A better Medway

Children and young people's mental health

Getting help

It’s normal for children and young people to feel anxious or stressed as there’s lots of challenges that can impact how they feel.

Below are some of the support services available for children and young people in Medway:

There are also some mental health support apps that young people can use to help them cope.

Amparo

Amparo is a specialist suicide bereavement support service.

They offer support for anyone affected by suicide in 1-2-1 or group settings.

Amparo can provide support for as long as you need.

Visit the Amparo website for more information.

Building Resilience and Validating Emotions (B.R.A.V.E.)

B.R.A.V.E. provides short-term therapeutic support for children and young people aged 5 to 18 (and up to 25 for care leavers and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

If you're experiencing low mood, anxiety, or self-harming behaviours, B.R.A.V.E. can help.

Visit the B.R.A.V.E. website for more information.

Child Bereavement UK

Child Bereavement UK help families when a child passes away, or when a child is grieving.

They can support you before and after a bereavement.

Visit the Child Bereavement UK website for more information.

Drug and alcohol misuse

If you're struggling with drug or alcohol misuse, we have a variety of resources to help.

Visit our Substance misuse support page for more information.

Emerge

Youth workers are here to help young people aged 10 to 25 years when they come into hospital because of self-harm, a suicide attempt or an emotional crisis. 

They do not take the place of the NHS, but while young people are in hospital and after they leave, they can offer their time and emotional support.

Visit the Emerge website for more information.

Emotional Support Team

Emotional Support Teams are specially trained to help children at school with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

These teams provide support and guidance to schools. They also provide evidence based targeted support for issues such as:

  • low mood
  • worry
  • anxiety
  • low self-esteem and confidence.

This support is only available in specific schools.

Visit the NHS North East London website for more information on Emotional Support Teams.

Good Thinking

Good Thinking provides online resources to help children and young people with their mental health.

This includes free apps, podcasts, blogs, videos, webinars, how to guides and workbooks. 

Find out more on the Good Thinking website.

Holding On Letting Go

Holding On Letting Go support children and young people who are grieving. They can help before and after a death.

They also support schools, communities, parents, and carers.

Visit the Holding On Letting Go website for more information.

KOOTH

An online mental health community giving free and confidential advice for young people aged 10 to 25 years old.

They are available from 12pm to 10pm weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at the weekends.

Services include:

  • one hour chat sessions with counsellors through messages or live chat
  • access to articles and a discussion board
  • a safe space to journal and track feelings.

Visit the KOOTH website for more details.

Live Well Kent

Live Well Kent provide free mental health support for people aged 17 and over.

They can help you:

  • improve mental and physical health
  • improve your general wellbeing
  • gain confidence and meet new people
  • access free therapy and counselling services.

Visit the Live Well Kent website for more information.

MCH Emotional Wellbeing Team

This is an early intervention service for children and young people aged 4 to 19.

Visit the Medway Community Healthcare website for more information and eligibility criteria.

Medway talking therapies

Medway talking therapies is a counselling service for young people and adults aged over 18. 

They can support you with mild mental health issues.

Visit the Kent and Medway talking therapies website for more details.

Megan CIC

Megan CIC offers group support for:

  • those who have, or have had, mental health issues
  • those who are neurodiverse.

Megan CIC is for young people aged 18 and above.

They also hold events to help you express your views on mental health support in Medway.

Visit the Megan CIC website for more information.

Qwell

Qwell offer free online wellbeing and mental health support for everyone.

Visit the Qwell website for more information.

Release the Pressure

If your child or young person is feeling anxious, our Release the Pressure service can help.

Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for confidential, expert support.

Alternatively, phone 0800 107 0160 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Visit the Release the Pressure page to find out more.

Slide Away

Slide Away support children and young people after a bereavement.

They offer support through:

  • workshops
  • memory days
  • discounted counselling.

Slide Away also work with schools, parents, and carers.

Visit the Slide Away website for more information.

Unlock Wellbeing

The University of Bath have developed 3 research studies providing single session interventions (SSIs) to support children and young people.

Project Body Neutrality UK

Project Body Neutrality helps young people to develop a better relationship with their body image.

This SSI teaches young people:

  • to build a body-neutral mindset
  • how to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings about your body
  • how to build their own body neutrality action plan. 

View the Unlock Wellbeing website to for more information about Project Body Neutrality UK.

Project Sleep

Project Sleep is for young people who want to improve their sleep.

Young people aged 13 to 25 can take part. You'll be asked to complete some questionnaires about yourself, your sleep habits, and mood.

View the Unlock Wellbeing website to for more information about Project Sleep.

Project Y.E.S (Youth Empowerment Support)

Project Y.E.S is for young people experiencing low mood or who want to boost their wellbeing.

Young people aged 13 to 25 can get access to a choice of 3 online SSIs.

View the Unlock Wellbeing website to for more information about Project Y.E.S.

Mental health support apps

Calm Harm

Calm Harm is an app that adolescents can use to help regulate their emotions.

It provides coping skills and help to control urges to self-harm.

Download the Calm Harm app on:

Better U

Better U is a free app offering mental health support.

It helps users to manage their wellbeing, focus on a positive outlook, and reflect upon their resilience.

Download the Better U app for Andorid.

Harmless

Harmless is an app that adolescents can use to help regulate their emotions.

Harmless can be downloaded from the Apple App Store (some functions require a subscription).