Children & Youth Mental Health Resources and Support

Finding the right mental health support for children and young people can feel overwhelming. This page brings together trusted options to help you understand where to start, what types of support are available, and how to take the next step.

Whether you are a child, young person, parent, carer, or supporter, you are not alone — help and guidance are available.

Where to Start

If you’re unsure where to begin, start with someone safe and trusted. Early conversations can help identify what kind of support may be most helpful.

  • A parent, carer, or trusted adult
  • A teacher, school counsellor, or wellbeing lead
  • Your GP or healthcare provider
  • A youth support or community service

Urgent & Crisis Support

If a child or young person is in immediate danger or distress, seek urgent help straight away.

  • Emergency services (local emergency number)
  • 24/7 crisis or youth helplines
  • Hospital emergency departments

Crisis support is about safety first — reaching out is the right thing to do.

Non-Urgent Support Options

  • Youth counselling services
  • Community wellbeing organisations
  • Peer support groups
  • Short-term intervention programmes

School & Education Supports

  • School counsellors or psychologists
  • Learning support and wellbeing teams
  • Pastoral care and guidance staff
  • Individual education or wellbeing plans

Professional & Community Support

  • Child and adolescent psychologists
  • Social workers and youth workers
  • Family support services
  • Local mental health organisations

Online & Phone Support

  • Youth helplines (phone, text, or chat)
  • Trusted mental health websites
  • Moderated online communities
  • Self-help tools and resources

Support for Parents & Carers

Supporting a child or young person can be challenging. Parents and carers deserve support too.

  • Parent helplines and guidance services
  • Carer support organisations
  • Education and training resources
  • Peer and community networks