Emerging from Lockdown – Children and Young People and Mental Health difficulties, national message and resources

You will be aware that the pandemic has been challenging, especially children and young people’s mental health. Periods of lockdown and easing can be difficult and as we come out of our latest lockdown, we are seeing signs that some CYP are struggling with adjusting to new routines and increased expectations. National colleagues have recently published several blogs helping CYP, families and carers understand that increased stress and anxiety can be a perfectly normal response to the current situation, and signposting to help for those who are struggling. The most recent ones focus on eating disorders, and the easing of lockdown.

Help for children and young people can come from several sources, including family, friends, schools and colleges, and the voluntary sector. Charities provide vital and varied interventions via their frontline services, networks, helplines and campaigns. For those who need specialist support, the NHS is here to help.  Some resources for CYP, families and carers are detailed below:Local NHS 24/7 urgent mental health lines (which can be found on nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth). 

Public Health England’s Better Health Every Mind Matters campaign which provides helpful tips for young people, parents and carers. There are designated pages to help parents and carers spot the signs that children may be struggling with their mental health and also provides advice that can help maintain good mental wellbeing.

YoungMinds Parents Helpline is available for parents, guardians and carers and you can call them on 0808 802 5544; 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays.

Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free crisis support during a crisis – this is available every day of the week, at any time day or night. All that is required is to text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus. 

Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) provides advice and support for young people who feel like they want to take their own life, and all their advice is confidential. Their helpline – HOPELineUK – can be reached on 0800 068 41 41 or one can text them on 07786 209 687 (lines are open every day from 9am to midnight).

Childline offer support to CYP under 19, and they confidentially call, email, or chat online about any problem, big or small. Their freephone 24-hour helpline is 0800 1111. You can sign up for a Childline account on their website and you will then be able to message a counsellor anytime without using an email address. Or you can have a one-to-one chat with an online advisor. 

SHOUT provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone who is struggling to cope and anyone in crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258. This service is free on all major mobile networks. 

Samaritansare an organisation who are available at any time of the day or night. They will help the CYP and listen to how they are feeling. They can be reached on 116 123 or via email at [email protected].