Support for young people

Find youth mental health support, crisis helplines, apps and trusted resources for young people.

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Mental health in Waltham Forest

Papyrus can support children, young people and their loved ones during a mental health crisis.

You can access the Papyrus Hopeline247 online or by calling 0800 068 41 41.  The Hopeline is available 24/7, 365 days a week:

  • For young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
  • For anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide

If you need access to urgent mental health support, these services can be helpful in a crisis:

  • NHS 111: dial 111 on any phone and select ‘Option 2’ to speak to a mental health professional.
  • SHOUT: text 85258 any time of day at no cost, for confidential and anonymous messages.
  • Childline: dial 0800 1111 or visit the website to talk to someone and get text support.
Papyrus Hopeline247

Other resources for young people

These are trusted self-help resources for emotional wellbeing support that are available via mobile apps or online:

  • PAPYRUS (young suicide prevention society) offer help online to young people feeling suicidal.
  • Every Mind Matters offers simple and practical ways to ease anxiety, manage stress, lift your mood, and sleep better.
  • YoungMinds is an online platform offering practical tips and advice from young people, as well as information on getting the support you need.
  • Clear Fear app helps you to reduce the physical responses to threat as well as changing thoughts and behaviours, and releasing emotion.
  • Anti-Bullying Alliance offer support to parents and children experiencing bullying.
  • Calm Harm can help you to manage the urge to self-harm, based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
  • The Mix can offer support to young people under 25 years old, with online discussion boards, support groups and links to local services.
  • Space4All programme providing young people with a safe space to socialise and spend time in their neighbourhood.
  • The Roots is an organisation providing free mental health support for young people and parents.

View the Youth Services Directory for a full list of support services.

Resources for College and University Students

If you’d like to talk to someone about any concerns you have about your mental health, your college or university wellbeing service is a good starting point. You can use the search function on the Student Space website to find support available at your place of study. Type in the name of your college or uni and it provides links to the services on offer.

You might also find the following websites, helplines and services useful: