Where to go for help
Urgent Help: Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line
Someone’s life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose
You do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.
Call: 999
If you think your child is depressed, or you’re concerned about their general wellbeing, make an appointment with them to see a GP.
If necessary, the GP can refer your child to a local children and young people’s mental health service (CYPMHS) for specialist help.
If you need during a mental health crisis or emergency, read about where to get urgent help for mental health:
If you’re worried about any aspect of your child’s mental health, you can call the charity YoungMinds’ free parents’ helpline for advice on 0808 802 5544 from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
The YoungMinds website also has mental health support and advice for your child.
Urgent Help
Urgent Help
These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult:
Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19
If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Get advice from 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
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you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline
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you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency
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you’re not sure what to do
111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
Use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111.
You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.
School Resources
Supporting Agencies
Chat Health
The service is for anyone aged 11-19 at secondary school looking for confidential advice on a wide range of issues such as bullying, puberty, exam stress, relationships/friendships, self harm, sleeping, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health, drugs as well as illnesses. You can contact us at any time, and we’ll get back to you between 9am and 4pm on 07480 635 513.
Reading Well for Teens
Reading Well for Teens suggests recommended reading and digital resources to help you understand your feelings and boost your confidence. Teens and health and wellbeing experts have chosen the books to help you manage your emotions and cope with difficult times.
CAMHS - Cool Apps
Lots of us use Apps every day, whether it’s to message our friends or to edit photographs. But have you considered using apps on your phone to help improve your general wellbeing? Just remember though that although these apps can be useful we still recommend speaking to a trusted adult or GP if you have concerns about any symptoms you are experiencing.
Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide
Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? Call 0800 068 4141 Text 07860 039967
The Mix
Free information and support for under 25s The support includes a free helpline, crisis messenger, counselling, apps, group chats and discussion boards. Call: 0808 808 4994
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support for any problem, big or small If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won't judge or tell you what to do. Free helpline: 116 123 Go to external website
Kooth
You are not alone. Access support from other young people and professionals, all at your own pace
Childline
Childline is a free, confidential service for children and young people in the UK. You can call, chat, email or message them about any worry or problem, big or small.
CEOP Safety Centre
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Visit the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
Centrepoint
Centrepoint is the UK's leading youth homelessness charity. Alongside our partners, we support over 16,000 young people every year and campaign to end youth homelessness by 2037.
Mind
'We're Mind. We understand mental health and wellbeing. We're here for you if you're finding things hard. We help everyone understand mental health problems, so no one has to feel alone'
NHS
CYPMHS
Children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) is a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional or behavioural wellbeing.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.
Childrens Online Safety Test
Give Virgin's Children's Online Safety Test a go