Student Support

If you are feeling anxious or worried you may feel very alone. But there are lots of places you can use to get advice, help and support.

The people you are most likely to turn to are:

  • Your friends
  • Your family – Childline has two videos (one signed) that explain how you can talk to an adult about your worries

In school you (or your friends or parents) can also talk to:

  • Your form tutor
  • Another teacher in school who you trust
  • Guidance or pastoral care teacher/lead
  • School counsellor (if available)
  • SENDCo (Special educational needs and/or disabilities co-ordinator)
  • School nurse
  • After school club staff
  • School governors

Outside school there are other places you might want to try, such as:

  • Your GP (family doctor) Young Minds has a stepwise guide on how to make a GP appointment and what to ask if you are worried about your mental health) While this guide explains how to talk to your doctor if you have a history of self harming or feeling suicidal.
  • CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services, sometimes referred to as CYPMHS – Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services) can help if you are worried about your mental health (or related issues like eating problems or self-harming). You can access CAMHS by a referral from your parents, GP (doctor), your school; or if you’re supported by Social Care or a Young Offending Team they can make a referral for you too. Young Minds has a guide on how CAMHS works and what to expect from it
  • Local charities that support children and young people
  • Youth services that support children and young people (you can find your nearest service)
  • Your library – they have computers, books, newspapers and other resources that may help you. Or library staff can help you find information you need. You can also have some quiet time there
  • Youth clubs, sports or hobby groups
  • Helplines (see below)
  • National charity websites
  • Social services
  • Your faith group (if you are religious) For example, the Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) Jewish Teen Support and Headstrong for Christian Youth

Online sources of support for secondary pupils

You may be worried about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), or other things going on in your life. Here is a list of support services, information sheets and tips you can use to protect your mental health. Some of these organisations also have free helplines or email and text services where you can ask for confidential advice.

For friendship worries, family problems and other life stuff:

  • Childline have advice on a wide range of topics their website plus a phone and email support service plus an online counsellor chat service
  • The Mix has loads of tips for young people covering everything from social media dramas to finances
  • The Children’s Society have information on a range of topics (including problems you might be stressed about)
  • Help Me Out from BBC’s Lifebabble has guides on issues like jealousy, loneliness, body image and crushes
  • The Proud Trust has information for LGBTQ+ youth

Your mental health

  • Young Minds explains about mental health problems and how to protect your mental wellbeing
  • Kooth is an online mental health community including magazines, messageboards and other resources

Suicide and self-harm

  • Papyrus is the suicide prevention charity who are there to help you if you feel you aren’t coping. You can call them on 0800 0684141 or text them on 07786209687
  • Young Minds have a Crisis Messenger service that is available 24/7. Text YM to 85258 and your text will be answered by a volunteer (supervised by clinicians)
  • Shout offers free text message support if you are in crisis or supporting a friend who is struggling. Text them on 85258

Your physical health

  • Doc Ready explains how to talk to your doctor about your health
  • Health for Teens has good advice on everything from feelings to general health
  • Beat offers advice on eating issues

Bereavement and loss

Personal safety

  • If you’re being bullied and aren’t sure how to deal with it Family Lives has information on recognising bullying and ideas on how to tell someone you need help (other charities listed above, particularly Childline, can also assist)
  • BBC Own It shows you how to take charge of your life online
  • The NSPCC has recently set up a helpline for reporting abuse that has happened in school (or is happening to you now). You can call them for free on 0800 136 663 (Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm and at the weekends from 9am to 6pm) or email them help@nspcc.org.uk
  • If you’re worried about someone in your family being hurt by another family member you can get advice on what to do from The Children’s Society
  • There is advice on what to look for in healthy relationships from Love Respect
  • Young Minds has advice on racism and its impact on your mental health

Your rights

Useful apps and online resources