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Young people across south east London can access a wide range of free mental health and wellbeing support through local NHS services, schools, community organisations and online platforms. Whether you’re looking for advice, information or professional support, for yourself or for someone close to you, help is available.

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Many mental health challenges can be easier to manage when support is accessed early, before problems become overwhelming.

 

Why seek support for your mental health?

The benefits of accessing mental health support include:

  • Finding help early before concerns escalate
  • Improving emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience
  • Accessing support in a way that works for you, whether online, in school, in the community or through NHS services
  • Reducing feelings of isolation by connecting with trusted sources of support
  • Learning practical tools and strategies to manage stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges

 

Four ways to access support

Young people aged 13-18 can access support in four key areas.

  • At school 
  • At your GP
  • In your community
  • Online

Click the drop down options below to explore some examples of the different kinds of support available in school, at your GP, online and in your community.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Reaching out early can make a real difference. Read below to see the full range of services covered in school, online, at your GP and in your community.

School

Mental Health Support Teams work in schools across South East London. Follow the links below to learn more and see some examples of services available in Southwark, Lambeth and across south east London.

Southwark

  • DISCOVER If school, home life or exams are making you feel stressed or overwhelmed, DISCOVER offers workshops, activities and support to help improve your wellbeing and mental health.
  • Evelina School Nursing Service
    You can get confidential advice and support about your physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships and other health concerns through your school nursing team.
  • Educational Psychology Service
    Educational psychologists can help if emotional, social or learning difficulties are affecting your wellbeing or education.

Lambeth

  • Mindheart Creative Therapies
    If you find it difficult to talk about how you feel, creative arts therapy can help you express yourself, build confidence and improve emotional wellbeing.
  • Evelina School Nursing Service
    You can get confidential advice and support about your physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships and other health concerns through your school nursing team.
  • Place2Be
    A safe space in school where you can talk about worries, feelings and challenges, helping you build resilience and confidence.

Online

You might prefer to access mental health support online. See below for a range of services including websites and apps to support with mental wellbeing.

  • KOOTH
    Free online counselling, wellbeing tools and peer support.
  • Anna Freud Self-Care Resources
    Explore practical tools and ideas to help you look after your mental health.
  • Best For You
    Online mental and physical health information, advice and support.
  • BI-POLAR UK
    Information and peer support for young people affected by bipolar disorder.
  • Childline
    A free, confidential service where you can talk about anything that’s worrying you.
  • YoungMinds
    Advice, information and crisis support for mental health concerns.
  • Give us a shout
    Free 24/7 text support if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or in crisis.
  • Hub of Hope
    Search for local mental health services and support near you.
  • The Mix
    Support and advice on mental health, relationships, education, work and life challenges.
  • Papyrus
    Confidential support if you’re having thoughts of suicide or are worried about someone else.
  • Mental health apps: Blue Ice, Calm Harm, Catch It, Chill Panda, Clear Fear, COVE, eQuoo, Feeling Good Teens, My Possible Self, NotOK, Student Health App, Tellmi and Worry Tree. These apps can help with anxiety, low mood, self-harm urges, confidence, emotional wellbeing, crisis support and managing everyday stress.

At your GP

Your GP can help you access the right support for you, depending on what you need. When you speak with your GP they can direct you to a range services. Explore below to learn more about some of the services available in Lambeth, Southwark and across south east London.

  • 24-Hour Crisis Line 
    If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent support, trained professionals are available day and night.
  • Oasis
    Support if you’re experiencing things like hearing voices, unusual thoughts, paranoia or psychological distress.
  • Chat Health
    A confidential text messaging service where you can ask a school nurse questions about your physical or emotional health.
  • The Havens 
    Confidential medical, emotional and practical support if you’ve experienced rape or sexual assault.

Southwark

  • Child Wellbeing Practitioner Team (CAMHS)
    Support for mild mental health difficulties such as stress, worries, low mood and anxiety. You’ll learn practical ways to improve your wellbeing.
  • CAMHS Liaison Service
    Provides urgent support if you attend hospital because of a mental health crisis.
  • Southwark Early Help Service (CAMHS)
    Short-term support if your mental health is starting to affect daily life, helping you manage difficulties before they become more severe.
  • Adolescent Team (CAMHS)
    Specialist support if you’re experiencing significant emotional or mental health difficulties that are having a major impact on your life.
  • Hope Project (CAMHS)
    Support if you’ve experienced trauma, abuse, violence, accidents or other difficult life events that continue to affect you.
  • Outreach Team ( CAMHS)
    Intensive support for young people experiencing severe mental health difficulties or a mental health crisis.
  • Talking Therapies
    Talk with trained professionals and learn techniques to help manage anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties.
  • Neuro-Developmental Service
    Assessment and support for ADHD, developmental differences and complex mental health needs.

Lambeth

In your community

You can also find mental health support in a range of venues in your community, including youth centres, family hubs, and dedicated mental health settings.

  • Blackfriars Settlement
    Community-based support to help you improve your mental health, confidence and wellbeing.
  • Centrepoint
    Support if you’re homeless or worried about housing, including counselling and therapeutic support.
  • COVO Connecting Voices
    One-to-one support if you’re finding it hard to manage emotions, relationships, behaviour or school.
  • Healthy Young People Southwark
    Support with your health and wellbeing, including emotional wellbeing, sexual health and substance misuse.
  • Mosaic LGBTQ+
    A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ young people to build confidence, access support and connect with others.
  • Southwark Family Early Help Service
    Support if challenges at home, school or in your personal life are affecting your wellbeing.
  • The Nest
    Early support for worries, anxiety, stress and other common emotional difficulties.
  • The Wave Project
    Uses surfing and outdoor activities to help improve confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
  • Solidarity in a Crisis
    Peer support from people with lived experience if you’re struggling or experiencing emotional distress.
  • BIGKID
    Mentoring, workshops and support if you’re at risk of exclusion, violence or social isolation.
  • Free2B
    A supportive LGBTQ+ youth group where you can meet others, build confidence and have fun.
  • Lambeth Early Help Service
    Support for young people and families when difficulties start to affect wellbeing, education or home life.
  • Lambeth Youth & Play Team / Rathbone Society
    Activities, support and opportunities to improve wellbeing and connect with others.
  • The Gaia Centre
    Support if domestic abuse at home has affected your wellbeing or safety.
  • The Well Centre
    A one-stop service where you can access GP appointments, mental health support and wellbeing advice.