Shine Lincolnshire

Children and Young People

Useful information and contacts

When you are struggling with your mental health it can be an overwhelming task working out where the best place for you to access help may be. Here at Shine, we want to make this a little easier for you by not only providing you with a searchable directory but also a list of useful support numbers.

Children and Young People

As a parent of a young person who is struggling with their mental health your natural instinct is often to try and fix the problem and how they are feeling. While this is coming from a place of good intention it is often not the best thing to do.

Instead, try to approach it calmly and allow them a safe space to discuss how they are feeling and the issues they are facing. By allowing them that space and listening non-judgmentally you are allowing them to talk through what they are feeling while showing them you are supporting them and that they are not alone. You can then support them to work out what type of support is best for them and where they can access it.

As a young person, facing mental health challenges can be daunting and isolating. You may feel that you are unable to talk to those closest to you, if you feel like this there are different places you can go to for support.

Useful Links

  • CAMHS

    The NHS has CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) across the UK to offer young people emotional and mental health support. You can find more support about CAMHS and other support at YoungMinds. They offer information and online guides about mental health conditions, where to find support and how to get involved with campaigns. 

  • Childline (0800 1111)

    Offer free and confidential support for anyone under the age of 19. They have a 24/7 helpline, offer 1-2-1 online chats with a counsellor and message boards to talk and share experiences with other young people. They also have Calm Zone which features activities and tools to help you chill out and destress. 

  • Kooth.com

    Is an anonymous and confidential online counselling, advice, and support service for young people between the ages of 11 and 19. 

  • Papyrus (0800 068 4141)

    Is a UK charity dedicated to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in young people. They provide support to young people struggling with suicidal thoughts via their helpline, HOPELINEUK.

  • Mermaids (0808 801 0400)

    Supports transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse children and young people under the age of 20, as well as those involved in their care. They have a helpline and webchat available, as well as partnering with Student Space, run by Student Minds who support young people along their journey through higher education.

  • Ambitious Youth Network

    Connects autistic young people across the UK. They offer online peer support sessions via Zoom, hosted by trained staff. They are a safe environment which you can access from the comfort of your own home – no need to turn on your camera or microphone if you are not comfortable doing so.

  • The Mix (0808 808 4994)

    Provide advice across a wide range of subjects for young people under the age of 25, including mental health support, money management and sex & relationships, as well as a free helpline, 1-2-1 confidential webchat and hosting discussion boards and group chat rooms. 

  • Barnardo’s Young Carers Service (0208 554 2888)

    Is available for anyone aged 5 to 18 who have a caring role. They offer outing during the school holidays, activity groups, peer support, homework clubs and other support.