Get help and support

If you’ve got a problem or are worried about someone you know, try talking to your friends or an adult that you can trust like a parent or teacher. There are also lots of organisations that can provide support.

Select on a topic below for a list of organisations that can help you. The services and information that are offered vary from organisation to organisation, so it’s a good idea to look at a few to find the one that works best for you.

If you can’t find the information you are looking for or need further help, you can call Hampshire Children’s Services who have a team of people to help you:

Tel: 0300 555 1384

You can also contact Childline about anything that is bothering you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.

Tel: 0800 1111

If you need immediate help or have a real emergency, call 999. If it is not an emergency, contact the police on 101.

What is safeguarding?

Young person’s guides

The Young Person’s Guide to Working Together to Safeguard Children has been written to help explain the Working Together 2018 government guidance to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It might be useful to you if you have questions about help you think that you or someone you are worried about should be getting.

The Young Person’s Guide to Keeping Children Safe provides a clear overview on how professionals should work together to help keep you safe. It includes information on different types of abuse, your rights and what to do if you think you are being abused. It also provides information on what to expect if a concern has been reported and where to get help.

Worried about yourself or a friend?

Hampshire Children’s Services

Hampshire Children’s Services have a team that are there to help you. You call 24-hours a day or email then for help and support.

Tel: 0300 555 1384

Email: childrens.services@hants.gov.uk

In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, you can ring the police by telephoning 999.

Childline

“You can contact Childline about anything. No problem is too big or too small. Whatever your worry it’s better out than in.”

Childline is confidential and available any time, day or night. Calls to Childline do not show up on your phone bill and are completely free.

Tel: 0800 1111

If you would prefer to email Childline or speak to a counsellor using online chat, visit the Childline support page on how you can do this.

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is an NHS specialist service for young people aged five to 18 years, and their families, who are experiencing difficulties with their mental and emotional health.

If you feel like you are in a crisis, the CAMHS website has information and advice on what to do.

For more information, read the Hampshire CAMHS booklet, which explains what mental health is, who CAMHS are and how they can help you.

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

YoungMinds

YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need when they need it.

Whether you have a diagnosis or think you might have ADHD, YoungMinds has a guide for young people on ADHD and mental health where you can find more information about symptoms, what to do if you think you might have ADHD and treatment options.

YoungMinds Textline: Text YM to 85258. Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

CAMHS has a help section for young people on their website which includes advice and tips on common problems and life issues that you might be experiencing. It also includes information on what to do next and some frequently asked questions regarding the service. See their useful Guide on ADHD.

If, after accessing help and support, you find you’re still struggling and you’re not sure what to do next, you can make a referral to Hampshire Specialist CAMHS.

If you feel like you are in a crisis, the CAMHS website has information and advice on what to do.

For more information, read the Hampshire CAMHS booklet, which explains what mental health is, who CAMHS are and how they can help you.

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people via online, social and mobile. See their resource on ADHD for further information and advice.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 (freephone, open seven days a week from 4pm to 11pm)

Videos

ADHD and Me bring research interviews with children to (animated) life. The VOICES study (Voices On Identify, Childhood, Ethics & Stimulants: Children join the debate) investigated children’s experiences with ADHD diagnosis and stimulant drug treatments in the UK and United States. See the ADHDVOICES website for further information.
What is wrong with me? An ADHD story for girls to help raise awareness.
Let me be your camera – Understanding ADHD. ADHD and executive functioning weaknesses are explained in a simple, yet entertaining way for both adults and children.

Bereavement and loss

If you have experienced bereavement and loss, there are several local and national organisations who can support you.

Be safe online

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)

If someone has acted inappropriately towards you online, such as unwanted sexual chat, someone posting an indecent or nude picture or video of you, being asked to do something that makes your feel uncomfortable or someone being insistent on meeting up, you can report it to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).

CEOP, which is part of the National Crime Agency, exists to help keep you and other children and young people safe online. If you are being sexually abused or groomed online they will do everything they can to make you safe.

