Support while you wait
While you’re waiting for support, there are things that may help. This page brings together guidance and resources you can use in the meantime.
Kent Handbook
You may find it helpful to read a handbook for families with information on autism and ADHD, which was developed with help from parents/carers of children waiting for assessments for these conditions. Sections include where to go for help with health, education, rights and benefits, and a listing of local and national organisations.
You can read the handbook by clicking here.
ADHD UK was founded in 2020 with a mission to help those affected by ADHD - either those that have the condition or people close to them: family, friends, employers, and co-workers.
ADHD UK is a charity funded solely from personal donations - of both time and money. ADHD is a condition that affects a significant number of people in the UK and, as every person is unique, it impacts individuals differently.
We aim to help people navigate their life with ADHD, we want to reduce the stigma that some attach to those with ADHD, build awareness, and undertake or fund research that will have a meaningful positive impact on those with ADHD.
Advice and Support Kent (IASK)
If advice is needed regarding educational support, then the Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK) service can be contacted:
- Email: iask@kent.gov.uk;
- Telephone: 03000 41 30 00.
They also offer a range of workshops for parents and carers. For children and young people living in Medway, then Medway SENDIASS Service (Family Action Medway) can be contacted on 01634 566303.
ADHD workshops
We are running ADHD workshop(s) with our clinicians which aim to provide information for parents/carers around a range of topics relating to ADHD. For example, sessions may focus around sleep, anxiety, or behaviour. All our workshops take place online using Microsoft Teams.
Our upcoming workshop(s) are:
Monday 26 January 2026, 2:00-3:00pm - Understanding ADHD
You can join the clinic on the date and time above by using the meeting link below:
Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 374 832 401 392 1
Passcode: nT38Qu9Q
ADHD Support Session
Useful websites for ADHD and your child:
Kent Handbook for Families - Autism and ADHD in children
Young Minds - ADHD and mental health
Young Minds - Parent's guide to support ADHD
Kids Health - ADHD
ADHD Foundation
Living with ADHD
CHADD - Parenting a child with ADHD
ADHD Kids - Resources
Mental Health Support
Should you have any increased concerns around your young person’s mental health; you can self-refer or ask a professional who knows you well to refer on your behalf through our Single Point of Access (SPA). The office is open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; however, if you call this number outside of these office hours your call will be redirected to out of hours support.
Single Point of Access (SPA): 0800 011 3474
If you are in a crisis or require out of hours support, please visit our crisis page, or call NHS 111
Calm Harm - This is an award-winning app developed for teenage mental health. It uses the basic principles of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), which is an evidence-based therapy. The app provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm.
Headspace - This is a site which uses meditation and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and help relieve anxiety.
Kooth - Provides free, safe and anonymous online support for young people. Resources include being able to chat to counsellors and read articles written by other young people.
Live Well - Offers advice around improving mental and physical wellbeing for young people and adults. Information can be found here about services available in Kent, as well as contact numbers if you are in emotional distress and require urgent support.
Mind - Valuable resource that provides advice, support and information on an extensive set of topics from sleep problems to suicidal thoughts.
Minded - Free educational resource on children, young people and adult mental health.
The Mix - Provides support and information for the under 25’s on a range of topics including, mental health, substances, your body, relationships and others. Also has a free phone number: 0808 808 4994.
WYSA App - A virtual coach that can help manage emotions and thoughts. It uses evidence-based cognitive behavioural techniques (CBT) among others, to help build resilience and move forward.
