Supporting Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Every child and young person experiences challenges from time to time. Whether they’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, low, or struggling to cope, there are a range of local and national services available to offer advice, emotional support and specialist help. Parents, carers and young people don’t have to face these challenges alone—support is available when it’s needed.

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Need Urgent Help?

If a child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis or there are immediate concerns about their safety, it is important to seek help straight away.

• Call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department if there is an immediate risk to life.
• For urgent mental health advice, contact the CAMHS Emergency Helpline, available 24 hours a day.
• Young people can also access immediate support through the SHOUT crisis text service by texting SHOUT to 85258.

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Local Mental Health Support

A range of services are available across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

CAMHS Emergency Helpline

Provides urgent support for children, young people, families, carers and professionals.

Available 24 hours a day

Telephone: 0800 953 9599

ChatHealth

A confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11–19, providing advice from School Nursing health professionals.

Text: 07312 263093

Off the Record (OTR)

Offers drop-in mental health support, wellbeing advice and emotional support for young people.

Self-referral is available and no appointment is needed for drop-in sessions.

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Additional Support Services

There are many organisations that provide specialist advice and support for children, young people and families, including:

• Creative Youth Network
• HOPELINE247 (PAPYRUS)
• Mind
• Young Bristol
• The King’s Trust
• 1625 Independent People
• Winston’s Wish
• Kooth
• BEAT
• Barnardo’s
• Brook
• Bristol Drugs Project

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Support for Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting a child or young person’s wellbeing.

Before seeking specialist support, it may help to have a conversation about:

• What they are finding difficult.
• How long they have been struggling.
• Any concerns about self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• How their mental health is affecting daily life.
• What support has already been tried.
• What they hope to gain from further support.

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Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres

Sirona’s Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres provide care for minor injuries and illnesses without an appointment.

Locations include:

• North Somerset Minor Injury Unit
• South Bristol Urgent Treatment Centre
• Yate Minor Injury Unit

These services are not suitable for life-threatening emergencies.

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Remember

Mental health difficulties can affect any child or young person, and asking for help is a positive step. Whether you need advice, emotional support or urgent care, there are people ready to listen and services available to help.

If you are concerned about a child’s immediate safety, seek emergency medical assistance without delay