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First Steps to Support

Helping you cope better and enjoy life again

First Steps to Support is a free and anonymous phoneline, email and SMS service to help you with life's stresses.

We asked Sophie Bernard, one of the friendly and supportive wellbeing advisors, to tell us about herself and how she supports people who contact the phoneline.

"As a First Steps to Support Wellbeing Advisor, I always make sure I take the time to listen to my callers' problems to help them work out what is affecting their wellbeing. This allows me to put them in touch with organisations that will be best placed to support them in finding ways to live their best life again."

I have been working with people from all walks of life for several years to ensure they have the means to improve or maintain their emotional wellbeing. Nothing beats hearing someone's voice brighten when they realise help is on the way.

Our NHS run service is confidential and anonymous and available to Surrey residents ages 18 and over. You will not be asked for your name, only what you would like to be called. We do not have access to your medical records and will not add anything. My colleagues and I come from varied cultural backgrounds and are qualified to offer guidance.

Chatting to our family and friends about our worries can be helpful. Sometimes, an impartial and trained viewpoint can also be beneficial. Seeking help early can help lighten the load before things get too tough. No matter how small your worries are, we are here for you.

Many of the people who reach out to us experience worry, low mood, low self-esteem, or sleep problems caused by bereavement, employment and/or financial issues, a divorce or relationship problems.

People who contact us really value the calming reassurance and helpful information that we can offer. There is no waiting list, and we have the time to really listen to what's troubling you and work out the best way forward."

Contact our wellbeing advisors

Opening times

  • Monday 8am-3pm
  • Tuesday 9am-4pm
  • Wednesday 10am-5pm
  • Thursday 9am-7pm
  • Friday 10am-2pm

If you are contacting us outside of these hours, please do leave us a message or email us via dohel.firststeps.surrey@nhs.net. We will get back to you.

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