Young people and mental health

Information, advice and guidance on services to young people with mental health issues including parents, families and carers.

Mental health conditions can affect people of all ages, but we have specific services available for children and young people up to 18 years of age.

Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent’s Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS)

Offering advice and support for children, young people and families in need of support with emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.

The service covers Southend, Essex and Thurrock and is open to young people from 0 to 18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs.

Any child or young person experiencing mental health difficulties, and any parent, guardian or professional can access the service for help and guidance.

Important advice:

Urgent help

Anyone under the age of 18 or family members of anyone under the age of 18 in crisis, should call NELFT’s SET CAMHS on 0800 953 0222.

Togetherall

Young people in mid Essex who are going through a tough time or who need someone to talk to can access free, anonymous online support.

This service is available to young people aged 16 to 18, and to young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) aged 16 to 25. The service is available 24/7 at www.togetherall.com – to access, all you need to do is enter your postcode.

Kooth

A online support community for young people aged 11 to 18 years with free, safe and secure access to a team of qualified counsellors.

Young people can access this service anonymously by signing onto the Kooth Website. They can access:

  • Online counselling,
  • Self-help materials,
  • Fully moderated peer-to-peer support forums,
  • Personal goal-based journal.

The website offers out of office hours support everyday:

  • Weekdays from 12 noon until 10pm,
  • Weekends from 6pm until 10pm,
  • Limited times on bank holidays.

Kids Inspire

Kids Inspire supports children and young people recovering from traumatic experiences or dealing with emerging mental health difficulties. The service is for ages 5 to 18, or up to 25 if they have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) in place.

Yo-Yo

Yo-Yo is a community bereavement service for children and young people aged 4 to 18.

Specialist Counselling Services for Children & Young People – Specialist early intervention service for CYP with emerging mental health issues. Help for: low level depression, anxiety, low mood, worries and concerns about Covid-19. Call 01245 348 707 to discuss referral.