Helplines

Action for Children

actionforchildren.org.uk
Supports children, young people, and families across England with emotional and practical care.

Barnardo’s

barnardos.org.uk
Practical information and emotional support for:

  • Young people
  • Young people leaving care
  • Young carers
  • Provides local services for further support in some regions.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Information and support for anyone who is struggling with things and needs to talk. Offers a helpline and webchat.

Childline

0800 1111
childline.org.uk
Information and advice for young people on topics like bullying, your body and relationships. Also provides:

  • A phone helpline
  • 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors
  • Online message boards
  • Welsh-speaking and BSL interpreter counsellors

FRANK

0300 123 6600
82111 (text line)
talktofrank.com
Confidential support, advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.

Hub of Hope

hubofhope.co.uk
A UK-wide database of mental health charities and organisations offering advice and support.

Local Minds

mind.org.uk/about-us/local-minds
Local mental health services across England and Wales. Offers talking therapies, peer support and advocacy. Check to see if there is a Local Mind near you and what it can offer young people.

Mencap

0808 808 1111 (Learning Disability Helpline)
mencap.org.uk
Information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families, and carers. Services include an online community.

The Mix

85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX)
themix.org.uk
Support and advice for people under 25, offering these services:

  • Crisis messenger text line
  • Discussion board
  • Webchat
  • Short-term counselling by phone and online

NHS Every Mind Matters

nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/youth-mental-health
Information and advice on mental health and wellbeing for young people. Includes videos about dealing with change, social media, and sleep.

On My Mind

annafreud.org/on-my-mind
Information, support, and resources to help young people understand more about mental health and wellbeing. Search the Youth Wellbeing Directory to find services near you.

Our Time

ourtime.org.uk
Information and workshops for children and young people whose parents or carers experience mental health problems.

Reading Well

reading-well.org.uk/resources/young-people
Self-help books to help people understand and manage their mental health and wellbeing. Also available in Welsh.

Samaritans

116 123
0808 164 0123 (Welsh Language Line)
jo@samaritans.org
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open 24/7 for people to talk about any concerns, worries and troubles they’re going through. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person.

Shout

85258 (text line)
giveusashout.org
Shout is a confidential and anonymous 24/7 text support service for anyone struggling to cope. It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK. To speak to a trained volunteer, text SHOUT to 85258.

YoungMinds

youngminds.org.uk
Mental health support for young people, parents, and carers. Includes information about mental health problems and medication.

Youth Access

youthaccess.org.uk
Advice and counselling network for young people. Includes a search tool for finding free local services.

Child Therapy Service