Children's Mental Health Week

Health for Teens

Health for Teens is a fantastic resource for young people to find out more about health, covering the likes of feelings, growing up, health, lifestyle, relationships and sexual health. Young people can also access localised information, news, resources, public health (school) nurse information and more in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area of the health for teens site.

Visit the website here 

Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHST)

MHSTs

Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHST) are part of a national programme to reduce inequalities and increase access to mental health support for children and young people. The LPT service works with almost 100 schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The teams offer support to children and young people who are experiencing:

• low mood
• worry
• anxiety and avoidance (e.g. simple phobias or separation anxiety)
• sleep difficulties

The team can provide techniques and strategies to children and young people, either on a direct 1:1 basis, or within school groups. MHST also work closely with parents/carers to help them understand and support their child’s mental health.

To find out if your school is part of the programme and for advice on how to be referred, visit the Health For Teens website.

ChatAutism

ChatAutism is a confidential, secure and free text messaging service for diagnosed autistic people of all ages and their families and carers – as well as people who want advice around assessment and diagnosis.

Text 07312 277097 for advice and support directly from a qualified health professional from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s specialist autism team (SAT).

The service can help with things such as:

• emotional wellbeing
• how to have a healthy lifestyle
• how to have healthy relationships
• advice on drugs, alcohol and smoking
• support with understanding autism
• signposting to helpful resources
• assessment and diagnosis advice.

For more information and support on Autism, visit our Autism Space.

Other useful websites

Kooth

Kooth is an online service that offers individuals a safe community to support their mental health. Aimed at adults, students and young people.

For more information, visit the Kooth website.

Childline

Childline is a private and confidential helpline for children and young people under 19.

Calls are free on 0800 1111.

For more information, visit the Childline website.

Young Minds

Young Minds is an online service that offers support and guidance to young people and their families.

For more information, visit the Young Minds website.

Mind

Minds is an online service that offers support and guidance to young people and their families.

For more information, visit the Mind website.

NHS Online support

The NHS website offers mental health and wellbeing support and guidance to young people and their families.

For more information, visit the NHS website.

Mental Health top tips and signposting

Mental Health top tips for parents and carers

View and download our guide for parents

There are things that everyone can do to support children and young people’s mental wellbeing. These include:

• Ensuring children and young people have a healthy sleep routine, which can have a huge impact on their mood. Make sure they also eat a well-balanced diet and exercise to keep their body healthy to help them feel their best.
• Encourage connections with family, friends and the wider community; set aside quality time to spend together and support them to make connections in the community through hobbies, sports or volunteering.
• Show an interest in their life and the things that are important to them.
• Make time to talk to your child and listen to what they have to say about their day and their feelings. Support them if they are having difficulties. Advice on how to talk to children can be found on the Young Minds website and advice on dealing with difficult behaviours and emotions can be found on the Maudsley Charity website.