Information for young people

Health and wellbeing

Where can I get help with my mental health if I am feeling sad, anxious or depressed?

If you need help with your mental health, speak to:

  • your GP
  • an adult you trust

There are support organisations that can help.

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you need urgent help and are at immediate risk of harm.

Neurodivergent support pack

Southend Youth Council have developed a support pack for neurodivergent young people. It includes things you can try to help you self-regulate and look after your mental health. View the pack.

Things that can help your mental health

Some suggestions from young people we've worked with:

  • listen to music
  • play an instrument
  • have a hobby
  • get enough sleep
  • draw or paint
  • have sensory things to fidget with
  • play sport
  • go for a walk

What should I do if I am being bullied?

Bullying can happen online or face to face. If you are being bullied:

  • tell someone you trust
  • keep a record of what is happening
  • do not retaliate
  • surround yourself with people that make you feel good
  • do not blame yourself
  • be proud of who you are

Find information, helplines and useful websites on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website.

Video about what to do if you are being bullied online

Video from the Anti-Bullying Alliance

Keeping healthy through exercise

The NHS website has information about how much physical activity children and young people should do. It also has suggestions about the type of exercise that can be done. Read the NHS guidance.

We have details of lots of things you can do in the local area. View these 2 lists to find things to do:

Sports activities listed on the Local Offer.

Sports activities listed in the children and young people's section of Livewell Southend.

Relationships, sex and sexual health

Relationships are an important part of life but can be difficult to talk about.

Mencap have produced information about sexuality and relationships for those with learning disabilities.

There is also an article about the do's and don'ts of dating.

Brook offer a free sexual health and contraception service for people living in Southend-on-Sea.

Sexual health information on GOV.UK

Sexual health easy read guides.

Sexual health videos with British Sign Language.

Information about LGBTQIA+

Viewing your health records

As you get older, you will take more responsibility for your own healthcare. You can view your GP Health records using the NHS app. Watch a video about this.

You can also manage your hospital appointments through your NHS account. Watch a video about managing your hospital appointments.

Making appointments with doctors and dentists

Doctors

Your GP surgery can help you book an appointment. You may also find this useful:

Information about GP appointments (easy read).

Information about appointments and bookings at your GP surgery on the NHS website.

If you are not registered with a GP, you can find one on the NHS website.

Information about how to register with a GP surgery.

Dentists

If you do not have a dentist, find one on the NHS website.

Community Dental Services (CDS) offer dentistry for those whose needs cannot be met by other NHS dental services. This includes people with special educational needs and disabilities. General Dental Practitioners and Health and Social Care professionals can refer into the service. Self-referrals are also welcome for some services.

Information about CDS Essex Clinics, including the Southend Clinic.

Find out what happens when you visit an NHS dentist.

Watch videos with words, symbols and Makaton about what happens when you visit the dentist:

Information about dentists for people with special educational needs and disabilities: