Support for children, young people and families
Children and young people can experience suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. Early support can make a significant difference.
Urgent help for a child or young person
For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Children and young people can also access:
- Kooth for free, safe and anonymous online support
- Childline for free on 0800 1111 if they are under 19
- Samaritans for free on 116 123 at any time.
- Shout by texting YM to 85258
If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, call 999 or go to A&E.
For children and young people
If you are struggling, tell an adult you trust. You deserve to be listened to and supported.
This could be:
- A parent, carer or family member
- A teacher, designated safeguarding lead or school nurse
- Your GP or another health professional
- A youth worker, coach or faith leader
- Another trusted adult
If the first person does not understand or cannot help, keep telling trusted adults until you get the support you need.
For parents and carers
- Make time to listen and stay calm.
- Ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide.
- Take what they say seriously, even if you are unsure how immediate the risk may be.
- Remove access to anything they could use to harm themselves, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
- Seek urgent professional help if you are concerned about their safety.
- Tell relevant professionals, including their GP, school or care team.
- Look after your own wellbeing and ask for support for yourself when needed.
Local and national contacts
- Kent and Medway Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS): Free, phone 0800 011 3474.
- NHS 111: Select the mental health option for urgent support.
- Kooth: Free, safe and anonymous online mental health support for people aged 10 to 25 in Kent and Medway.
- Childline: Call 0800 1111 for free, confidential support for anyone under 19.
- Shout: Text YM to 85258 for free text support for young people.
