We know that being a parent or carer isn’t always easy. Although it’s often amazing and rewarding to watch your children or young people grow up, it can also be really hard work. Things might feel especially difficult if your child or young person is struggling with their mental health at the moment. Or if their mood and behaviour seem different, and you're not sure why or what you can do to help. But you are not alone.
We have lots of practical advice to help you support them – from encouraging them to open up, to navigating mental health services and finding them the right help. No matter what you’re going through, things can get better.
If you're worried about your child or young person’s mental health or wellbeing, you can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.
Our Helpline provides detailed information, advice and support to parents or main carers of children and young people aged 25 or under.
Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help. We all need a little extra support sometimes, and we hear from parents and carers just like you all the time.
Written by our Parents Helpline experts, our A-Z guide is full of practical advice on how to help your child or young person with whatever they’re struggling with. This includes advice on mental health conditions, feelings and behaviours, and life events.
Finding your way around mental health services can be challenging. If you need help to find the right support for your child or young person, read our guides. We have lots of information and advice on the different types of mental health support available, including counselling, CAMHS and speaking to the GP.
Talking about how we’re feeling is so important for our mental health. But it's not always easy to know where to start, and children and young people can find it difficult to talk. Our advice can support you.
The ongoing war in Palestine and Israel is devastating. Children and their families are experiencing unimaginable suffering and loss, with Choose Love calling this catastrophic crisis ‘unprecedented’.
We are also hearing every day about the impact this is having on young people’s mental health here in the UK. They might be feeling hopeless, anxious, frustrated and excluded from the decisions being made by those in power. If you and your child have been affected by what's happening, or what you've heard in the news, you are not alone.
We have included some resources below that might be helpful for you and your child during this time.
If you or your child have been a victim of the frightening rise in hate-motivated attacks in the UK, know that hate has no place in the world, ever. There is no excuse for antisemitism, Islamophobia or any acts of racism and we stand by you in solidarity.
Here are some helplines and services that can support you through this difficult time.
Provides independent, confidential and accessible support for victims and witnesses of hate crimes or discrimination.
Read information on accessibility.
Operates a specialist 24/7 support service for young people under the age of 18 called Call Hate Out.
You can report any form of hate crime through their website.
We support parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. Our Parents Helpline provides detailed advice and information, emotional support and signposting.
You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.
You can speak to us over webchat between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday-Friday. When we’re closed, you can still leave us a message in the chat. We’ll reply to you by email in 3-5 working days.
Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.
We’re sorry to hear that your child is struggling. We know that things might feel really tough at the moment. Use our Helpfinder to find online information and advice that can help you support your child. Or, if you’d like to speak to someone, contact our Parents Helpline.
If your child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis, or you are worried they are not safe, we have a list of services that can support you now.
There are many ways you can support your child with their mental health. See our Parents' A-Z guide for advice and tips on helping your child, whatever they are going through.
Our Helpline provides information, advice and support to parents and main carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.
Find out more about our Parents Helpline.
We provide online information and tips for young people who are looking for help with their mental health. They can read real stories from young people who have been in their position.
We do not provide services such as counselling or therapy for young people.
No, we are a charity that provides information and advice to parents, carers and young people. You can find information about accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in our guide for parents and carers. You can find information about other support services in our parent and carer guide to getting mental health support. Or you can contact our Parents Helpline for more advice.
Thank you for the support when I didn’t know how to help my son. I have followed your advice on how to manage the situation, and it helped so, so much.
