As the Christmas break is approaching, it is important to remember that in a crisis, you should not contact members of staff since they will not be able to help you when they are at home.
Please contact either local or national support services found below.
Mental health support outside of school hours
Local support is available. You can speak to:
- Your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services call:
01244 397644
Monday to Friday 5pm-10pm
Weekends 12pm–8pm
Mental Health Crisis: CWP - 24/7 Mental Health Phone Line
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a ‘mental health crisis’. In this situation, it is important to get help quickly. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people.
Please call 0800 145 6485 and dedicated local staff will support you to access the help you need. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people. The phone line is now the first port of call for mental health help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be redirected to this local service – so call 0800 145 6485.
Website :
https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/services-and-locations/services/new-247-mental-health-phone-line/
Please note: A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call 0300 303 3972. to be directed to the best local service to support you if you feel you are in crisis.
You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance.
The following national organisations also offer support:
- Kooth - free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support: www.kooth.com
- AFC Crisis Messenger -Crisis Messenger text services provides free, 24/7 crisis support: Text AFC to 85258
- Shout - 24/7 text service if you need immediate help www.giveusashout.org: Text shout to 85258
Young Minds: Supporting you and your child to cope with anxiety
For parents whose child is struggling with anxiety, here are some ways you can support them in those moments and places you can get help. Watch our video where young people share their stories and experiences of living with anxiety.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/anxiety/
Staying safe online and on mobile
Guidance from the NSPCC:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/
Safeguarding essentials:
https://www.e-safetysupport.com/stories/292/digital-christmas-tips-for-parents
#.XeoYvJP7SUk
Teenagers out and about
It’s something every parent experiences. The day that their child starts asking if they can go out on their own or with friends. It’s just a natural part of their growing independence, every part of growing up, it can be a challenging hurdle for a parent to overcome. Please use the following link for some sound advice from the NSPCC:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/staying-safe -away-from-home/
