If you are a parent or you care for a child or young person and are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing, there are specific services available in Kent and Medway to support you and them.
The services are provided by both NHS organisations and local authorities, so that will be Kent County Council or Medway Council, depending on where you live.
Details of websites with online tools for parents to help you look after your family’s mental health and wellbeing, can be found in the Online Help section below.
If you are not sure what mental health and wellbeing help the child or young person you care for may need, phone the Single Point of Access (also referred to as SPA) on 0800 011 3474.
Good Mental Health Matters
Good Mental Health Matters is a free, NHS-initiated resource that offers information for parents, including taking you through five positive steps for good mental health for your family.
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters has a range of dedicated support and resources to help parents look after the mental wellbeing of their children and for young people to care for their own mental health.
Action for Children
Action for Children offers advice and activities to support children and parents with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
MindEd for Families
MindEd for Families is a website full of advice about young people’s mental health, which was created by experts and parents together.
NELFT provides eating disorder services for children and adolescent (up to age 18) and mental health services for people living in Kent and Medway. You can find out more about these services on the NELFT website.
(NELFT stands for the North East London NHS Foundation Trust. As well as providing children and young people’s services in Kent and Medway, the trust also provides integrated adult community and mental health services for parts of both London and Essex, hence its name.)
If you are having a baby, or have a newborn, and feel you need support with your mental health and wellbeing, you can find out more about perinatal mental health services via the Kent and Medway Local Maternity System’s website Bump, Birth and Beyond.
If you, or a member of your family, are under the age of 25 and have special educational needs and disabilities, support is available through the Local Offer in Kent or Medway, depending on where you live.
Phone 0800 107 0160 or Text SHOUT to 85258 or for free confidential support at any time.
Free expert advice from trained counsellors is available for every mental health concern.
