Getting help

Getting help 2022-07-25T15:05:14+01:00

  • Try talking to a parent or carer, or another adult you trust…it’s better out than in!
  • If you are in an emergency and there is risk to life (yours or someone else’s) call 999
  • If you are in crisis call Childline free on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk/get-support/
  • To report any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person call 01454 866000
  • ChatHealth – you can talk to your school nurse for confidential advice and support about a range of topics by texting 07312263093. The service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

For Bristol services, please go to www.bristolccg.nhs.uk/your-health-local-services/help-and-support/young-peoples-emotional-health/

The A-Z section includes more information specific to each topic.

Schools employ a range of people to look after your wellbeing. Some of the titles of these staff may vary in your school but you will be able to find out about them from a teacher.
Most schools have a nurse who either have a drop-in clinic or appointments you can make to see them. They can provide information about mental health and emotional wellbeing, and can help you access further support if this is needed. http://cchp.nhs.uk/cchp/explore-cchp/school-health-nursing

Off the Record – free and confidential one-to-one and group mental health support for 11-25 year olds. OTR run ‘hub’ sessions’ where you can drop in and find out loads of useful stuff around mental health and what OTR does. You can find out more via otrbristol.org.uk, call 0808 808 9120 between 2 and 5pm, text 07896880011

Kooth – free, safe and anonymous online support for young people aged 11-18: www.kooth.com

GP – you can make an appointment to visit your doctor or a nurse at the surgery to talk about any worries or concerns you have. Call your GP surgery to speak to the receptionist or go there in person. The receptionist will probably ask you who the appointment is for and why; this is to make sure that you see the right person at the right time. You don’t have to tell them why – you can just say it’s for something personal if you like.

If you think you’ll might have difficulty discussing your mental health with your GP, you can find advice about how to prepare How to Talk to Your GP About Mental Health

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – these are community teams that help children and young people with serious emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. These services are normally accessed via GP or school; for more information go to http://cchp.nhs.uk/cchp/explore-cchp/child-family-consultation-services-camhs-0cchp.nhs.uk

South Gloucestershire Talking Therapies: free support for people aged 16 and over – https://iapt-sglos.awp.nhs.uk/, 0117 378 4270. This is the gateway to a range of therapeutic interventions in line with people’s differing emotional needs. Give them a call, or you can self-refer via the website by either completing a registration form or by booking directly on to one of the introductory level psycho-educational courses.

Young people’s drug and alcohol service: free support and advice – call 01454 866000 or email ypservice@southglos.gov.uk. They’re here to help you if you feel that you need to make some changes; you may have concerns about your health, it may be affecting your relationships, costing too much or you may feel you are missing out on doing other things. They are a confidential service based within South Gloucestershire for young people that can offer the support that best fits your needs; someone to talk to, advice and information on reducing harm and on-going sessions to explore the things you’re struggling with.

Network Counselling: for ages 11 and up – all 01179507271 or visit network.org.uk (contribution required)

The Bridge Foundation: individual and family counselling – call 0117 9424510 or visit bridgefoundation.org.uk (charges apply)

Relate Avon: relationship counselling services available for young people aged 10-18 – call 0117 9428444 or visit relate-avon.org.uk (charges apply)

Youth Wellbeing Directory: list of local and national organisations https://www.youthwellbeing.co.uk/

ChildLine: free helpline for children and young people to talk about any problem 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 0800 1111 childline.org.uk

The Mix: telephone and email support for under 25s – freephone 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm) Text 80849 themix.org.uk

Samaritans: if something is troubling you – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Get self-help: free online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) resources – getselfhelp.co.uk

Reading Well; Shelf help: a list of recommended books to help young people deal with a range of issues, available in all libraries. www.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/recommended-booklist/reading-well-shelf-life/

Young Minds Crisis Messenger:  free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.

Bright ideas for young people – getting the best out of CAMHS. Produced by Barnardo’s HYPE service; empowering children and young people who use community health services: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/hype.htm.