to me?
- What would I tell my past self?
Journaling Apps and Tools
Day One – Beautiful journaling app with prompts, photos, and location tracking. Free basic version, £35/year premium.
Journey – Cross-platform journal with mood tracking and prompts. Free basic version, £5/month premium.
Penzu – Private, encrypted online journal. Free basic version, £50/year premium.
Traditional notebooks – Many people prefer pen and paper for deeper processing. No cost beyond a notebook.
Rachel found journaling transformative: “I started writing every morning, just stream of consciousness for 10 minutes. Looking back months later, I could see how far I’d come. The early entries were so raw and painful, but by month six, hope started appearing.”
Apps for Emotional Wellbeing
Mental Health and Wellbeing Apps
Calm Harm (Free) Designed to help manage urges to self-harm, useful during acute emotional crises during divorce.
Wysa (Free with premium options) AI chatbot providing emotional support, CBT techniques, and mood tracking. Available 24/7.
AbleTo SelfCare (Free with premium options) Mood tracking, guided journeys, and coping tools for anxiety and depression.
Insight Timer (Free) Thousands of free guided meditations specifically for anxiety, grief, sleep problems, and stress.
Relationship and Communication Apps
Read a full review of the Top 5 Parenting apps.
Talking Parents (Free basic version) Documented communication platform for co-parents. Creates records of all communications.
OurFamilyWizard (Subscription required) Comprehensive co-parenting app with calendar, messaging, expense tracking, and journal features.
2Houses (Subscription required) Co-parenting calendar, expense sharing, information bank, and messaging tools.
Self-Care and Routine Apps
Fabulous (Free with premium options) Helps build healthy routines including exercise, sleep, and self-care habits.
Finch (Free) Self-care app disguised as a virtual pet game. Gentle approach to building wellbeing habits.
Habitica (Free) Gamifies self-care and daily tasks, turning life improvement into an RPG game.
Financial Support and Advice Services
Free Financial Advice
Divorce often creates financial stress. Free advice services can help you understand your position and options.
Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) Free, confidential advice on benefits, debt, housing, and legal rights. Available online, by phone, or at local centres.
MoneyHelper (www.moneyhelper.org.uk) Government-backed free financial guidance including budget planners, debt advice, and divorce money guides.
StepChange Debt Charity (www.stepchange.org) Free debt advice including debt management plans and budgeting support. Phone: 0800 138 1111
National Debtline (0808 808 4000) Free confidential debt advice via phone and online. Self-help materials available on their website.
Turn2Us (www.turn2us.org.uk) Helps people access benefits, grants, and financial support. Includes benefits calculator.
Benefits and Financial Support
Benefits you might be entitled to after divorce:
- Universal Credit (if low income)
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefit
- Free school meals for children
- Pension Credit (if over pension age)
Use the benefits calculator at Turn2Us or MoneyHelper to understand what you might qualify for.
Legal Information and Guidance
Free Legal Resources
Citizens Advice provides free legal information about divorce process, child arrangements, and financial settlements.
Advicenow (www.advicenow.org.uk) Free, easy-to-understand legal guides on family law topics including divorce, children, and finances.
Resolution (www.resolution.org.uk) Organisation of family lawyers committed to non-confrontational divorce. Their website includes guides on divorce process.
The Divorce Circle (www.thedivorcecircle.co.uk) FREE downloadable guide explaining how family law and divorce works in England and Wales.
When to Get Professional Legal Advice
While information is free, personalised legal advice requires a solicitor. Consider professional advice for:
- Complex financial situations
- Disagreement about children or assets
- Business ownership
- Pensions requiring division
- International elements
- Domestic abuse situations
Many solicitors offer fixed-fee initial consultations (£50-£150) to assess your situation.
Support for Specific Situations
Support for Domestic Abuse Survivors
Women’s Aid (National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247) 24/7 helpline, online chat, and email support. Helps with safety planning, refuges, and legal options.
Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) Provides safe accommodation and support services for women and children escaping domestic abuse.
Mankind Initiative (01823 334244) Support specifically for male victims of domestic abuse.
Galop (0800 999 5428) LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline providing specialist support.
NCDV (National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070) Free emergency injunctions and legal support 24/7.
Support for LGBTQ+ Divorces
Stonewall (www.stonewall.org.uk) Information and support for LGBT+ people going through separation or divorce.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline (0300 330 0630) Listening service, open 10am-10pm daily.
London Friend (020 7833 1674) Support services for LGBT+ people in London, including counselling and social groups.
Support for Parents
Gingerbread (0808 802 0925) UK’s leading charity for single parents, offering advice, support groups, and online community.
Family Lives (0808 800 2222) Parenting support including co-parenting advice after separation.
Both Parents Matter (Scotland-based) Support for non-resident parents maintaining relationships with children.
Support for Older Adults
Age UK (0800 678 1602) Advice and support for older people facing divorce, including financial guidance and befriending services.
Creating Your Personal Support Plan
Assessing Your Needs
Different stages of divorce require different types of support.
