Children's Mental Health

These organisations offer resources, helplines, and services that can help parents understand and support their child’s mental health, whether the need is for immediate guidance or ongoing support.

Organisations that provide guidance, support, and resources for parents helping children with mental health concerns:

1. YoungMinds

• Website: youngminds.org.uk
• YoungMinds offers resources specifically for parents, including a Parent Helpline (0808 802 5544) where parents can get advice on supporting children with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. They also provide a wealth of resources on topics like self-harm, ADHD, and school stress.

2. Place2Be

• Website: place2be.org.uk
• Place2Be provides mental health support in schools and offers resources for parents on how to support their child’s emotional wellbeing. They cover topics like helping children manage difficult emotions, building resilience, and navigating family challenges.

3. The Anna Freud Centre

• Website: annafreud.org
• This organisation provides information and resources for parents, including their “On My Mind” section, which gives advice to young people and parents on managing mental health concerns. Their resources cover common issues like anxiety, stress, and friendship difficulties.

4. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

• Website: nspcc.org.uk
• NSPCC offers a range of resources for parents on supporting children’s mental health, including advice on managing anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues. Their helpline (0808 800 5000) is available for parents who need further advice or guidance.

5. Childline (run by NSPCC)

• Website: childline.org.uk
• Childline offers a safe, confidential space for children to talk to counsellors about mental health issues. Parents can find information on the website about how to help children open up and how to discuss mental health in a supportive way.

6. Kooth

• Website: kooth.com
• Kooth is an online mental health service for children and young people, providing access to free counseling, self-help tools, and online community support. Parents can encourage their children to explore Kooth’s resources if they’re seeking support.

7. Family Lives

• Website: familylives.org.uk
• Family Lives provides support for parents and families through a helpline (0808 800 2222), online chat, and forums. They offer resources for understanding and responding to children's mental health needs, from managing behavioral issues to supporting a child’s self-esteem.

8. The Mix

• Website: themix.org.uk
• Aimed at people under 25, The Mix provides mental health support, including counselling and a crisis text line. Parents can find resources on talking to children about mental health and encouraging open communication.

9. SHOUT

• Website: giveusashout.org
• Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, 24/7 mental health support. Although SHOUT is a direct text service for young people in crisis, it can be helpful for parents to know about it as an option for teens in distress.

10. Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide)

• Website: papyrus-uk.org
• Papyrus offers support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts and provides guidance for parents. Their HOPELINEUK (0800 068 4141) is available for anyone concerned about a young person’s mental health or wellbeing.