When you’re feeling very low or you feel like you’re struggling a lot to manage how you’re feeling, speaking to someone who you trust could be the first step to getting help.
Speaking to:
- a close family member
- friend
- doctor
- someone who works at school
could help you get in touch with us at Young Minds Matter to see if our service could help you with what you’re feeling.
Sometimes, support at school might be what you need and your school would be able to manage that with the help of our service. But other times, you might need to come to our service to meet one of our workers. They can then understand how you’re feeling and what we can do to help.
How do I ask for help?
When thinking about asking for help, it can feel really scary and make you feel very worried. There are some small questions you can ask yourself first so you have a plan:
Who will I speak to?
- parent or carer
- close family member
- friend
- teacher
- school counsellor
- youth worker
- doctor
Where and when would I tell them?
Think of a time where you will have a safe space and enough time to tell this person without having to worry about anything else.
What would I say?
Plan about what exactly you want to say, this could help you concentrate when it comes to having to talk.
How would I say it?
If you don’t feel confident talking out loud, you could maybe write down how you’re feeling, text the person or send them an email if it’s in school.
Practice?
You could practice and imagine how they’ll respond so you can prepare for the conversation.
Useful contacts
Childline
Freephone 0800 1111 (24 hours a day)
Website www.childline.org.uk
Offers confidential telephone counselling service for any child with a problem.
Get Connected
Freephone 0800 8084994 (1pm to 11pm)
Website www.getconnected.org.uk
Free confidential telephone and email helpline to find young people the best help whatever the problem.
B-EAT youth helpline
Telephone 0845 6347650 (Monday to Friday 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays 1pm to 4.30pm)
Email: fyp@b-eat.co.uk
Website www.b-eat.co.uk
Confidential advice for young people with an eating disorder.
Kooth
Website www.kooth.com
Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop.
Advocacy service
Voices Together
Cloverleaf Advocacy
Business and Digital Hub
Nelson Street
Grimsby, DN32 7DS
Telephone: 0303 303 0413
