Parents separating

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Parents separating 2019-10-01T16:02:46+01:00

Parents Separating

There are many reasons why some parents split up. Often, it’s because one or both of them is unhappy. The important thing to remember is – it’s not your fault and that they still love you!

It can be a scary and confusing time. You might have questions, like, where will I live? Why does everyone seem so upset and angry?

Talking to your parents might not be easy, especially if they are too upset to answer your questions all at once. If you can, try to be patient with them. You could also talk about your feelings with someone else you know and trust, like an auntie or uncle, a grandparent, a teacher or school counsellor.

It’s ok to feel sad, lonely, angry or confused. Have a look at our pages on ‘how to look after yourself’.

Change isn’t always easy but most young people find with time, things do get better.

Help in South Gloucestershire

Schools employ a variety 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 will either have a drop-in clinic or you can make an appointment to see them.

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.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – these are community teams that help children and young people with emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties.

Off the Record – free mental health support for 11-18 year olds. www.otrbristol.org.uk, 0808 808 9120.

South Gloucestershire Talking Therapies – free support for people aged 16 and over. https://iapt-sglos.awp.nhs.uk/ 0117 378 4270.

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

Further information, help and online links

  • If you are in an emergency and there is a risk to like (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

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

Divorce Aid  – Advice for children and families going through divorce www.divorceaid.co.uk

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

Samaritans – if something is troubling you call 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Get self-help – free online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) resources, www.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. https://reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/young-people-mental-health

Kooth – Free, safe and anonymous online counselling support for young people aged 11-18yrs old https://www.kooth.com/