Immediate crisis (Weeks 1-4):
- Crisis helplines (Samaritans, Shout)
- Trusted friends or family
- GP appointment if struggling severely
- Time off work if needed
Early processing (Months 1-3):
- Professional counselling (NHS or private)
- Support group (online or in-person)
- Self-help books or courses
- Regular check-ins with supportive people
Active recovery (Months 3-12):
- Continued therapy if helpful
- Journaling and self-reflection
- New activities and social connections
- Financial and legal advice as needed
Rebuilding phase (12+ months):
- Occasional therapy check-ins
- Peer support for ongoing challenges
- Self-help tools as needed
- Focus on building new life
Building a Support Network
Research shows that multiple types of support work better than relying on one source alone.
Effective support combinations:
- Professional therapy + peer support group
- Self-help books + journaling + crisis helpline access
- Online community + in-person friendship + counselling
- Meditation app + support group + occasional GP check-ins
Mark created his support plan: “I saw a therapist fortnightly, attended a divorce group weekly, and kept Samaritans’ number saved for bad nights. Having different types of support for different needs worked much better than expecting one thing to fix everything.”
When to Increase Support
Signs you need additional help:
- Persistent thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Unable to function at work or home
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression lasting more than two weeks
- Substance use to cope
- Complete social withdrawal
- Inability to care for children adequately
Contact your GP immediately if experiencing any of these. Crisis situations require professional intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is counselling really necessary, or can I get through divorce without it? Many people cope without formal counselling, using support groups, self-help resources, and friends. However, professional support often accelerates recovery and provides tools for managing difficult emotions. If you’re struggling significantly, can’t function normally, or feel stuck after several months, counselling can be really helpful.
How do I choose between NHS and private counselling? NHS therapy is free but has waiting lists (typically 4-12 weeks) and limited session numbers. Private counselling offers immediate access, therapist choice, and unlimited sessions, but costs £40-£150 per session. If you’re in crisis and can afford it, private may be better. If you can wait and prefer free support, NHS is excellent.
I’m embarrassed about joining a support group. Is this normal? Absolutely normal. Most people feel nervous before their first group session. Remember that everyone there feels vulnerable too. Most groups are welcoming, non-judgmental spaces. You can attend once to see if it suits you with no obligation to return. Online groups offer anonymity if that feels more comfortable initially.
Will my GP judge me for asking about mental health support during divorce? GPs see divorce-related mental health concerns regularly and should respond professionally without judgment. They can refer you to NHS services, prescribe medication if appropriate, and provide sick notes if you need time off work. If your GP seems dismissive, you can request a different GP or change surgeries.
How do I know if a helpline or online resource is legitimate and safe? Stick to established organisations: Samaritans, Mind, NHS services, registered charities like Relate or Gingerbread. Check the website has clear contact details, charity registration numbers, and professional affiliations. Avoid sites asking for money upfront or making unrealistic promises. All resources recommended in this guide are legitimate, established services.
I can’t afford therapy or books. What free support is available? Extensive free support exists: NHS talking therapies (completely free), Samaritans and other helplines (free calls), online communities (free), library books (free), NHS apps and resources (free), Citizens Advice (free), and some support groups (free or £2-£5 donation). You can access substantial support without spending money.
My children are struggling too. What support is available for them? Children can access school counsellors, NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) via GP referral, Childline (0800 1111 – free, confidential), and family therapy through Relate or NHS. Many of the support groups and resources mentioned have children’s versions. Addressing your children’s emotional needs early prevents longer-term difficulties.
How long should I use divorce support services? There’s no set timeline. Some people attend a 6-week support group and feel significantly better. Others benefit from therapy for a year or longer. Use support as long as it helps. Many people reduce formal support gradually whilst maintaining some resources (like online communities or occasional therapy check-ins) long-term.
Taking Action: Getting the Help You Need
Divorce support isn’t about weakness or inability to cope alone. It’s about accessing tools and resources that make a difficult time more manageable and help you recover more effectively.
Start with small, concrete steps:
- Save crisis helpline numbers in your phone now, just in case (Samaritans: 116 123)
- Book a GP appointment if you’re struggling with mental health
- Join one online community or support group
- Request one self-help book from your library
- Try one meditation or journaling session this week
The Divorce Circle provides additional practical resources to support your journey. Access our emotional recovery guides, connect with our supportive community, and explore tools designed specifically for people navigating separation and divorce.
You don’t need to use every resource in this guide. Choose 2-3 that resonate with your situation and start there. Support looks different for everyone, and the right combination for you might differ from what works for others.
Remember that reaching out for support takes courage, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your recovery and future wellbeing. You don’t have to face this alone.
If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please reach out immediately. Call the Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24/7, free from any phone) or text SHOUT to 85258 for crisis text support. Things will get better with time and support, and you will be okay.
Helpful Links
- NHS Mental Health Services – Access to free NHS talking therapies and mental health support
- Samaritans – 24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone struggling to cope (Call 116 123)
- Mind – Mental health charity providing information, support, and advocacy
- Gingerbread – UK charity supporting single parents with advice, support groups, and community