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Supporting You and Your Family to Stay Mentally Well

Looking after our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical wellbeing. Everyone experiences ups and downs, and it’s completely normal to need extra support at times. Our mental health can be affected by many things—stress at work or school, big life changes, relationships, physical health conditions, money worries, or simply feeling overwhelmed. These challenges can make us more vulnerable to mental health problems, especially when they build up or when we don’t have the support we need.

What makes us vulnerable to poor mental health?

 

But there are also many things that help keep us mentally well.

For example:

  • Feeling connected to the people around us and apart of our community
  • Having supportive relationships with family and friends
  • Getting enough rest, 
  • Staying active
  • Living in a safe, stable environment
  • Building healthy routines
  • Being able to talk openly about how we’re feeling

These all make a big difference helping to strengthen our resilience, and helping us cope with difficulties when they arise.

This section is here to offer clear, trustworthy information and signposting—so you can find the tools and guidance that can help you or someone you care about feel more steady, supported, and well.

Here you will find some resources designed for young people to use to help them with their mental health and wellbeing.

Childline

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything. Whatever their worry.

There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people. Children and young people can send an email, call for free on 0800 1111 or log-in to chat with a 1-2-1 counsellor.

The Mix

Counselling services, a helpline, webchat and community message boards for young people who are struggling

Anna Freud

A useful tool box for young people to use to manage their own mental health and improve wellbeing.

Sane

Provides care and emotional support for people aged 16 and over affected by mental illness, including families and carers

Young Minds

A website dedicated to the mental health of children and young people. Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, our guides can help.

Hampshire Public Health Nursing Service – Chat health

Chat Health 11-19 years

07507 332160 - The Chat Health text service is an easy way for young people in Hampshire aged 11-19 to confidentially ask for help with a range of issues. The service is manned by qualified school nurses who have a wealth of experience of working with young people and provide support with a range of health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, relationships, self-harm and bullying. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services and other support. 

KOOTH

Your online mental wellbeing community offering anonymous, free emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24.

SHOUT (24hrs)

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are there for you, day or night.

Tellmi

An app that allows young people to talk about difficult things with people their age, while hiding their identity. All posts and responses are moderated for safety 

Here you will find some resources designed for young people to use to help them with their mental health and wellbeing.

Childline

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything. Whatever their worry.

There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people. Children and young people can send an email, call for free on 0800 1111 or log-in to chat with a 1-2-1 counsellor.

The Mix

Counselling services, a helpline, webchat and community message boards for young people who are struggling

Anna Freud

A useful tool box for young people to use to manage their own mental health and improve wellbeing.

Sane

Provides care and emotional support for people aged 16 and over affected by mental illness, including families and carers

Young Minds

A website dedicated to the mental health of children and young people. Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, our guides can help.

Hampshire Public Health Nursing Service – Chat health

Chat Health 11-19 years

07507 332160 - The Chat Health text service is an easy way for young people in Hampshire aged 11-19 to confidentially ask for help with a range of issues. The service is manned by qualified school nurses who have a wealth of experience of working with young people and provide support with a range of health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, relationships, self-harm and bullying. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services and other support. 

KOOTH

Your online mental wellbeing community offering anonymous, free emotional and mental health support for children and young people aged between 11 and 24.

SHOUT (24hrs)

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are there for you, day or night.

Tellmi

An app that allows young people to talk about difficult things with people their age, while hiding their identity. All posts and responses are moderated for safety 

Here you will find support or guidance for young people and their parents and carers on self harm.

Nip in the Bud

Self-harm videos and resources for parents and carers to help them understand and support their child who is self harming.

Harmless

Harmless is the national centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention. They save lives by providing support, information, training and consultancy about self harm to individuals who self harm, their friends, families and professionals.

Calm Harm

Calm Harm is an award-winning app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4, to help manage the urge to self-harm. 

distrACT app

This app provides information and advice about self harm and suicidal thoughts

The Solent Mind Self Harm Hub

Information for parents, carers, professionals and people who self harm on what self harm is, why people do it and what can help.

Here you will find support or guidance for young people and their parents and carers on self harm.

Nip in the Bud

Self-harm videos and resources for parents and carers to help them understand and support their child who is self harming.

Harmless

Harmless is the national centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention. They save lives by providing support, information, training and consultancy about self harm to individuals who self harm, their friends, families and professionals.

