Do you need mental health support?

It's ok to not feel ok, but remember, you don't have to face it alone. There’s lots of help available and people that you can talk to.  

Below are some organisations, charities and specialist services that are there to help whenever you need them.  

If you need help urgently, contact one of the crisis helplines listed below. 

What support do you need?

If you need urgent help, there are places you can go: 

  • Shout:  For anyone struggling with their mental health we have partnered with SHOUT, a FREE 24/7 confidential text service. To start a conversation Text PURPLE to 85258. 
  • Childline: Call 0800 1111, 24/7 confidential helpline for young people. You can also start a 1-2-1 chat 1 online (weekdays: 7.30am - 3.30pm/ weekends: 9am - 3.30pm). 
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123. 24/7 listening service for anyone experiencing emotional distress, feeling overwhelmed, or having suicidal thoughts. Trained volunteers offer non-judgemental listening and support.  
  • Papyrus: Call 0800 068 4141 88247. 24/7 suicide prevention service for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts. There is a chat service on their website. 
  • Saneline: (for age 16 and over): Call 0300 304 7000 (4pm – 10pm) to speak with a trained helpline volunteer who will listen to and support you.  
  • Call 111 and select the mental health option. 

Call 999 or go to A&E now if: 

  • Someone's life is at risk - for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose. 
  • You do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe. 

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time.

  • Student Minds: The UK’s student mental health charity, offering information, resources, and guidance to help students access mental health support at university and beyond. 
  • Student Space: Find support at your university, including one-to-one support and wellbeing resources.  
  • YoungMinds guide to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services): A straightforward guide to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), including referrals, assessments, and what support may look like. 

  • Support for Parents & Carers | Young Epilepsy: Information for parents and carers of children and young people with epilepsy. We offer essential information about understanding epilepsy, treatment options, and everyday life at home and school. 
  • Charity services for parents of children and young people: An NHS directory which signposts trusted charities offering emotional, practical, and condition-specific support for parents and carers. 
  • MindEd for Families: An NHS supported website providing free, reliable advice and learning resources about children and young people’s mental health, created by mental health professionals and parents. 
  • Young Minds Guide to CAMHS: A clear and accessible guide explaining Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), including how referrals work, what support is available, and what to expect. 
  • Family Lives: A national charity offering a confidential helpline, online information, and parenting support to help families cope with stress, relationship difficulties, and emotional challenges. 
  • NHS England Social prescribing: Connects people with non-medical community support, such as peer groups, wellbeing activities, and local services to improve overall health and wellbeing through personalised care. 
  • Explaining Epilepsy to Your Child: Our child-friendly resource designed to help parents talk to their child about epilepsy in an age-appropriate, reassuring, and honest way.

  • Young Mind's 360 Degree School's Community: A whole school approach to mental health that supports staff, pupils, and leadership teams through training, resources, and practical guidance to create mentally healthy school environments. 
  • Place2Be Mental Health Resources for Schools: A charity providing evidence-based mental health support, training, and resources for schools, including guidance for teachers to support children’s emotional wellbeing. 
  • Support at school: Our information and guidance to help schools understand how to support pupils with additional needs, including mental health difficulties, long-term‑ conditions, and inclusion within the school environment. 
  • Guide for schools: Our practical guide designed to help schools understand their role in supporting pupils’ wellbeing, including reasonable adjustments, communication with families, and access to external services. 
  • Epilepsy training for teachers: Specialist training for school staff to build confidence in understanding epilepsy, responding safely to seizures, and supporting pupils with epilepsy to feel included and supported at school.

  • NHS Charity support: A section of the NHS website that lists trusted charities offering support to parents, carers, children, and young people with a range of physical health, mental health, and long-term conditions. 
  • NHS Mental Health Services: Information from the NHS explaining the different mental health services available, who they are for, and how to access support through your GP, self-referral, or urgent services. 
  • NHS Psychological Therapies Service (IAPT): An NHS service providing free, evidence-based psychological therapies for anxiety, depression, and related difficulties, with details on how to find and self-refer to a local service. 

  • Support & Inclusion: Fill in our referral form to get in touch and receive dedicated support from our Youth Support Coordinators.  
  • Meet other young people: Join our Virtual Youth Clubs to meet other children and young people who understand.  
  • Youth Voice Network: Join our Youth Voice Network if you are 13+, a community of young people with epilepsy that helps shape the direction of the charity. 
  • Online Support: Visit our Mental Health and Wellbeing Space for information, advice and tips. 

A young man looks solemnly at his phone outside.

Are you struggling to cope?

For anyone struggling with their mental health, we have partnered with SHOUT, a FREE 24/7 confidential text service.

To start a conversation Text PURPLE to 85258

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This content was written and verified by health experts.

Yinka Ebo APHNutr, MSc, BSc (Hons): Yinka Ebo is a Health Information Specialist with over 20 years’ experience creating clear, evidence-based content including for the NHS and leading UK charities such as Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. As a Health Information Manager at Young Epilepsy, Yinka specialises in turning complex health information into accessible resources for children and young people with epilepsy to help them feel more informed and confident about navigating their life with the condition.

Emily Robson DPsych, MSc, BSC (Hons): Emily Robson is a Health Psychologist, Information writer, and Researcher with experience across the public and private sectors, including the NHS and leading UK health charities. She specialises in creating user-centred, evidence-based health information that empowers people to make confident, informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

The Channel

A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.