Last updated:
11th May 2026
Support or advice for parents and carers
We understand that family life isn’t always easy. If you are facing challenges or feel that you need extra support, the services and organisations below may be able to help.
If your child is attending a school or college, you could start by speaking with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Co‑ordinator (SENDCo) or the school’s mental health lead about what support may be available. You may also find it helpful to read about Ordinarily Available Provision, which explains the reasonable adjustments schools can make to support your child or young person.
You can visit our ask for family support page to find out what support we may be able to offer. A worker can talk with you to understand your situation and help identify what kind of support might best meet the needs of you and your family.
Through the Togetherness platform, parents and carers can access free online learning to better understand feelings, gain practical tools for everyday family life, and develop positive relationships.
Mental Health Support Team support children and young people attending school or college, who are experiencing mild or moderate mental health difficulties.
The CAMHS Getting Help Service supports children and young people aged 5 to 18, and their families, who are experiencing mild or moderate mental health difficulties. This might include feeling low, worried, or anxious, and may be affecting their day-to-day life.
National organisations
- Anna Freud resources for under 5’s, children and young people, families, professionals relating to mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
- Hub of Hope – This national database brings together local community and charity groups and services, as well as local NHS services, which can support your mental wellbeing.
- MIND for young people, parents/carers and professionals
- Mental Health Foundation offers resources to learn about mental health your child
- Young Minds provides a helpline for parents who are worried about their child or young person's mental health
Supporting a child or young person with SEND
Information and support can be found for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Visiting the health page on the SEND Local Offer section of our website
Behavioural and sleep issues
For support relating to behavioural challenges:
- Discuss with the Family Support Worker or Pastoral staff at the school setting
- Family Intervention Resources and Support Team (FIRST)
- If your child is autistic (or waiting assessment) behavioural support is also available through ASSIST (Autism Spectrum Service for Information Support and Training) or Parenting Special Children.
You matter too
Caring for a child’s mental health can be challenging, and support is available to help parents and carers look after their own wellbeing too.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, low mood, or stress, Talking Therapies offer confidential support. You can self‑refer directly without needing to see your GP.
Recovery College provides free courses, workshops and support groups focused on mental health and wellbeing, offering a supportive space to learn alongside others.
You can find further sources of support on our emotional and mental health page, including:
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Samaritans are available 24/7 to listen, even if you just need someone to listen whilst you offload, they don't have to provide advice unless you ask for it, they also have an app SAM, which can provide you with some tools to help you. Call 116 123 or emailed on jo@samaritans.org
- Shout, a text-based service for when you’re struggling to cope and need to talk, available 24/7. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
- Mental Health Foundation - parenting and mental health information
