Getting help and support ...
Sometimes things can get on top of us, and it’s good to talk to someone who understands. Here is a list of organisations who offer free, confidential support and advice on a range of issues young people might face.
Anxiety UK
provides support, advice and information on various anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression conditions. Call: 03444 775 774 or Text: 07537 416905 Helplines are open 9.30AM – 5.30PM, Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays). Visit their website to use Anxia; a chatbot that can offer support.
BEAT
Eating disorder charity offering different age-dependent support services
Call Youthline (Under 18s): 0808 801 0711
Call the Helpline (18+): 0808 801 0432
Helplines are open 365 days a year from 12pm–8pm during the week, and 4pm–8pm on weekends and bank holidays. Email support: scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free, confidential phoneline service for any individual who is experiencing low mood and depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. Lines are open: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am. Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am. Visit www.breathingspace.scot or call 0800 83 85 87
Calm Harm
An app to support teenagers track and deal with the urge to self-harm by providing a wide range of distraction techniques. Download from the App Store or Google Play
ChildLine
ChildLine is the free helpline for children in the UK. If you have a problem and want to talk to someone about it, you can call their helpline. If you call the helpline it is free and the person you speak to won’t tell anyone you rang them. Call the helpline on 0800 1111 or visit their website at: www.childline.org.uk
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland
(CYPCS) promotes and safeguards the rights of children and young people living in Scotland. The Commissioner is here to make sure all children have their rights respected. Visit www.cypcs.org.uk or call 0131 346 5350.
CAMHS
If things are overwhelming and you’re struggling to cope, help is available from Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). There is information on the NHS website.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Runs a free helpline for people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Open Monday and Friday 9.30am – 5pm, Tuesday – Thursday 9.30am-8pm. Call: 0808 808 1677 Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
LGBT Youth Scotland
LGBT Youth Scotland’s vision is that Scotland is the best place to grow up for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex young people. Their mission is to play a leading role in the provision of quality youth work to LGBTI young people that promotes their health and wellbeing, and to be a valued and influential partner in LGBTI equality and human rights. More information is available on their website: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
NSPCC
Parent and child mental health support. Open Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at weekends. Call: 0808 800 5000 Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
NHS 24
111 (open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day)
PAPYRUS HOPELine
Young suicide prevention society. 9am – midnight every day of the year (weekends and Bank Holidays included). Call: 0800 068 4141 Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org Text: 07860039967
Samaritans
The Samaritans can help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time. You can call them free any time, from any phone, on 116 123 or you can email them via jo@samaritans.org. More information is available on their website: www.samaritans.org
Scottish Women’s Aid
Scottish Women’s Aid website has information for children and young people experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse at home. Plus, Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is open 24/7 for anyone, of any age, gender or sexuality, who is experiencing abuse. You can call them free on 0800 027 1234 or email helpline@sdafmh.org.uk or you can chat online with them at www.sdafmh.org.uk. It is a private service and there are experts there to listen to you and support you.
SAMH Information Service
Provides support, information or a chat about mental health. Open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday (closed Bank Holidays).Phone: 0344 800 0500 Email: info@samh.org.uk
Shout
Text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Somewhere to go if you are struggling to cope and need help immediately. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text: SHOUT to 8525
Sleep Scotland
If you’re having difficulty sleeping, Sleep Scotland can provide support. Email them to arrange a phone call. Open Monday – Thursday 10am – 4pm. Email: sleepsupport@sleepscotland.org
Young Minds Crisis Messenger
Text message service for young people seeking help and support with mental health. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text: YM to 85258
Young Scot
Young Scot gives young people loads of information to help them with important decisions and to make sure they are aware of all the great things available to young people locally, nationally and internationally. More information is available at: www.youngscot.org. You can contact Young Scot by emailing them at infoline@youngscot.org or by phoning the InfoLine on 0808 801 0338 (Mon to Fri 10am – 6pm), or by texting ‘callback’ to 87023.
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