Calm Harm

Calm Harm is an award-winning app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4, to help manage the urge to self-harm. 

distrACT app

This app provides information and advice about self harm and suicidal thoughts

The Solent Mind Self Harm Hub

Information for parents, carers, professionals and people who self harm on what self harm is, why people do it and what can help.

Parenting is hard work and no children come with a manual to help us. Parenting courses can be a great way to meet other parents and carers in the same situation as you and to learn new skills.

Family Lives

Family Lives offers a range of free online parenting courses which are a great way to get advice and learn new skills in the comfort of your own home and at times to suit you. 

Togetherness NHS

Follow a step-by-step learning journey to build emotional health, resilience and confidence in yourself and your children.

Hampshire Family Support Service 

Provides signposting and support to co-ordinate services involved in your child's care. In addition to this they run parenting courses, such as:

  • Family Links Nurture Programme (10 weeks)
  • Tots Talking (8 weeks, online)
  • Talking Teens (4 weeks)
  • NVR – Non‑Violent Resistance (8 weeks)
  • PAACE Programme (8–10 weeks)

These courses are for any family that needs support.

Self referral can be made through Children’s Reception Team or a professional can refer.

More information about these courses

Parenting is hard work and no children come with a manual to help us. Parenting courses can be a great way to meet other parents and carers in the same situation as you and to learn new skills.

Family Lives

Family Lives offers a range of free online parenting courses which are a great way to get advice and learn new skills in the comfort of your own home and at times to suit you. 

Togetherness NHS

Follow a step-by-step learning journey to build emotional health, resilience and confidence in yourself and your children.

Hampshire Family Support Service 

Provides signposting and support to co-ordinate services involved in your child's care. In addition to this they run parenting courses, such as:

  • Family Links Nurture Programme (10 weeks)
  • Tots Talking (8 weeks, online)
  • Talking Teens (4 weeks)
  • NVR – Non‑Violent Resistance (8 weeks)
  • PAACE Programme (8–10 weeks)

These courses are for any family that needs support.

Self referral can be made through Children’s Reception Team or a professional can refer.

More information about these courses

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our wellbeing This might be a good place to start if you are trying to boost yours or your loved ones general wellbeing. 

NHS Choices Moodzone

This website offers practical advice, interactive tools, videos and audio guides to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.

Hampshire CAMHS

A really useful website with a range of videos, podcasts and guides for young people to help support mental health. Check out their events as well for opportunities for further learning and access CAMHS clinicians. 

NHS - Every Mind Matters

A wealth of information on how to improve your mental health and wellbeing. 

Hampshire Back-to-Basics

As a parent or carer, you can take small steps to help your child's wellbeing as well as your own. You can do this by starting with the basics.

Using the back to basics approach can empower you to take control of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.

Healthier Together

NHS information and advice to support the health of Children and young people

The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children

The NSPCC website offers a wealth of additional information and support for you and your child.

Supporting your adolescent

Resources focusing on the importance of adolescent mental health. Each resource explains what each topic means and why it’s important for you to consider as parents and carers, as well as top tips and signposting to information that can help you and your adolescent child.

Mind Ed for Families 

Mind Ed offers safe and reliable mental health advice for parents and carers of young people, and for older people and those who care for them.

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our wellbeing This might be a good place to start if you are trying to boost yours or your loved ones general wellbeing. 

NHS Choices Moodzone

This website offers practical advice, interactive tools, videos and audio guides to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.

Hampshire CAMHS

A really useful website with a range of videos, podcasts and guides for young people to help support mental health. Check out their events as well for opportunities for further learning and access CAMHS clinicians. 

NHS - Every Mind Matters

A wealth of information on how to improve your mental health and wellbeing. 

Hampshire Back-to-Basics

As a parent or carer, you can take small steps to help your child's wellbeing as well as your own. You can do this by starting with the basics.

Using the back to basics approach can empower you to take control of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.

Healthier Together

NHS information and advice to support the health of Children and young people

The National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children

The NSPCC website offers a wealth of additional information and support for you and your child.

Supporting your adolescent

Resources focusing on the importance of adolescent mental health. Each resource explains what each topic means and why it’s important for you to consider as parents and carers, as well as top tips and signposting to information that can help you and your adolescent child.

