Personal Discussion sticky suggestion

[Badnik Mechanic]

As we all know, sometimes the Personal Discussion area can get a bit... how should I put this? 'Serious.'

I was wondering if it would be an idea to have a sticky topic there with a number of groups or agencies who are qualified and specialise in the kind of stuff that we normally get in that topic, e.g. family relationships, bullying, stress, sexual matters etc, and how someone can contact them or get some good advice that is from someone who I would hope is qualified.

Potential things I'm thinking of would be Childline, NHS direct and maybe organisations that help us older lot. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some people on here who want to make a topic, but are simply too shy or nervous of a potential reaction, whilst we've had a proud tradition of not being disrespectful in any PD topic, if someone is a prat in one they're usually told where to go before it can generate into something disgraceful.

Whilst some of the advice is good, lets be honest, we're not professionals nor are we all qualified therapists or health experts, so I wonder if we should have a sticky topic in place so if someone wants to look into a more professional avenue, it's not a million miles away from the forum they've posted in.

Edited November 11, 2009 by Casanova

[Roarey Raccoon]

Might be an idea that. Tell you what, if people can PM me with any resources they've found that are useful I'll have a look through them and make a sticky topic listing them.

[Chris]

If you'd like to make such a post (or anybody else, for that matter) then feel free to and I'll pin it. It's not an idea I'd turn down because it would definitely contribute to the atmosphere at the very least.

Edit: Might be an idea to have an open topic regarding it, Roarey.

[Badnik Mechanic]

Might be an idea that. Tell you what, if people can PM me with any resources they've found that are useful I'll have a look through them and make a sticky topic listing them.

Well I know that ChildLine is a very good resource, not used them myself, but I am familiar with the work that they do.

NHS direct... well it's NHS direct, any medical advice that people are after would have to be founded from them anyway....

But with regards to other things like Bullying, family issues, work issues, that I don't know much about, so if anyone knows of any good outlets, I'm open to suggestions... also since we have a number of non British people here, it would need to be distinctive.

Or I could just make the topic, people could respond and then someone edits into my post any good suggestions...

Edited November 11, 2009 by Casanova

[Roarey Raccoon]

Lol, or that.

For depression/anxiety/self confidence a brilliant site that offers free email courses is http://www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/index.html , I used it for overcoming panic attacks earlier this year. So that'll certainly be on the list (a psychiatric nurse directed me to it).

[Diz]

A topic containing issue types and a link below them, I somehow like the sounds of that. Having a little bit information about the concept could be nice as well, like stating the fact that users here are not really experts or anything, and that if there is a serious issue, one may want to go to one of those links, yet still not really denying members in posting topics, just that they should try the links as well.

[Flyboy Fox]

There's always the Samaritans. Oh, and MIND is a good resource for mental health issues such as depression.

[Pelly <3's U]

I'm for having links to sexual health information, we all know how many PD topics venture into that territory.

[Badnik Mechanic]

These are some great suggestions guys.

I'll get started on a topic at some pont tomorrow night, it'll give me some time to think up some more agencies like the ones mentioned. It'll also give me some time to have a look into them and get a basic format up and running.

[Roarey Raccoon]

Alright then, I'll leave it to you since it was your idea and you're so keen. Saves me a bloody job anyway, rofl.

[Badnik Mechanic]

Just letting you know that the topic has now been made. I've put a bunch of links and details of people in it for a variety of things, all the ones listed here are mentioned as well as a bunch of others too.

[bmn]

Thanks, Cas. I'll sticky it now.

[Flint]

Considering this is an international board, I'd suggest either grouping the links into country/region-specific (at least UK/US, seeing as those are the biggest audiences) groups or simply clearly tell the location of the helpline with some bold in front of the details. Would make relevant navigating easier and quicker.

Edited November 16, 2009 by Flint

[Badnik Mechanic]

I definately agree with the bold on the contact details idea. I'll get round to changing that at some point later today or Friday.

With regards to the layout to be country specific, I did consider this when I was typing it, the problem was that other than websites which are based in the US or other locations, I was utterly stumped at coming up with organisations that are not in the UK which are good. So the majority (in fact I think it's all of them) which have phone numbers are UK locations, hence why I decided to list them all via need and try to include in their description where they're based.

[Nemain]

This is quite a large forum... I'd imagine there are at least a few people out there from other nations that could endorse other useful helplines or websites from their region, and that would certainly make your thread even more of an asset. Hopefully keeping this topic visible will allow said people to notice this and post their suggestions here as well.

A very good idea by the way, Cas. I applaud you for taking the time to have this collection of resources ready for those who don't know where to turn.

EDIT: Also, may I suggest separate posts within the topic for each country? I agree with Flint that some grouping will be needed. I can imagine having one big post will get very cluttered.

Edited November 19, 2009 by Nemain