If you are a child or young person and are concerned about your mental health then speak as soon as possible to an adult that you trust. This could be a parent (or other family member), a teacher, or a doctor (GP). If you are not sure who to talk to you can telephone Childline or The Samaritans (contact listed below).

If you are an adult and are concerned about a child or young person’s mental health, then there are other organisations listed below that offer advice and support.

Immediate help

Childline (for children and young people only)
0800 1111 (UK), 24 hours a day
chat: chat online email web: www.childline.org.uk

Available 24 hours a day for children and young people, help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, send ChildLine an email or post on the message boards.

Samaritans (for adults)
116 123 (UK), 24 hours a day
email: jo@samaritans.org web: www.samaritans.org

Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.

Mind
0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri, 9am-6pm except bank holidays)
email: info@mind.org.uk web: www.mind.org.uk

Offers advice and support to service users; has a network of local associations in England and Wales to which people can turn for help and assistance.

Rethink Mental Illness
0300 5000 927 (Mon – Fri, 10am-2pm)
Support forum email: advice@rethink.org web: www.rethink.org

Rethink Mental Illness works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, recover a better quality of life. It provides effective services and support and campaigns for change through greater awareness and understanding.

Sane
0845 767 8000 (6pm-11pm every day – local rate on BT landlines)
Support forum email: sanemail@sane.org.uk web: www.sane.org.uk

SANE services provide practical help, emotional support and specialist information to individuals affected by mental health problems, their family, friends and carers.

Education Support Partnership
08000 562 561  (UK), 24 hours a day
text: 07909 341229 chat: chat online email web: www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk

For teachers and everyone working in education to boost health, happiness and wellbeing through individual support and great management.

NHS mental health services
Find local mental health services on the NHS website.
You can also get advice from NHS 111 phone service.

Mental health and Wellbeing Information

Young Minds
web: www.youngminds.org.uk

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

The Mix

website: www.themix.org.uk

Honest information and support for young people in the UK on a range of issues.

Mental Health Foundation
website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Charity improving the lives of those with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

MindEd
website: www.minded.org.uk

At its heart, MindEd provides practical knowledge that gives adults confidence to identify a mental health issue and act swiftly, meaning better outcomes for the child or young person involved.

Advice on depression, anxiety, ADHD & self-harm

YoungMinds Parents Helpline
0808 802 5544 (9.30 to 4.00pm, Mon- Fri)
web: www.youngminds.org.uk

We offer free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.

Eating Disorder Advice

Beat
Adults over 18 including parents, teachers or concerned adults
0345 634 1414  – . (Mon-Wed, 1pm-4pm)
Support forums (7 days a week) email: help@b-eat.co.uk

Under 25s.
0345 634 7650 – (Mon-Wed, 1pm-4pm)
Support forums (7 days a week) email: fyp@b-eat.co.uk

web: www.b-eat.co.uk

Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders and difficulties with food, weight and shape. We also have an email service and an online one to one service.

Addiction Advice

FRANK
0300 123 6600 (UK), 24 hours a day
live chat (UK), 2-6pm
email
SMS: 82111 – Need a quick answer? Text a question and FRANK will text you back.
website: www.talktofrank.com