Support for Young People

If you or someone you know are at immediate risk of hurting yourself call 999

If you are not happy or are worried about a friend, here is a list of services in Hertfordshire that can provide support. Reach out – help is at hand.

In School

Pastoral Lead Your school should have a Pastoral Lead. They will be able to offer guidance and advice for your mental health. Ask your Head of Year to find out who yours is.

School Counsellor Many schools have counsellors in the building. They can offer you confidential counselling and support. Speak with your Head of Year or Pastoral Lead to find out how you can access this.

Sometimes you might not want to speak within a school environment, but if you can find a teacher you trust this can really help.

Alternatively, there are many places you can seek support outside of school.

Outside School

Spectrum Families and Young People’s Services support young people with drug and/or alcohol problems. Tel: 0800 652 3169 Email: Herts@cgl.org.uk Visit: https://www.changegrowlive.org/content/spectrum-families-young-peoples-service

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)  Offer support to young males struggling with low mood and suicidal thoughts. Their helpline runs daily 5PM – midnight, or you can use their webchat.Tel: 0800 58 58 58 www.thecalmzone.net

ChildLine  Offer free, confidential counselling to under 19’s though their helpline and webchat. Tel: 0800 1111. www.childline.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care Hertfordshire Support the wellbeing of anyone aged 5-18 years who has experienced the death of a loved one. Leave a message on their 24hr helpline and they will contact you back. Tel: 01707 264293 www.cruse-hertfordshire.org.uk

FRANK Offer a 24-hour confidential helpline for young people with questions or concerns about alcohol or drugs, or you can chat online with advisors daily from 2pm – 6pm.  Tel: 0300 123 6600 www.talktofrank.com 

Health for Teens Offer advice for 11 – 19’s on topics ranging from emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and physical health. You can select the Hertfordshire pages for up to date advice on local services. www.healthforteens.co.uk

Hector’s House This was set up by the family of Hector, who took his life in 2011. They want you to know that they care, and you are not alone. Their website offers advice on where to seek further support. www.hectorshouse.org.uk

Herts Young Homeless Offer advice and practical support for 16-24 year olds who are homeless or worried they might become homeless. Tel: 08000 355 775 www.hyh.org.uk

The Sandbox: Online Mental Health Digital Advice and Guidance Service for 10-25s (available from 1 April 2023)
Can help young people to understand and learn ways to manage their feelings, so they feel happier and more able to cope with the ups and down of life that we all experience.
This free NHS funded service launches on 1st April 2023 and offers a website, with access to games, worksheets, group chats and online events for children, young people, their parents/carers, teachers and other professionals. The Sandbox provides access to internet enabled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT), or one to one support from professional therapists by text, phone, online chat or video call, based on a triage of the young person’s needs:
• Website: 24/7
• Therapy sessions: 7am-10pm Mondays-Fridays and 10am – 10pm Saturdays and Sundays
• Live Chat: 10am-8pm Mondays-Fridays

Signing up is easy. Visit The Sandbox website here

Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide Offers support through their helpline (HOPElineUK) to anyone under 35 years that is having thoughts of suicide. They also offer advice if you are concerned for a friend, and how to support them. The helpline is open Mon – Fri 10am-10pm, Sat – Sun 2pm – 10pm. Tel: 0800 068 4141. Text: 07786 209 697 www.papyrus-uk.org 

Self-Injury Support  Provides TESS, a support and information text service for females under 24 years who are struggling with self-harm.Tel: 0808 800 8088 or TESS Text: 0780 047 2908 www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk

Signpost offer confidential counselling for 10-25 year olds in West Hertfordshire. Tel: 01923 239 495 www.signpostcounselling.co.uk

Single Point of Access (SPA) HPFT's SPA can put you in touch with the relevant NHS mental health service. If you call them they will help to direct you to the service most suited to your needs Tel: 0800 6444 101.

Step 2 CAMHS  This is the mental health service for children and young people up to 19 years old. Health professionals can refer a young person into the service through SPA (see above).  www.hct.nhs.uk/our-services/step-2-camhs

The Mix Information and support for the under 25s covering a range of topics including mental health. You can use their helpline or webchat from 11am-11pm daily. Telephone: 0808 808 4994 www.themix.org.uk

Young Carers in Hertfordshire Offer practical and emotional support to young people with caring responsibilities. www.ycih.org

Young Minds Provides information about all things mental health; from medication to coping strategies www.youngminds.org.uk

Youth Talk provide counselling for 13-25 year olds who live, work or go to school/college in St Albans. Tel: 01727 868684 http://www.youthtalk.org.uk/