Mind Ed for Families 

Mind Ed offers safe and reliable mental health advice for parents and carers of young people, and for older people and those who care for them.

YoungMinds

Offer signposting and support through their Parents Helpline. Call on 0808 802 5544 or use their webchat service.

Family Lives

A confidential and free helpline service for families in England and Wales. Provides emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life.

Parenting Mental Health

Parenting Mental Health understand the unique challenges that come with parenting or caring for a child with mental illness. You can sign up to access their private and confidential Facebook community where more than 47,000 parents support each other day and night so you don’t have to do this alone.

Family Action

For every family and any family issue.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried or upset about any aspect of your family life, Family Line is here for you. They offer free emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships – including siblings – conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more.

YoungMinds

Offer signposting and support through their Parents Helpline. Call on 0808 802 5544 or use their webchat service.

Family Lives

A confidential and free helpline service for families in England and Wales. Provides emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life.

Parenting Mental Health

Parenting Mental Health understand the unique challenges that come with parenting or caring for a child with mental illness. You can sign up to access their private and confidential Facebook community where more than 47,000 parents support each other day and night so you don’t have to do this alone.

Family Action

For every family and any family issue.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried or upset about any aspect of your family life, Family Line is here for you. They offer free emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships – including siblings – conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more.

When things are calm and going well, consider creating a safety plan which you can follow if a crisis occurs, such as:

  • Step 1: Notice the signs of worsening mental health.
  • Step 2: Try coping strategies such as mindfulness or grounding activities.
  • Step 3: Reach out to a supportive person
  • Step 4: Contact professional help such as the CMHT, your GP or call 111
  • Step 5: Emergency help. If there is an immediate risk of physical harm, call 999 or go to A&E.

1. Understanding the Purpose of a Safety Plan

A safety plan help people to:

  • Recognise the early signs of crisis
  • Know what helps the person feel safer
  • Identify supportive people and spaces
  • Reduce immediate risks in the environment
  • Know who to contact in an emergency

This should be completed with the person who is the subject of the plan where possible.

2. Notice the Warning Signs

Think about what signs there are of worsening mental health. For example:

  • Changes in mood (withdrawn, agitated, hopeless)
  • Changes in behaviour (isolation, giving away belongings, risky behaviours)
  • Expressions of self‑harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Decline in sleep, appetite, or self-care
  • School refusal or shutting down communication

Write these signs in simple language, such as:

For example:

 “I stop answering messages.” 

“I get angry very quickly.” 

“I can’t get out of bed.”

This helps people know when your mental health is getting worse.

3. What Helps You Feel Safe?

Write down what activities or strategies that reduce your distress.

Some examples might be:

  • Listening to music
  • Going for a short walk
  • Sitting in the same room as a trusted person
  • Using sensory items (weighted blanket, soft clothing)
  • Watching a favourite TV show
  • Simple grounding: naming 5 things in the room, holding something cold, deep breaths
  • Using a comfort box with safe, soothing items

This can help people know how to help.

4. Supportive People to Contact

List trusted people you can reach out to if things escalate.

For example:

  • A relative
  • A close family friend
  • A support worker (if appropriate)

If trusted people are not available, consider using the charity Mind's step by step guide on how to navigate a mental health crisis: Mind - What can I do to help myself cope? And resources on The #stayalive app This  is a suicide prevention resource, full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. 

Also list any mental health professionals you can reach out to in a crisis. For example:

  • CAMHS crisis line or the Community Mental Health Team
  • GP
  • Mental health crisis number (like the Samaritans)
  • A therapist/counsellor

This helps people know who can help you if you need them.

Crisis Lines (Including the Acute Mental Health Teams run by the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

If you have a child or young person under CAMHS and need to tell them that their mental health has got worse, call them on 02382 317 912.

Contact details of all Hampshire CAMHS teams.

5. Make the Environment Safer

If there is a risk you or someone you care for might hurt yourself, try and reduce the risk by making the environment safer.

Consider:

  • Storing medications in a locked container
  • Supervising or restricting access to sharp objects
  • Reducing access to items the person has used or may use to self-harm
  • Keeping the home environment calm and predictable where possible

When things are calm and going well, consider creating a safety plan which you can follow if a crisis occurs, such as:

  • Step 1: Notice the signs of worsening mental health.
  • Step 2: Try coping strategies such as mindfulness or grounding activities.
  • Step 3: Reach out to a supportive person
  • Step 4: Contact professional help such as the CMHT, your GP or call 111
  • Step 5: Emergency help. If there is an immediate risk of physical harm, call 999 or go to A&E.

