Looking After Children's Mental Health
All children experience difficult emotions at times.
Sometimes children may struggle with their mental health and need extra support.
Signs a Child May Need Help
A child may:
- Seem unusually sad.
- Lose interest in activities.
- Become withdrawn.
- Talk about hopelessness.
- Harm themselves.
- Talk about wanting to die.
What Can You Do?
Take concerns seriously.
Listen without judgement.
Seek professional support as soon as possible.
Support Available in South Tyneside
Family Hubs
Family Hubs can support children, young people and families with emotional wellbeing, parenting support and early help before problems become bigger. ssion…ide page | Word]
- Telephone: 0800 783 4645
- South Tyneside Family Hubs
Healthy Minds
Healthy Minds provides early mental health support for children and young people experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Stress
- Bullying
- Self-harm behaviours
- Family difficulties
Support is available through schools and colleges, and children and young people can often refer themselves for help.
Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Specialist mental health support is available for children and young people aged 0-18 who are experiencing mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, eating difficulties and more complex mental health needs.
- Telephone: 0191 566 5500
- Freephone: 0800 652 2868
- Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services
Lifecycle Mental Health Service
Lifecycle provides support for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties and can help with:
- Anxiety and worries
- Low mood
- Anger
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Family and relationship difficulties
- Self-harming behaviours
Parents and carers can make a referral, and young people aged 16 and over can refer themselves.
0-19 Children’s Health Service
Health Visitors and School Nurses can offer advice and support around emotional wellbeing, child development and family concerns.
- Telephone: 0303 330 7700
- Growing Healthy South Tyneside
Young Carers
Young carers can sometimes experience emotional stress, anxiety and pressure because of their caring responsibilities. The South Tyneside Young Carers Service provides emotional support, one-to-one help and opportunities to take a break from caring.
- Telephone: 07387 109 388
- South Tyneside Young Carers
Childline
Children and young people can get free, confidential advice and support 24 hours a day.
- Telephone: 0800 1111
- Childline
NSPCC Helpline
Parents and carers can contact the NSPCC if they are worried about a child’s wellbeing, self-harm, emotional health or safety.
- Telephone: 0808 800 5000
- NSPCC
PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK
Specialist support for young people having thoughts of suicide and for parents or carers who are worried about a young person.
- Telephone: 0800 068 4141
- https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Worried About a Child?
Help in a Mental Health Crisis
If a child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis:
Call NHS 111 and select Option 2
This service is available 24 hours a day and provides urgent mental health support.
Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if:
- A child has seriously harmed themselves.
- They have taken an overdose.
- They have attempted suicide.
- You believe they cannot keep themselves safe.
Contact Children’s Social Care on 0191 424 5010
Remember: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You do not need proof to raise a concern. If you are worried about a child or young person, speak up. You could help keep them safe.