Support for Children and Young People
Many people, including children and young people experience times of stress or worry during their lives. If you need help now or if you’re worried about someone else, the following support services can offer assistance
During the COVID-19 pandemic it has been particularly difficult for some children and young people to cope with the lockdown restrictions and the challenges they bring in terms of isolation from friends, family problems, school closures and changes to their living situation.
While lockdown restrictions have been regularly reviewed, children and young people may also have had to deal with self-isolation because of instances of COVID-19 in their schools or worries about themselves or their family contracting the virus. This is on top of the existing challenges faced by children and young people in their everyday lives.
As the lockdown restrictions have eased some children and young people may experience anxiety or distress as expectations and demands have increased. Feelings like these may ease over time for some children and young people, but there are always steps that can be taken to support children and young people emotionally and help them cope with problems they face.
Below is a list of places where children, young people and their families can access help:
PAPYRUS
Call: 0800 068 4141
Visit: papyrus-uk.org
Prevention of Young Suicide. For confidential suicide prevention advice, contact HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
The Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Visit: samaritans.org
Call 116 123 for free. Samaritans work to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone.
Shout 85258
Text: 85258
Visit: giveusashout.org
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Childline
Call: 0800 1111
Visit: childline.org.uk
Call 0800 1111 for free, confidential support at any time, day or night. Childline is there to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through, big or small.
Mental Health Support for Young People
Visit: youngminds.org.uk
Call 0808 802 5544 for free.
Young Minds have loads of practical tips and advice from young people, as well as information on getting the support you need.
Every Mind Matters
Visit: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
For help and advice about mental health from the NHS.
Action for Children
Visit: actionforchildren.org.uk
Has lots of tips to help spot signs of mental health issues in children and advice on the action that can be taken to help.
Barnardos, See, Hear, Respond Hub
Visit: barnardos.org.uk
A dedicated service to help children, young people and their families or carers with problems caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
NHS Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services
Visit: nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services
Parents, carers and young people can receive direct support through NHS CYPMHS also known as CYPMHS (sometimes referred to as CAMHS).
Mind
Call: 0300 123 3393
Visit: mind.co.uk
Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
NHS Urgent Mental Health Helplines
Visit: nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services
NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages. You can call for:
• 24 hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
• Help to speak to a mental health professional
• An assessment to help decide on the best course of care
MindEd for Families
Visit: mindedforfamilies.org.uk
A resource for all adults to increase awareness and understanding about the mental health of children, young people and older adults. It includes free e-learning sessions for all those working with CYP (incl. ED sessions).
Hub of Hope
Visit: hubofhope.co.uk
Mental health support network provided by Chasing the Stigma. The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.
Crisis Tools
Visit: crisistools.org.uk
Unique, co-produced learning guides to increase knowledge and confidence for anyone supporting young people in a mental health crisis. Crisis Tools is relevant to anyone who may find themselves supporting a young person in crisis including parents, carers and professionals.
National Bullying Helpline
Call: 0300 323 0169
Visit: nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
Available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 323 0169. Provides help for anyone dealing with bullying, whether in school, in the workplace or online.