Mental health support for children and young people
If you know a young person in need of mental health support, there are a number of local and national organisations that can help.
Need urgent help right now?
Dial 111
Choose option 2, when prompted
Answer a few questions over the phone
You’ll then receive fast and responsive support from NHS mental health professionals, which can include a same-day mental health assessment, if needed.
NHS 111 is the first point of contact for any adults, children or young people in urgent need of mental health help.
If you feel yourself or others are at imminent risk of physical harm or you have harmed yourself or someone else, or are worried that you might, please call 999.
You can also go to A&E at your nearest hospital.
Local and national mental health support for children and young people
Everything OK is a website designed to help young people find the help and support they need when they’ve got questions about thoughts or feelings. For when they are wondering if everything really is ok, or not.
CAMHS provides outpatient assessments, support and treatment for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems. The service works to provide them with a greater knowledge of their condition and improve coping techniques. Self-referrals are not accepted. Referrals are accepted from your GP, health professional, social worker, teacher or youth worker.
Central Bedfordshire CAMHS (North)
Telephone: 01234 310800 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Central Bedfordshire CAMHS (South)
Telephone: 01234 893300 / 01234 893301 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
CHUMS mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people offers therapeutic support for children and young people with a variety of mental health and wellbeing needs.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01525 863924
The Hopeline is for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, and for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0800 068 4141 (lines are open 24 hours every day of the year, including weekends and bank holidays)
Text: 07860 039967
For children and young people (up to 18 or 25 for those with additional needs).
Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a free, confidential text conversation with a trained volunteer, who can help with issues such as: anxiety, abuse, stress , relationship problems, depression, bullying , suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, self-harm and loneliness.