Do you need mental health support?

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.