Not sure whether or not to say something? Making a report can be scary. If you are not ready to make a report to CEOP, you can talk to Childline anonymously online or on the phone by calling 0800 1111. Calls to Childline do not show up on your phone bill and are completely free and confidential.

Childline

Childline produce a range of resources on online safety, including feeling good on social media, removing a nude image shared online, staying safe online, bullying and cyberbullying, covering your tracks, sexting and sending nudes, online gaming, taking care of your digital footprint, mobile phone safety, online grooming, online porn and information specifically for the deaf community.

You can contact Childline about anything. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. Calls to Childline do not show up on your phone bill and are completely free.

Tel: 0800 1111

If you would prefer to email Childline or speak to a counsellor using online chat, visit the Childline support page on how you can do this.

Hampshire County Council

Hampshire County Council have several online safety resources providing advice for young people, as well as parents/carers and school staff.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner provide useful information on staying safe while being social online, including websites offering advice on staying safe and the practical steps that can be taken to protect yourself and those you care about when using the internet.

ThinkUknow

Childnet

Childnet is a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children. It works directly with children and young people from the ages of three to 18, as well as parents, carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real experiences online, and the positive things they are doing.

Childnet’s young people section provides support, guidance and advice on a wide range of online safety issues and topics.

Bullying

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

If, after accessing help and support, you find you’re still struggling and you’re not sure what to do next, you can make a referral to Hampshire Specialist CAMHS.

If you feel like you are in a crisis, the CAMHS website has information and advice on what to do.

Childline

Childline provides a range of resources and advice about different types of bullying and how to get help and support.

You can contact Childline about anything. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. Calls to Childline do not show up on your phone bill and are completely free.

Tel: 0800 1111

If you would prefer to email Childline or speak to a counsellor using online chat, visit the Childline support page on how you can do this.

YoungMinds

YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need when they need it.

The YoungMinds guide for young people on bullying provides information on different types of bullying, where to get help and tips from young people like you.

YoungMinds Textline: Text YM to 85258. Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

Kidscape

Kidscape provides practical support, training, and advice to challenge bullying and protect young lives. It provides helpful advice for young people on bullying and positive actions you can take.

Videos

Teens against Bullying – A five-minute video created by young people on the impact bullying has had on their lives.

Depression

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

If, after accessing help and support, you find you’re still struggling and you’re not sure what to do next, you can make a referral to Hampshire Specialist CAMHS.

If you feel like you are in a crisis, the CAMHS website has information and advice on what to do.

For more information, read the Hampshire CAMHS booklet, which explains what mental health is, who CAMHS are and how they can help you.

YoungMinds

YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need when they need it.

The YoungMinds guide for young people on depression provides a useful overview of depression, where to get help and treatments.

YoungMinds Textline: Text YM to 85258. Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people via online, social and mobile. See their resource on depression for further information and advice.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 (freephone, open seven days a week from 4pm to 11pm)

Healthtalk

On healthtalk.org you can find out about what it’s like to live with a health condition, by watching other people share their real-life stories. These stories are collected by academic researchers who interview people in their own homes, using their own words.

Healthtalk.org provides a comprehensive resource on depression and low mood in young people and includes real life experiences of young people on film.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) offers help and support to anyone going through a tough time, using music, sport, gaming and campaigns to get people talking about mental health. They provide help and information on specific issues, including depression.

CALM offer confidential, anonymous and free support, information and signposting to people anywhere in the UK through their helpline. Calls are taken by trained staff who are there to listen, support, inform and signpost. They also offer a web chat service.

Helpline: 0800 58 58 58

Videos

I had a black dog, his name was depression – In collaboration with the World Health Organization, to mark Word Mental Health Day, writer and illustrator, Matthew Johnstone, tells the story of overcoming the ‘black dog of depression.’

Eating difficulties

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

If, after accessing help and support, you find you’re still struggling and you’re not sure what to do next, you can make a referral to Hampshire Specialist CAMHS.

If you feel like you are in a crisis, the CAMHS website has information and advice on what to do.

