Support while you wait
You can do things to help your mental health between your CAMHS appointments. Here are some tips from CAMHS professionals to help you look after yourself:
Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
This page offers guidance for young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties and have been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
This page also provides information for parents, carers and any trusted adults involved in their care.
We also have a full range of information and guidance for parents and carers on our website.
While you wait
CAMHS supports young people up to the age of 18 who need extra help with their mental health. You will be told by CAMHS which team you will see. Each team has its own waiting list and some are longer than others. This means your waiting time may vary, depending on which team is supporting you.
Waiting for mental health services can be tough but there are things you can do to take care of yourself while you wait. CAMHS, along with other NHS services, is doing their best to see everyone as soon as possible. However, due to the increased demand, some people may experience a longer wait time.
We’ve prepared lots of information about the support available and the things you can do while you wait for your appointment.
ADHD information
If you are under the care of CAMHS and waiting for an ADHD assessment, you can find guidance to support you during this time on our ADHD webpages. You can also view our ‘While you’re waiting for your Neurodevelopment Assessment’ guidance created by professionals at CAMHS.
Make use of our CAMHS created resources
Staff at CAMHS have made a set of helpful resources for young people who are getting support from them.
This includes:
Make use of local resources
There are lots of local services, groups and charities that can support your wellbeing.
This might include:
- online support services such as Tellmi and ChatHealth
- LGBTQ+ counselling support
- mindfulness activities
- support around self‑harm for yourself or someone you know
- joining a creative group
- or someone to call if you need urgent mental health support.
Make use of online resources
There are lots of online resources that can support you, and many of them are used by CAMHS.
These include text‑based services such as Tellmi, online learning and wellbeing tools including Togetherness, advice and guidance sites such as Health for Teens, local social media channels including @healthforteens_leicester, crisis text services such as The Mix and more.
Tellmi
Tellmi is a safe and anonymous online space for young people to discuss their feelings, seek support and receive counselling when necessary. It is available 365 days a year.
Talk to someone you trust
This can be a friend, family member, teacher or youth worker. You don’t have to explain everything, just sharing how you’re feeling can help you feel less alone.
Look after yourself
Self-care is really important. Try to look after yourself by doing healthy things like brushing your teeth, having a shower and eating regular meals. Getting good sleep helps too. Moving your body, even if it’s just a short walk, can boost your mood.
Getting outside for some fresh air and making time for things you enjoy can help you feel more like yourself.
Other useful resources and websites
Our mental health self-help guides
We have written a series of self-help guides covering a wide range of topics – such as depression, anxiety and stress – which offer you the opportunity to find out more about the causes of mental health issues and provide you with the tools to help you work through feelings and emotions.
Health for Teens – CAMHS collection
This online space brings together helpful information about our services, along with resources made by the CAMHS team specifically for young people. It’s here to support you in managing your mental health.
Tellmi
Tellmi provides an online safe and anonymous space for young people to discuss their feelings, seek support and receive counselling when necessary. It is available every day of the year.
Togetherness
Togetherness offers a range of accessible online learning to help everyone understand more about:
- Understanding your brain
- Understanding your feelings
Access code: CURVE
Chat Health
Did you know that you can call or text your school nurse for free and confidential advice and support? The Healthy Together Helpline allows you to chat on the phone to a school nurse or qualified health professional who will give you free, confidential and easy-to-access advice and support. It is open to anyone aged 11-19 living or going to school in Leicester.
Simply call 0300 300 3001. Calls will be answered from 9am – 4.30pm on weekdays, excluding bank holidays.
Young people in Leicester City can also speak to a school nurse by texting the Chat Health service on 07520 615 386. The service is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm throughout the year, excluding bank holidays.
If you require urgent mental health support
If you need urgent mental health support, 24/7 support is available over the phone.
Call NHS 111, selecting mental health crisis option 2. This number is open 24 hours a day and is totally free and confidential.
You can also text 0748 063 5199 and we aim to reply to you within four hours. If there is an immediate threat to life, dial 999.
If you are deaf and have urgent mental health needs, you can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language service: www.signvideo.co.uk/nhs111
Please note the NHS 111 line is not an emergency service. https://111.nhs.uk/
Where there is an immediate, serious and life-threatening emergency, call 999 or attend your local Accident and Emergency department. The NHS England website has more guidance around when you need to go to A&E.