Mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people
Crisis support
If a person under the age of 18 is in crisis, please call 0800 953 0222 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). For out of hours or weekend support call NELFT Mental Health Direct on 0800 995 1000. If concerns escalate about a child or young person, please call 111 and select option 2 for mental health crisis.
If you are worried for your own or someone else's safety or need urgent help, call 999.
Services supporting mental health and wellbeing
Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) is the core mental health service for children and young people. The service provides advice and support to children, young people and families who need support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties. Parent carers can self-refer to the service by phone (0800 953 0222) or through an online referral form. A referral can also be made by a GP, teacher, school nurse or any other professional.
For more severe mental health needs, speak to your GP. They may refer you to a specialist mental health team.
Southend Accident and Emergency Department - Southend Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RY.
Children and Young People Specialist Support is a NHS Partnership specialist response service between South East and Central Essex Mind, Kids Inspire and Thurrock Open Door. A range of intervention and therapeutic support is offered for those aged 4 to 18 years old, provided mostly through online platforms. Referrals can be made by schools via email or online by parent carers of young people over 16.
Youthful Wellbeing is a service provided by South Essex and Central Mind. It is accessible to those up to age 18 to 25 through referral from a professional or self-referral.
Kids Inspire provide mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people aged 4 to 21.
Trustlinks are a local mental health support charity. They have a number of projects for young people up to 18 years of age. The TrustLinks Learning Together programme supports young people aged 11 to 16 who are struggling to attend school due to their mental health and/or special educational needs. The 12 week programme runs from the TrustLinks Rochford site. Parent carers or professionals can make referrals to the programme.
Schools Mental Health Support Teams - North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) provided targeted support in Southend through schools Mental Health Support Teams. Support is currently offered in 10 Southend schools and South Essex College as part of a national pilot. Details of participating schools.
ChatHealth - a secure and confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11 to 19 provided by the Southend School Nursing Service. Young people can anonymously contact a School Nurse for advice and support on a range of areas including relationships, bullying, alcohol, healthy eating, mental health, self harm, drugs and smoking. Call 01702 534843 or text 07520 649895.
Young Minds is the UK's leading charity for children and young people's mental health, providing mental health support and advice for children and young people. They also provide information and support for parent carers and professionals and have a parents helpline.
Online support and resources
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous platform for children and young people aged 11 to 18, providing online support and information about counselling. Includes discussion boards and goal-setting and journalling tools.
The Mix offers advice about sex, relationships, drugs, mental health, money and jobs for under 25's. Includes a one to one chat facility.
Anna Freud have a range of wellbeing resources for children and young people, families and professionals.
Support for problems with food and eating
The SET CAMHS Eating Disorder Service supports children and young people aged 8 to 18 years.
Beat provides helplines for people of all ages, offering support and information about eating disorders.
Suicide Prevention
The Southend Council website has information about suicide prevention and support services.
Other services
Livewell Southend has a directory of childrens mental health support services. Children's mental health support directory