Find support

Whatever you are going through, you are not alone. Many organisations offer support to children, parents and caregivers.

Support for children

If adults are saying words that hurt, upset or scare you, you can talk to someone who will listen:

• Childline offers free, confidential support for children and young people in the UK, including a free helpline and 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors.
• Shout offers a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text ‘Shout’ to 85258.
• The Mix offers free, confidential support for young people under 25, via phone, webchat or email.

Support for parents and carers

If you’re going through a tough time, feeling overloaded, are struggling to cope or worried about your behaviour, there are people you can talk to. By asking for help, you will have already made a major step forward:

• Parent Talk offers a free and confidential live chat with a parenting coach.
• FamilyLine (0808 802 6666) offers free support to adult family members via telephone, text, email and web chat.
• Family Lives (0808 800 2222) offers free support to families via telephone, chat, forums and courses.
• Gingerbread offers free support for single parents.

For teachers and education staff

If you’re a teacher or member of education staff and need support with your mental health and wellbeing, Education Support provides a free, 24/7 helpline. 

For adults who have suffered from abuse

If you have suffered any form of abuse, including verbal abuse, help is available:

• NAPAC runs a free, confidential support line for adult survivors of abuse.

If you’re worried about your own behaviour

• Respect offers information, advice and support to people who are – or think they might be – abusing a member of their family. You can call them free on 0808 802 4040 from 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, email info@respectphoneline.org.uk (they aim to reply within two working days) or use their webchat service, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am–4pm.