How to get additional support to help with mental health  

Some young people find that they need additional support to help them manage their mental health. This might be because:

• Their difficulties are not improving or are getting worse
• Their difficulties are so bad that they are stopping them from doing things, such as going to school or looking after their physical health
• They are engaging in risky ways of managing their mental health such as self-harming

If this sounds like you, it is important that you reach out for more support. Watch our short video where we break down exactly where you can get mental health support – starting with not-so-urgent options all the way up to the places you can go when things feel unsafe.

You can also:

• The NHS offers a range of specialist services for young people with mental health difficulties – your GP or school nurse can make a referral to Triage and Navigation who will be able to send your referral to the most appropriate service to meet your needs. Alternatively you can self-refer to Triage and Navigation using the self-referral form which can be found on the website. Click here for more information.
• You can see your GP. Click here for more information, to book an appointment or find a GP surgery. If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, you can make an appointment with a GP, click here for information.
• Tellmi allows an online safe and anonymous space for young people to discuss their feelings, seek support and receive counselling when necessary. It is available 365 days a year. Click here for more information.
• The NHS offers specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for young people with significant mental health disorders. Click here to view some useful resources created by CAMHS.
• ChatHealth is an NHS service offered to 11-19 year olds. You can text a question to the following numbers and a professional will get back to you. If you live in the Leicester City text: 07520 615 38 and if you live in Leicestershire and Rutland text: 07520 615 387.
• The NHS website has a lot of helpful advice about looking after your mental health, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/, some helpful strategies to manage your mental health https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/ and some helpful videos for self-care strategies for young people: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/youth-mental-health/.
• If you need urgent mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and press option 2 click here and follow the on screen instructions. This service is totally free and confidential. You and /or your family can call NHS 111 and choose Option 2, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.