We can support you

while you're supporting your children

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How we can help

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We know parenting isn’t always easy. Although it’s often amazing and rewarding to watch your children grow up, and to help them learn to be independent, it can also be really hard work. It can feel especially hard if your child's 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 and tips on supporting your child - from how to encourage your child to open up about their feelings to dealing with mental health services. No matter what you and your child are going through, things can get better.

We also have our Parents Helpline who can provide advice and support if you're worried about a child or young person.

Parents Helpline and Webchat

Parents Helpline

It's okay to reach out for help. Your situation is unique and no parent has all the answers. We all need a little extra support sometimes, and we hear from parents and carers just like you all the time.

So, if you're worried about the mental health and wellbeing of a child or young person up to the age of 25, you can chat to us by phone, email or webchat.

Our Parents Helpline is also accessible for those who are hard of hearing or speak English as an additional language. If English is not your first or preferred language, we can arrange for a language translator to support you on a call with one of our helpline advisers. Or if you would like to use our webchat or email service, we offer a digital translation service.

Find out about our Parents Helpline and Webchat

Please note we're unable to:

  • offer direct support to young people, counselling services or therapy
  • process referrals, assessments or diagnosis for young people

Our helpline is also independent from all NHS and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

If you need urgent support with your child, we have information on how you can get help.

  • 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.
    Parents Helpline caller
  • You helped me talk to my daughter and for that I will always be grateful.
    Parents Helpline caller

Supporting young people in your community

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Do you work with young people through sports, art, or music and feel under-equipped to support them and their mental health? We have tips and resources for when a young person in your community turns to you for support.

Find out more

Practical advice and support

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Parents' A-Z mental health guide

Our A-Z guide, written by our Parents Helpline experts, is full of practical advice and tried and tested tips to help you support your child with whatever they are struggling with. We also have lots of information on where you and your child can get the support you need. Remember, you are not alone, things really can get better, for you and for your child. 

Visit our parents' A-Z mental health guide

Frequently asked questions

We’re sorry to hear that your child is struggling, and we know that this is tough to deal with. Our tips and advice can help you get through this. Use our helpfinder to find out what support is available to you and your child.

We have a list of services as well as information on what support you can get if your child needs urgent help.

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. 

Yes, we help parents and carers who are worried about their child’s mental health with tips, information and advice online and through our Parents Helpline service.

Use our helpfinder to find the right support for you.

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. If they need urgent support for their mental health, they can use the services on our young person's urgent help page.

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 parent's guide to CAMHS. For information about other services take a look at our guide to getting support from mental health services or contact our Parents Helpline for more advice.

Our Parents Helpline provides parents and carers with advice and information on where to get help for a child or young person up to the age of 25. You can get in touch with our Parents Helpline by phone, email or webchat.

Find out more about our Parents Helpline.

We provide a one-off Parents Helpline conversation with a trained helpline adviser. If needed, we can also provide you with a further 50-minute consultation with a mental health professional so that you can get more in-depth advice about your child’s situation and guidance on how to access ongoing support.

We do not provide long-term support, but you can find lots of information, advice and tips in our Parents A-Z guide.

Be kind to yourself. Keep reminding yourself that you are doing your best, even if you wish you might have handled something differently that day.