Mental health support for children and young people

Growing up has never been easy – especially during a pandemic – so it’s not surprising that some young people could be struggling with their mental health right now.

If you’re experiencing a mental health issue, which includes things like feeling sad or anxious and dealing with feelings in an unhealthy way, it’s important to get the right support to help you feel better.

In Tower Hamlets there are a number of services available for young people who may need support with mental wellbeing.

Kooth

Who is it for?

Anyone aged 11-25 who lives or studies in Tower Hamlets.

How does it help?

Kooth is a free and anonymous online community that supports each other with mental health and wellbeing. You can contribute to the community by writing stories and creative work, as well as taking part in community discussions, and you can also chat live with mental health professionals who are available 365 days a year. All your activity on Kooth is completely anonymous and monitored to make sure it’s a safe space for everyone to share their worries and get the support and assurance they need.

How can I get support?

To access the Kooth community, click “join Kooth” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Tower Hamlets Early Detection Service (THEDS)

Who is it for?

Tower Hamlets residents aged 16-25.

How does it help?

THEDS support starts with an assessment carried out by a mental health nurse, who will get to know you and listen to your concerns about your mental health. They will help you plan a support package which might include therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, family therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as medical, social and occupational care.

How can I get support?

You, a member of your family, or someone working with you, can make a referral online or

Tel: 0203 487 1316

Tower Hamlets Education Wellbeing Service (THEWS)

Who is it for?

Everyone learning at a participating school in Tower Hamlets.

How does it help?

THEWS is part of a national initiative to introduce Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in schools across England. These teams help spot early signs of mental health problems and link children with services that can support them. They also help teachers to embed a ‘whole school approach’ to mental health to ensure that everyone is looking out for children’s wellbeing. As well as THEWS, many schools in the borough commission mental health support services from providers including Place2Be and Mind with Heart to help learners with mental health needs.

How can I get support?

If you or your child is at a school in the borough, you can fill in an application form with basic information on why you need support and hand it to your Head of Year, who will make sure it finds its way to the team. Speak to your teacher or other school staff for more information.

Tower Hamlets Emotional Wellbeing Service

Who is it for?

All children and young people aged 10-25 living and studying in Tower Hamlets.

How does it help?

The service provides assessment, advice and short-term individual and group evidence-based interventions for children and young people with mild to moderate emotional well-being needs.

The service provides goal-focused interventions for CYP and their families. It aims to improve emotional wellbeing outcomes.We deliver interventions and support through outreach.

Also within the community in safe, non-judgemental spaces to ensure every CYP feels comfortable and respected.

How can I get support?

We will accept self-referrals from young people. We also accept referrals from those within their support network like parents/carers, schools etc.

Step Forward

Who is it for?

All young people aged 11-25 living in and around Tower Hamlets.

How does it help?

Step Forward is a local charity that offers free, welcoming and confidential counselling support to young people. Each young person gets a personalised, individual package of support that will help them to feel better equipped and motivated to deal with difficulties.

How can I get support?

Step Forward website

Tel: 020 7739 3082

Email: info@step-forward.org

Docklands Outreach

Who is it for?

Young people aged 12-21. Support is also available for parents with children aged 3-10 with behavioural and conduct difficulties.

How does it help?

Docklands Outreach offers a range of services supporting young people’s mental health in the community, including counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and one-to-one advocacy support.

How can I get support?

Use this online contact form

Email info@dockout.org.uk,

Tel:020 7538 1601

Tower Hamlets Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Who is it for?

Anyone aged 11-18 who needs specialist mental health support.

How does it help?

CAMHS offers specialist treatments provided by mental health professionals including mental health nurses, therapists, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. CAMHS support covers a range of mental health difficulties including depression, problems with food, bipolar disorder, self-harm, behaviour issues and schizophrenia.

How can I get support?

You can also get support through your GP. If you’re aged 11-18, you can refer yourself to CAMHS. Teachers and social workers can also refer young people they work with.

Tel: 0207 426 2375

Mental health crisis response service

If you, or someone you know, is having a mental health crisis you can now get support from NHS 111. This is a freephone number that provides urgent health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages.

Callers to 111 should select option 2 to speak with a fully trained and qualified mental health professional, who is part of a team with access to services and organisations that can offer support. 

Existing local crisis lines in each borough will still be running. This service will run alongside existing provision.

Service users already known to ELFT or NELFT services, should continue to contact their service the way they have been during working hours. Those wishing to contact a mental health professional outside of hours – or those who aren’t previously known to services – should contact 111 and select option 2.

For more information email: melanie.king2@nhs.net

Other useful links and resources

• The Mix Offers a range of mental health and other support over the phone, online or by SMS.

• YoungMinds Lots of information and resources for young people on every aspect of mental health.

• NHS Every Mind Matters Resources including guides to looking after a child’s mental health and self-care for young people.

• Muslim Youth Helpline Faith and culturally sensitive support by phone, live chat, WhatsApp or e-mail.

• Student Minds Information and support for students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.

• Anna Freud Centre – On My Mind Resources aiming to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing.

• Become – Care Advice Line Free help and advice for care-experienced young people.