At Quetzal, we are committed to supporting every woman who needs it. While we continue to work hard to reduce waiting times for our long-term counselling services, we understand that some may need prompt support. Below, you’ll find a variety of educational, self-help, and practical support resources that are available to you right now:
- Quetzal Counsellor Directory: If you can afford counselling at a discounted rate, you can access our Quetzal Counsellor Directory to connect with a professional directly. This is a quicker route for those seeking immediate, ongoing support.
- Check-In Calls: A simple and accessible way for those on our waiting list to connect with us for support and guidance.
- Monthly Drop-In Support Sessions: Join our monthly drop-in session on the first Wednesday of each month that offer valuable support and a sense of community.
- Quetzal’s Self-Help Guide: A collection of tools, resources, and exercises designed to help you work through challenges at your own pace.
For more details on these services or to book a session, please email help@quetzal.org.uk.

We also offer a wide range of free resources to support anyone in need. These resources are immediate to access and are regularly updated to provide you with the latest information and tools on a variety of topics, including:
Self Help
- Defence4Women is offering a new self-defence workshop specifically designed for women recovering from trauma. These small group sessions focus on empowerment, confidence-building, and reconnecting the body and mind, all at a pace that respects trauma-based needs. For more details, access the full information booklet.
- The NHS Online self-guided workbook provides information for adults physically, emotionally or sexually abused as children.
- Find helpful documents for your mental health and wellbeing, curated by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
- Blogs and information as well as a online course (Paid) ReConnected Life | Taste of Recovery
- For survivors who might find healthcare appointments distressing, particularly physical examinations such as cervical screening, read through this Cervical Screening Guide for Survivors for information and tips to help make you feel more comfortable ahead of your appointment.
- Learn more about self help for a wide range of mental health concerns.
- Access Managing Triggers, a free trauma resource to explore the neuroscience behind triggers and what you can do about it.
- Get support for your mental health needs, build resilience and access support to stay well and to lead full lives. Access Leicester City Council’s services by making a free call on 0808 178 0960.
- Seek empowerment after an abusive ex, access Freeva’s Get Out Get Love 6-12 month, online, self-paced program for free using the code in this leaflet. The program is designed by professional psychologists for individuals of all ages and genders, to enjoy a true sense of closure and freedom.
- Read this helpful blog from Carolyn Spring on how we can begin our healing journey, Can We Heal?
Educational
- Browse through a range of recovery-focused educational courses and training for people aged over 18 and above from Leicestershire Recovery College.
- Listen to this podcast from Carolyn Spring on how Trauma is not just a distressing event, and the impact it has on survivors.
- Dealing with Domestic Abuse in the Deaf Community workshops for interested professionals are provided on request by The Deaf Health Charity SignHealth. Please contact da@signhealth.org.uk for further information.
- A guide to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people with autism from violence and abuse by the National Autistic Society.
- Listen to this ground-breaking podcast on the lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse.
Practical help and support
- An unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy loss can bring immense anxiety and pain. Jakin Counselling, based in Leicester and Leicestershire, offers free counselling sessions to pregnant women and their partners, providing a safe and supportive space to navigate these challenging times.
- You might be able to claim compensation if you were a victim of a violent crime. Learn more about it on the gov.uk website.
- Accessing therapy pre-trial can be helpful in supporting you emotionally with what has happened, and the impact of the criminal justice process itself. Learn more about pre-trial therapy and where to access it.
- Benefit from Zinthiya Trust a registered charity providing information, advice, and practical support to alleviate poverty and abuse for people living in Leicester and Rutland.
- If you or someone you know is fleeing domestic abuse, get in touch with Hiba Foundation (a Registered Charity in England and Wales) to access Emergency Accommodations services.
Quetzal Counsellor Directory
For individuals seeking private, affordable counselling support, we’ve created a dedicated Quetzal Counsellor Directory. This directory features profiles and contact details for trusted counsellors who offer independent support outside of our organisation. Each counsellor listed has experience working with survivors and shares Quetzal’s commitment to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care.
Explore the Quetzal Counsellor Directory to find the right support for you.