How to get additional support to help with mental health  

Some young people find that they need additional support to help them manage their mental health. This might be because:

• Their difficulties are not improving or are getting worse
• Their difficulties are so bad that they are stopping them from doing things, such as going to school or looking after their physical health
• They are engaging in risky ways of managing their mental health such as self-harming

If this sounds like you, it is important that you reach out for more support. You can do this by:

• You can tell a parent, carer or teacher who can help you access the services you need
• The NHS offers a range of specialist services for young people with mental health difficulties – your GP or school nurse can make a referral to Triage and Navigation who will be able to send your referral to the most appropriate service to meet your needs. Alternatively you can self-refer to Triage and Navigation using the self-referral form which can be found on the website. Click here for more information.
• You can see your GP. Click here for more information, to book an appointment or find a GP surgery. If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, you can make an appointment with a GP, click here for information.
• Tellmi allows an online safe and anonymous space for young people to discuss their feelings, seek support and receive counselling when necessary. It is available 365 days a year. Click here for more information.
• The NHS offers specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for young people with significant mental health disorders. Click here to view some useful resources created by CAMHS.
• ChatHealth is an NHS service offered to 11-19 year olds. You can text a question to the following numbers and a professional will get back to you. If you live in the Leicester City text: 07520 615 38 and if you live in Leicestershire and Rutland text: 07520 615 387.
• The NHS website has a lot of helpful advice about looking after your mental health, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/, some helpful strategies to manage your mental health https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/ and some helpful videos for self-care strategies for young people: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/youth-mental-health/.
• If you need urgent mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and press option 2 click here and follow the on screen instructions. This service is totally free and confidential. You and /or your family can call NHS 111 and choose Option 2, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.