1. Understanding the Purpose of a Safety Plan

A safety plan help people to:

  • Recognise the early signs of crisis
  • Know what helps the person feel safer
  • Identify supportive people and spaces
  • Reduce immediate risks in the environment
  • Know who to contact in an emergency

This should be completed with the person who is the subject of the plan where possible.

2. Notice the Warning Signs

Think about what signs there are of worsening mental health. For example:

  • Changes in mood (withdrawn, agitated, hopeless)
  • Changes in behaviour (isolation, giving away belongings, risky behaviours)
  • Expressions of self‑harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Decline in sleep, appetite, or self-care
  • School refusal or shutting down communication

Write these signs in simple language, such as:

For example:

 “I stop answering messages.” 

“I get angry very quickly.” 

“I can’t get out of bed.”

This helps people know when your mental health is getting worse.

3. What Helps You Feel Safe?

Write down what activities or strategies that reduce your distress.

Some examples might be:

  • Listening to music
  • Going for a short walk
  • Sitting in the same room as a trusted person
  • Using sensory items (weighted blanket, soft clothing)
  • Watching a favourite TV show
  • Simple grounding: naming 5 things in the room, holding something cold, deep breaths
  • Using a comfort box with safe, soothing items

This can help people know how to help.

4. Supportive People to Contact

List trusted people you can reach out to if things escalate.

For example:

  • A relative
  • A close family friend
  • A support worker (if appropriate)

If trusted people are not available, consider using the charity Mind's step by step guide on how to navigate a mental health crisis: Mind - What can I do to help myself cope? And resources on The #stayalive app This  is a suicide prevention resource, full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. 

Also list any mental health professionals you can reach out to in a crisis. For example:

  • CAMHS crisis line or the Community Mental Health Team
  • GP
  • Mental health crisis number (like the Samaritans)
  • A therapist/counsellor

This helps people know who can help you if you need them.

Crisis Lines (Including the Acute Mental Health Teams run by the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

If you have a child or young person under CAMHS and need to tell them that their mental health has got worse, call them on 02382 317 912.

Contact details of all Hampshire CAMHS teams.

5. Make the Environment Safer

If there is a risk you or someone you care for might hurt yourself, try and reduce the risk by making the environment safer.

Consider:

  • Storing medications in a locked container
  • Supervising or restricting access to sharp objects
  • Reducing access to items the person has used or may use to self-harm
  • Keeping the home environment calm and predictable where possible
Emotional health and wellbeing - Help in crisis

If you are have serious concerns about your or your family member's mental health, visit your GP to ask for help. It can feel daunting to do this, but it is an important first step to getting the support you need. Before your appointment, keep a diary of the signs you are seeing with detailed examples to give your GP to help them understand the situation.

If you need help right away there are people you can reach out to.

NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service

NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service provides advice, support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Crisis Lines (Including the Acute Mental Health Teams run by the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. They are open all day and night to listen to anyone who just needs to be heard.

Papyrus

If you're under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, Papyrus's HOPELINE247 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year:

If your child or young person has a learning disability or autism, please read our information on preventing a mental health crisis for children and young people with SEND which includes advice on what to expect if your child or young person with SEND is treated as an inpatient.

Mental Health Crisis in Children and Young People with SEND

Emotional health and wellbeing - Help in crisis

If you are have serious concerns about your or your family member's mental health, visit your GP to ask for help. It can feel daunting to do this, but it is an important first step to getting the support you need. Before your appointment, keep a diary of the signs you are seeing with detailed examples to give your GP to help them understand the situation.

If you need help right away there are people you can reach out to.

NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service

NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service provides advice, support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Crisis Lines (Including the Acute Mental Health Teams run by the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT).

Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. They are open all day and night to listen to anyone who just needs to be heard.

Papyrus

If you're under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, Papyrus's HOPELINE247 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year:

If your child or young person has a learning disability or autism, please read our information on preventing a mental health crisis for children and young people with SEND which includes advice on what to expect if your child or young person with SEND is treated as an inpatient.

Mental Health Crisis in Children and Young People with SEND

Helpful Links