Support for young people

We listen to what young people are telling us about what they want and need to protect, maintain and improve their mental health and we are here to offer what we can so that they can take the decisions that are right for them.

This page outlines some guidance and resources that young people have told us that they find useful, our own suggestions and a link to more information on what our own youth group does.

Mental health is something we all have, and it can go up and down and change, just as our physical health can. Young people have had to face serious challenges over this period which has had a big impact on their mental wellbeing, or ‘mental health’.

Our volunteers say:

Every predicted grade really counts as you don't know if you will be stuck with it, every little test in class seems so important - it can be very stressful. Make sure you reach out to friends about it - don't keep it inside. Even if you're stressed, you should be so proud of yourselves

Advice about school

Make sure you have things to look forward to in your day. For me it is cooking and watching TV, For some of the other volunteers it is listening to music really loudly and dancing, or maybe it is doing extra curricular things like this. Find what works for you.

Advice on ways to chill

You should read how nature may help you get through hard times - click here. We have also got loads of advice and resources on our page, or in the section below.

Advice on finding solutions

Message us on Insta

Support

Urgent support

A good place to start is with your GP for help with your mental health. If you are distressed and don’t want to wait, try:

24/7 Crisis Text line. Text “SHOUT’ to 85258, or click here
Call: 0800 023 4650 for urgent mental health support in Westminster or Kensington & Chelsea
Click here for urgent phonelines across North West London
Free, anonymous help and counselling from Kooth
'CAMHS' offer specialist services for mental and emotional health for young people, and their families
If you need help urgently, but are not at risk of harm, or serious harm, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online
If you feel you need help immediately, call for an ambulance on 999

Our work

We have an active group of young volunteers called Young Healthwatch (14-25 year olds) who work with us to ensure young people’s voices are heard in what mental wellbeing support looks like. They also run projects and produce resources to provide guidance for young people. Find out more about the group here, or download an application form.