Mental health support
It’s important that we all look after ourselves during these extraordinary times, especially our mental health. If you or you family need help, there’s plenty of support out there.
Local support
Devon’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are offering additional 24/7 telephone support. Please contact 03300 245 321 during normal hours (8am-5pm, Mon to Fri) or 0300 555 5000 outside these hours.
Young Devon provide information, advice and counselling for children and young people over 11. If you need to talk to someone, please email wellbeingenquiries@youngdevon.org. Anyone already receiving support through Young Devon’s Wellbeing service should email yes.exeter@youngdevon.org or call 07935364652 and leave a message with your name and contact details.
The ChatHealth text line allows young people aged 11-19 a place to talk completely confidentially with a school nurse about any worries or concerns they may have. Text 07520631722. ChatHealth also offer parents and carers confidential advice and support about a range of topics such as child development, mental health, adjusting to parenting and family health. Parents and carers can text ChatHealth on 07520 631721.
Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling for young people.
Other support and guidance
Young Minds have a range of help and guidance, including advice for young people about how they can look after their own mental health. They also have a Parent Helpline on 0808 802 5544.
Childline have a similar advice page on how to cope during lockdown and also offer a free counselling service online or over the phone.
Meanwhile, the NHS Every Mind Matters website has tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus and how to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home – you can even make your own Mind Plan.
Stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health for teenagers and encourages them to build resilience and manage difficult emotions with online resources.
For anyone experiencing suicidal feelings, Samaritans offer free online advice and are ready to answer calls and emails at any time day or night. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org if you need to talk. Or similarly, Papyrus are a mental health charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. Call 08000684141 or text 07860039967 for any young person who is experiencing thoughts of suicide or for anyone who has concerns for a young person who may be in distress.
Child Bereavement UK is a website for young people who are grieving as well as information on how to support a young person. A helpline is also available on 0800028840.
Apps
Or you could try one of the following apps:
- Clear Fear
- Combined Minds
- Calm
- Headspace
- Calm Harm