Get help now
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If you are worried about your young person's safety, or they need help now, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.
Support over the winter break
The YoungMinds office and our Parents Helpline will be closed from 25 December - 2 January.
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health and need urgent advice or support while our helpline is closed, visit our urgent help page for information on what to do in a crisis, who to contact, and when to seek immediate help.
If your child needs someone to talk to directly, these services are available over the festive period:
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Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258.
Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.
All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
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Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.
- Opening times:
- 24/7
Get help and advice online
Whether you want to understand more about your young person's mental health, find the right help for them or hear from other parents who've been there, our guides can help.
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Our A-Z guide is full of practical advice on how to help your child or young person with whatever they’re struggling with. This includes advice on mental health conditions, feelings and behaviours, and life events.
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Finding your way around mental health services can be challenging. We have lots of advice on the different types of support available, including counselling, CAMHS and the GP.
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Being able to talk and feeling listened to can make a huge difference for your child or young person. But helping them open up isn't always easy. We've got lots of tips to support you.
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On our parent blog, you'll find lots of real stories from parents and carers about how they've supported their young person's mental health, and what it's been like for them.
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When you care for others, it can be hard to care for yourself. But your mental health is important too. Hear how other parents have found support when things are tough.
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Finding help for your child often involves speaking with professionals like GPs. If you're getting ready for an appointment, use our resource to help you think through what you'd like to say.
Get support from our Parents Helpline
If you're worried about your child or young person’s mental health or wellbeing, you can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online. Our Helpline advisers can provide information, advice and support to help you take the next step.
Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help. We all need a little extra support sometimes, and we hear from parents and carers just like you all the time.
Frequently asked questions
We’re sorry to hear that your child is struggling. We know that things might feel really tough at the moment. Use our Helpfinder to find online information and advice that can help you support your child. Or, if you’d like to speak to someone, contact our Parents Helpline.
If your child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis, or you are worried they are not safe, we have a list of services that can support you now.
There are many ways you can support your child with their mental health. See our Parents' A-Z guide for advice and tips on helping your child, whatever they are going through.
Our Helpline provides information, advice and support to parents and main carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.
Find out more about our Parents Helpline.
We provide online information and tips for young people who are looking for help with their mental health. They can read real stories from young people who have been in their position.
We do not provide services such as counselling or therapy for young people.
No, we are a charity that provides information and advice to parents, carers and young people. You can find information about accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in our guide for parents and carers. You can find information about other support services in our parent and carer guide to getting mental health support. Or you can contact our Parents Helpline for more advice.