Top tips to support children and young people

Be there to listen

Regularly ask how they're doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know there's always someone to listen if they want it. Find out how to create a space where they will open up.

How to start a conversation with your child

Support them through difficulties

Pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through difficulties. It's not always easy when faced with challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they're feeling and why.

Help with difficult behaviour and emotions

Stay involved in their life

Show interest in their life and the things important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.

Encourage their interests

Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team help connect us with others and are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encourage them to explore their interests, whatever they are.

Take what they say seriously

Listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, in turn makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a more constructive way.

The Anna Freud Centre support guide

Build positive routines

We know it still may not be easy, but try to reintroduce structure around regular routines, healthy eating and exercise. A good night's sleep is also really important – try to get them back into routines that fit with school or college.

Sleep tips for children

Parents:

You may  wish to access online & Phone services such as:

1. Minds Matter. Phone    01254 226037   
2. Samaritans. Phone 116 123
3. Every Mind Matters platform
4. Minded Educational Resources
5. Barnardo’s Advocacy Service
6. SHOUT. Text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support
7. Red Rose Recovery.org.uk
8. Calm Zone.net for men who are struggling or experiencing crisis
9. Big White wall. Com
10. Silver line. Phone 0800 4 70 80 90
11. Text HELLO to 07860 022 846.  A confidential texting services for Mental Health & Well-being

Children:

Children may wish to access online & Phone services such as:

1. Young Minds Parents Helpline - Call 0808 802 5544 for free Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm. www.youngminds.org.uk Text: YM to 85258

1. Samaritans. Phone 116 123
2. Every Mind Matters platform
3. Minded Educational Resources
4. Barnardo’s Advocacy Service
5. SHOUT. Text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support
6. ChildLine - under 19s can call 0800 1111 for free support Education Support
7. Kooth Online. www.kooth.com. Safe, anonymous online counselling and support for young people
8. www.papyrus-uk.org Call: 0800 068 41 41 Text: 07786 209 697. Support for young people dealing with suicide, depression and emotional distress
9. Rise Above
10. NSPCC. www.nspcc.org.uk Call: 0800 11 11