Help and Support

24/7 Crisis Support

If you need urgent help right now…

999 – Emergency Services
Call if you, a friend, or a family member is in immediate danger or crisis.

Samaritans – www.samaritans.org
24-hour confidential support for anyone who needs to talk, including young people. Call 116 123.

Shout – www.giveusashout.org
Free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service. Text 85258 to chat with a trained volunteer.

Mental Health Support

Childline – www.childline.org.uk
Free, confidential support for children and young people. Chat online 1-to-1 or call 0800 1111 anytime. If something online worries you, or you’re being bullied, speak to a trusted adult or Childline.

Sandbox – www.thesandbox.mindler.co.uk
NHS-supported mental health help for children and young people (availability depends on your area).

Kooth – www.kooth.com
Online counselling and emotional wellbeing support for young people. Free to access via mobile, tablet, or desktop.

Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk
Advice and information about mental health, including CAMHS and next steps to get support.

Mind – www.mind.org.uk
Information, advice, and support about mental health for young people and adults.

Stay Well – www.staffs.staywellcyp.org
Support and services to improve wellbeing for children and young people aged 5–18 (up to 25 for SEND or care leavers).

Students Against Depression – www.studentsagainstdepression.org
Information and guidance for young people dealing with low mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety UK – www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Support for anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, phobias, or anxiety-based depression.

Self-Harm

Harmless – www.harmless.org.uk
Advice and support for people who self-harm, their friends, and their families. Call 0115 934 8445.

Kooth – www.kooth.com
Online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people. Free and confidential.

Physical & Sexual Health

ChatHealth – Text 07520 615721
11-19 year olds in Staffordshire can text an NHS School Nurse and get confidential health, wellbeing advice and support.

Health for Teens – www.healthforteens.co.uk
Information on your health, including sexual health, emotions, lifestyle, and growing up.

Terrence Higgins Trust – www.tht.org.uk
Support and advice for anyone affected by HIV or sexual health concerns.

Eating Disorders

B-eat – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
The UK’s eating disorder charity. Offers online support groups and a helpline for under 18s. Call 0345 634 7650 (4 pm–10 pm, 365 days) or email fyp@b-eat.co.uk.

Talk ED – www.talk-ed.org.uk
National charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders or related distress.

Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Support – www.cruse.org.uk
Help for children and families understanding grief and coping with loss.

Children’s Bereavement Centre – www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk
Safe support for children aged 3–18 and their families during difficult times.

Abuse Support

New Era – www.new-era.uk
Support for anyone affected by domestic abuse in Staffordshire.

SARAC – www.sarac.org.uk
Confidential support for anyone over 11 in Burton affected by sexual violence or rape.

Refuge – www.refuge.org.uk
Support for women and children affected by domestic violence.

Drugs and Alcohol

FRANK – www.talktofrank.com
Confidential advice about drugs or substance use. Call 0800 7766 00 (24 hours, free).

T3 Stars – www.staffstars.org
Support for people under 21 using alcohol or drugs in Staffordshire.

Change, Grow, Live – www.changegrowlive.org
Support with substance misuse and related issues across England and Wales.

Equality and Identity Support

Stonewall – www.youngstonewall.org.uk
Information and advice for LGBTQ+ young people and allies. Call 0800 50 20 20.

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – www.switchboard.lgbt
Confidential support and advice to help you make decisions and feel supported.

Online Safety

CEOP - www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/
Helps children and young people under 18 who are being pressured, forced, or tricked into sexual activity online or offline. You can report issues directly to CEOP and get guidance on what happens next.

Kids Online Safety - www.kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk/
Practical information from trusted places to help you feel more confident in the steps you can take to protect your child online.