Infographic summary of UK child mental health helplines and crisis contacts

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Trusted support websites including children’s mental health helplines which offer vital guidance for children and young people navigating challenges such as mental health, bullying, relationships, and more. This curated list provides easy access to organisations offering confidential help, advice, and practical support.

Urgent Crisis & Mental Health Helplines (UK)

24/7 NHS & Emergency Mental Health Support

ServiceDescription
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)Specialist NHS services offering support for children and young people with mental health issues, accessible via a GP referral.
SamaritansA 24/7 helpline offering emotional support to anyone in distress, including young people.

YoungMinds & Childline Crisis Messenger Services

ServiceDescription
YoungMindsA charity providing mental health resources, advocacy, and support for children, young people, and their parents.
ChildlineA free, confidential helpline for children and young people under 19, available 24/7 for advice and support via phone, chat, or email.
Children's Mental Health Helplines: Childline

Additional Mental Health Support

ServiceDescription
MindOffers mental health resources and support services for young people and their families.
Me and My MindResources for young people who experience unusual thoughts or perceptions, supporting their mental health journey.
Voice CollectiveSupport for young people who hear voices, see visions, or experience other unusual sensory perceptions.
Hearing Voices NetworkA network offering understanding and support for people who experience auditory or visual hallucinations.
CAMHS ResourcesA collection of helpful websites, apps, and tools to support children and young people with mental health challenges.

Safeguarding, Child Protection & Family Support Services

NSPCC & Professional Safeguarding Helplines

ServiceDescription
NSPCCProvides support and resources for children who have experienced abuse and for adults concerned about a child’s safety.
ChildlineA free, confidential helpline for children and young people under 19, available 24/7 for advice and support via phone, chat, or email.
The MixSupport for young people under 25, offering advice through phone, webchat, and online resources.
Barnardo’s See, Hear, Respond HubServices supporting children and young people facing challenges due to life changes.
Shout 85258A free, confidential text-messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs immediate mental health support.
RefugeOffers support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0808 2000 247.

Parent & Carer Support Organisations

ServiceDescription
Family LivesProvides guidance and advice for parents and carers concerned about their child’s mental health.
HappyMapsA website providing advice and resources on children’s mental health issues for parents and carers.
MermaidsSupports transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse children and young people, as well as their families.

Specialised SEMH & Emotional Wellbeing Resources

Self-Harm & Bereavement Support Portals

ServiceDescription
YoungMindsA charity providing mental health resources, advocacy, and support for children, young people, and their parents.
Child Bereavement UKOffers support for children and young people facing bereavement. Helpline: 0800 02 888 40.

Anti-Bullying & Online Safety Organisations

ServiceDescription
Stop Hate UKA 24-hour helpline supporting young people who have experienced or witnessed hate crimes.
SwitchboardOffers support for LGBTQ+ individuals, including young people, through a helpline (0300 330 0630), email, and webchat.
Action for ChildrenOffers resources and direct services to support young carers and children facing emotional challenges.
BeatProvides support for individuals affected by eating disorders, including young people. Youthline: 0808 801 0711.
BrookProvides sexual health services and advice for young people under 25.

Drugs and Alcohol Support

ServiceDescription
FRANKProvides confidential advice and information about drugs and their effects. Helpline: 0300 123 6600.

By accessing these trusted websites and helplines, children and young people can find the support they need to manage life’s challenges, develop resilience, and feel heard. Encourage young people in your care to explore these resources or seek help when needed. Be sure to check-out our other children’s mental health related articles.

Q1: Who should use these children’s mental health helplines and support websites?

A: These contacts are designed for educators, Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), pastoral staff, social care workers, parents, and young people themselves who require immediate guidance, signposting, or crisis support regarding mental health and wellbeing.

Q2: Are these children’s support helplines free and confidential to access in the UK?

A: Yes, the majority of listed national services—including Childline (0800 1111), Samaritans (116 123), and the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger—are free to call or text from UK landlines and mobiles, and operate on a confidential basis.

Q3: What should a school or practitioner do in an immediate mental health crisis?

A: If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, practitioners should follow their setting’s safeguarding policy, contact local NHS crisis lines or emergency services (999), or present to the nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.

By Mark Else

I have worked in education since 2018. Having worked in both mainstream and special schools I completed a variety of roles including Safeguarding, Welfare and Attendance leads as well as a role in governance, community work and mentoring. I am currently completing my third year degree in Youth Work.

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