For more information, read the Hampshire CAMHS booklet, which explains what mental health is, who CAMHS are and how they can help you.

Beat

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity, to end the pain and suffering cause by eating disorders. They provide lots of information and support for yourself or someone else. Beat also provide a free confidential helpline service and one-to-one webchat.

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk

The helpline is open 365 days a year from 9am to midnight during the week, and 4pm to midnight on weekends and bank holidays.

talkEd

talkEd is a national charity providing information and support for anyone affected by any eating disorder or eating distress. They will support you wherever you are in your journey.

talkEd provide 1:1 support calls providing a safe space for your to ask questions and share your concerns. Their peer support team either have personal experience of recovery or have supported a loved one through recovery.

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people via online, social and mobile. See their resource on eating disorders for further information and advice.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 (freephone, open seven days a week from 4pm to 11pm)

Videos

A glimpse of hope – a film created by young people who have accessed Hampshire CAMHS Eating Disorder Service

Workbooks and self-help materials

Family Relationships

All relationships have their tricky moments. Sometimes, too much arguing or people are giving each other the silent treatment a lot, can be really upsetting. If you are worried about the relationships in your family, there is help available. You could let your parent / carer know about the information available here. You could also talk to a trusted adult at school or a club you go to.

The websites below are specifically for young people. They have reliable information and numbers you can call if you want to speak to someone for advice.

Childline

Childline is a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people under the age of 19 in the UK. Calls are free and confidential and do not show up on your phone bill.

Childline has a specific resource on Family relationships where you can find out more information and advice.

Tel: 0800 1111

Voices in the Middle – for young people when parents split up

Most parents expect, or hope, to be together forever when they decide to have children, but sadly things don’t always work out that way. The Voices in the Middle website provides information on what divorce and separation is, the roles of different people involved and what impact it may have on you.

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people via online, social and mobile.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 (freephone, open seven days a week from 4pm to 11pm)

Parental conflict is very different to domestic abuse. No one should ever make you feel threatened or unsafe. If this is how you feel or you are worried about your own behaviour, there are organisations and services that are there to support you. Access Domestic abuse support and information | Health and social care | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk) to find details on the support service available.

You can call the Advice Line 03300 165 112

Always dial 999 if you are in immediate danger or in an emergency.

Healthy relationships

LoveRespect – Is my relationship healthy?

LoveRespect is a Women’s Aid website for young people that helps you to recognise the signs of an unhealthy relationship before they escalate.

Unhealthy Relationships – Raise a Flag

If you are concerned that you or someone you care about is in an unhealthy relationship – Raise a flag – tell someone, seek help.

Created by Hampshire Youth Commission, the Raise a Flag campaign provides information and advice to help you decide if your relationships are healthy and if they aren’t, what steps you can take and where to get the support you might need.

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership provides local domestic abuse support for victims and survivors of abuse, children living with domestic abuse, perpetrators of domestic abuse and professionals seeking advice.

Advice Line: 03300 165 112

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

Tel: 0808 2000 247

The Men’s Advice Line

The Men’s Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). They offer confidential advice, non-judgmental support, practical information and help.

Tel: 0808 801 0327

Respect Phoneline

Confidential and anonymous, the Respect Phoneline is for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner.

Tel: 0808 802 4040

Childline

Childline is a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people under the age of 19 in the UK. Calls are free and confidential and do not show up on your phone bill.

Childline has a specific resource on healthy and unhealthy relationships where you can find out more information and advice.

Tel: 0800 1111

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis Centres provide frontline specialist, independent and confidential services for women and girls. If you have experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual assault you can get help, information and support from trained female support workers via their national helpline. They will be able to give you details of your nearest support services.

The Rape Crisis website also provides information for partners, family, friends and other people who are supporting a survivor of sexual violence.

Tel: 0808 802 9999

The Hideout

Women’s Aid have created The Hideout to help children and young people understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it’s happening to you.

Shore

Shore is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. The website provides help and advice including email support and a chatline.

Self-harm and suicide

If you are feeling suicidal right now, know that there are people out there who can support you to get through this.

