Mental health support for under 18s
Mental health support for under 18s
Are you under 18 and worried about something or want to learn more about mental health?
If something is on your mind and you want to seek mental health support, we've got some advice for you on this page.
If you're interested in learning more about mental heath, we've listed some resources that you might find interesting.
I’m worried about something and I don’t have Place2Be in my school
If someone’s life is in danger, call 999.
If not, talk to an adult that you trust as soon as possible.
We can only help people who go to Place2Be schools, but you might want to talk to:
- someone in your family, like a parent or carer
- someone at school, like a teacher or counsellor (if your school has a counsellor)
- your doctor.
If you are not sure who to talk to:
- call Childline on 0800 1111 or
- text CONNECT to 85258 to speak to one of Shout's trained volunteers.
I’m worried about something and I have Place2Be in my school
If someone’s life is in danger, call 999.
If you’re not at school and you don’t know what to do, talk to an adult that you trust or:
- call Childline on 0800 1111 or
- text P2B to 85258 to speak to one of Shout's trained volunteers.
If you are at school, speak to the Place2Be person. Maybe you’re feeling sad, confused, scared or angry. Or maybe you’re struggling with something at home or in school. Whatever it is, we can help.
You might be able to book a short appointment with Place2Be during lunchtime or break time.
If the problem is really big or you need more time to talk about it, you might be able to see Place2Be more often for counselling.
To learn more about counselling and what to expect from it, we have two documents to help you understand:
I want to find out more about mental health
If you have Place2Be in your school, speak to the Place2Be person. They’ll be happy to help.
If you're looking to learn more about mental health, there are tons of websites out there with loads of helpful advice and tips, specifically tailored for young people:
We've partnered up with Shout
We’ve teamed up with Shout to offer a new type of support for all students in Place2Be secondary schools.
Text ‘P2B’ to 85258 to get free, confidential support if you're struggling any time, day or night.
If your life, or someone else’s life, is in immediate danger, call 999.
About Shout
If you're struggling and need to talk to someone, you can text P2B to 85258 for free any time, day or night.
Shout is open 24/7, and a trained volunteer will aim to reply to you within 5 minutes. When they’re really busy, at times it will be longer, but Shout will get in touch as soon as they can.
Once you’re talking to someone, you can stop the conversation at any time by texting STOP.
Texting Shout is free and anonymous - this means that no one will know that you have texted Shout. Anything you say stays private unless the Shout Volunteer is concerned for your immediate safety, then they may share your details with people who can provide support.
While you’re waiting for someone to text back, watch this video from Shout with five tips to help you feel calmer:
How do I use it?
If you need urgent help, simply text P2B to 85258. We will aim to respond within 5 minutes.
Text messages are free within the UK.
What will happen when I send a text?
The volunteer will introduce themselves, listen to you, and invite you to share at your own pace. You’ll text back and forth, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. By asking questions, listening to you and responding with support, they will help you sort through your feelings until you both feel you are now in a calm, safe place.
Will it show up on my phone bill?
Your texts will not show up on your phone bill, even if it is itemised.
Can I text the Place2Be manager or counsellor from my school?
The support is provided by specially trained volunteers through Shout. You will not be able to text someone from Place2Be. If you want to access the Place2Be service in your school you can ask to speak to the Place2Be member of staff.
Will my parents/carers/teachers/Place2Be know that I’ve text the service?
The support is confidential, so no-one will know unless we believe that you are in immediate danger or at risk of abuse, harm or neglect. If this happens Shout will call emergency services to help you.
What if I’m in primary school but I want to text in?
You can still use the service if you need urgent help, but you might find it useful to look at other support designed for pupils your age, such as Childline (available online or by calling 0800 11 11).
What if I’m abroad but want to text?
This service is designed to be used in the UK. If you are due to be abroad for an extended period of time, it may be worth looking into local options for support.