A better Medway

Children and young people's mental health

Advice and signposting

Seeking advice is a great way to help you stay happy and healthy.

If you're attending a school, speak to your school’s support team as they may be able to tell you about what's available.

We have several other services that can also provide advice or help you find a service:

Alumina

Alumina is an online course for children and young people aged 10 to 17 who are struggling with self-harm.

The course is free. Sessions usually take place in the evening.

You will receive a link to the sessions by email each week and the link will take you to a chat room. You will be able to see and hear the session leaders but they'll not be able to see or hear you.

There will be 2 to 6 people in a session at a time with 2 session leaders. One will be a trained counsellor.

You'll receive:

  • one-to-one email support
  • online peer support.

Visit the Self Harm website for more information.

Barnardo's LGBTQ

Barnardo’s provide safe spaces for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) young people.

They also work with parents, carers and families. They offer training for schools, professionals and other local groups.

Visit Barnardo's LGBTQ for more information.

BEAT: Eating disorder support

BEAT is a national organisation offering online support for eating disorders.

Their website has a wide range of information on different eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and other eating problems.

Visit the BEAT website for more information.

Chat Health

Chat Health is a confidential and anonymous text service for 11 to 19 year olds, available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Young people can text a school nurse about any physical or emotional health concerns they have.

Text ‘Chat Health’ to 07480 635 786.

Visit the Chat Health website.

Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN)

CBN works to support bereaved children and young people. The service:

  • can share sources of bereavement support
  • find approaches to improve bereavement care for children
  • helps people manage the impact of death on lives
  • give information on how to cope with the emotions associated with death
  • find local and national information, guidance and support. 

Find out more on the CBN website.

Childline

Childline provides online and over the phone advice and information for children and young people up to the age of 18.

The helpline team can provide advice, support, counselling and refer young people to other services if needed.

They also have many other resources and games to allow young people to cope and manage with their feelings.

Find out more on the Childline website or phone 0800 11 11.

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS resources provide young people with the information needed to support their mental health and wellbeing including:

  • downloadable resources
  • links to websites, apps, videos and books.

Find resources on the CAMHS website.

Holding On Letting Go

Holding On Letting Go is a charity that helps young people aged 6 to 16 to cope with the death of someone close to them.

Find out more on the Holding On Letting Go website.

Kent and Medway Safe Havens

Kent and Medway Safe Havens offers out-of-hours mental health support for anyone aged 16 and over.

The service offers support if you are feeling distressed, frightened or overwhelmed.

To find out more:

  • Email: medway.mhm@nhs.net
  • Phone: 07850 901 151 or 07808 795 036
  • Opening hours: 6pm to 11pm, including weekends and bank holidays. 

Medway Gender and Sexual Diversity Centre

The service aims to improve the health and wellbeing for people who identify as LGBTQ.

Visit the Medway Gender and Sexual Diversity Centre for more information.

Mind

Mind is a leading mental health charity supporting people of all ages.

They offer support and information about mental wellbeing.

Visit the Mind website to find out more.

MindOut

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ people. They offer an anonymous message service for immediate help.

Visit MindOut for more information.

Mood Spark

Mood Spark helps young people learn more about their emotions and mental wellbeing.

Visit the Mood Spark website for more information.

Proud Trust

The Proud Trust has information for LGBTQ young people on staying safe and coming out.

Visit The Proud Trust website for more information.

Stonewall

Stonewall offer support for people who identify as LGBTQ. This includes

  • helpline
  • social groups
  • housing advice and support.

Visit Stonewall for more information.

Switchboard

Switchboard is the national LGBTQ support line.

You can talk about anything related to sexuality and gender identity, sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling.

Visit LGBTQ switchboard for more information.

The CALM Zone

CALM runs a free and confidential helpline and web chat from 5pm to midnight, 7 days a week, for anyone who needs to talk through any problems.

They aim of the service is to:

  • reduce the rates of suicide by providing a listening ear
  • help people going through crisis
  • support people impacted by suicide.

They provide resources and advice and can signpost you to other organisations who may be able to help.

Find out more on The CALM Zone website or phone 0800 585 858.

Togetherall

Togetherall is for young people aged 16 to 18 in need of mental health support.

It offers an online community that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

There are also self-assessments and recommended resources, as well as a wide range of self-guided courses young people can do at their own pace.

Visit the Togetherall website for more information.

Young Minds

If you want to understand more about how you’re feeling and find ways to feel better, Young Minds can help.

They can provide advice on specific mental health issues and any difficulties young people may be facing such as bullying or abuse.

The Young Minds crisis messenger provides 24/7 crisis support across the UK. All texts are free and are answered by trained volunteers.

Visit Young Minds to find out more or text YM to 85258.