Use the YoungMinds Textline by texting ‘YM’ to 85258 to get help. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111 to speak to someone about how you are feeling.

If you are at immediate risk or harm, please call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

See the CAMHS resource on crisis, self-harm and suicide. This provides useful information on common myths, top tips, free downloads, videos podcasts and apps.

If, after accessing help and support, you find you’re still struggling and you’re not sure what to do next, you can make a referral to Hampshire Specialist CAMHS.

If you feel like you are in a crisis, the CAMHS website has information and advice on what to do.

For more information, read the Hampshire CAMHS booklet, which explains what mental health is, who CAMHS are and how they can help you.

Solent Mind

Solent Mind provide a Self-Harm Support Hub for young people experiencing self-harm. They also offer weekly online Peer groups and Peer led awareness sessions.

Childline

Childline is a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people under the age of 19 in the UK. Calls are free and confidential and do not show up on your phone bill.

Childline has many resources on mental health where you can find out more information and advice about self-harm and suicide.

Tel: 0800 1111

YoungMinds

YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need when they need it.

YoungMinds have useful guides on self-harm and suicidal feelings.

YoungMinds Textline: Text YM to 85258. Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

LifeSIGNS – Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support

LifeSIGNS is a user-led small charity creating understanding about self-injury. While they would never tell anyone to ‘stop’, their mission is to guide people who hurt themselves towards new ways of coping – when they’re ready for the journey.

Harmless

Harmless is an organisation who works to address and overcome issues related to self-harm and suicide. They provide support for people who self-harm, family and friends, people in crisis and people bereaved by suicide.

PAPYRUS

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

As well as a confidential suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINEUK, they provide lots of help and advice for young people.

HOPELINEUK:

Tel: 0800 068 4141

Text: 07860039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Opening hours: 9am to midnight every day of the year (including weekends and bank holidays).

Sexual exploitation

Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s is the largest national children’s charity helping hundreds of thousands of children, young people, parents and carers via their 800+ services in the UK.

Barnardo’s provide support and services to children and young people including those that have been through the trauma of sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation. Barnardo’s run specialist services in various locations across the UK. They help young people at risk of or experiencing child sexual exploitation and offer them confidential support in a safe environment.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)

Childline

Childline is a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people under the age of 19 in the UK. Calls are free and confidential and do not show up on your phone bill.

Childline has a number of relevant resources including online safety, sexual abuse, trafficking and child exploitation.

Tel: 0800 1111

ThinkUknow

The CEOP Education Programme, ThinkUknow provides training, resources and information to help protect children and young people from online sexual abuse. It provides help and advice for specific age categories. Importantly, there’s also a place which anyone can use to report if they feel uncomfortable or worried about someone they are chatting to online.

Rape Crisis

The Rape Crisis website also provides information for partners, family, friends and other people who are supporting a survivor of sexual violence.

Tel: 0808 802 9999

Shore

Shore is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. The website provides help and advice including email support and a chatline.

Young carers

The Children’s Society

The Children’s Society provides lots of advice and support for young carers, including school, further education and employment, carers’ rights and creating change, young carers’ wellbeing and mental health, money and bills and living with an alcohol dependent adult. They can also help connect you to other young people with caring responsibilities.

The Children’s Society:

have contacts and a database of young carers projects across England
organise training events and regional conferences
organise the annual Young Carers Festival
have online resources for practitioners to identify and support young carers and their families
support children and young people to have their voices heard within Parliament and present to Ministers
support over 200 young carer ‘Champions’ to communicate and share their stories and advocate for the things that matter most to them in the Young Carers in Focus

Local young carers groups across Hampshire

Find your local group and get in touch through the Hampshire Young Carers Alliance.

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people via online, social and mobile.

From supporting someone with complex needs, to navigating the world of money, The Mix know there are lots of diverse issues that matter to young carers. On their support and information page you will find lots of helpful resources and interesting content, including links to group chats, eLearning course and useful apps, articles and videos.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 (freephone, open seven days a week from 4pm to 11pm)