YOUNG people and their friends, families, and teachers across North East Lincolnshire are urged to reach out for support if they’re feeling low during the half-term break.
Or, if you are a parent who notices your child is letting exam stress or other worries get them down then also pick up the phone or go online to get supportive and expert advice.
North East Lincolnshire Council has joined forces with its partners at NAViGO to publicise just some of the local and national organisations that exist to ensure people of all ages are helped to overcome tough times. Triggers can include exam pressure, money worries, loneliness, bereavement – or even smaller issues such as juggling family life during school holidays.
For young people too, peer and social media pressure can also bring their own challenges.
“There are many, many different reasons why people may need help and however large or small a problem can seem to be, it is vital that people do talk, and do seek help. The difference it can make can and does change lives,” said Simon Beeton, NAViGO Chief Executive.
“This time of year can be particularly stressful for families. There’s exam stress, and for young people leaving school or college, a fear of stepping into a new world can be challenging and can impact on relationships at home and with friends,” Simon added.
A lot of the support available is anonymous, and is just a text, a call or an email away.
Here’s a list of the groups that are here to help:
Mental health support
Whatever your age, anyone struggling with their mental health or who is in a mental health crisis, can call NAViGO 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on (01472) 256256 (option 3), Freephone 08081 968442 or text ORANGE to 85258.
Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.
Bereavement:
Cruse: 0808 808 1677 or go to www.cruse.org.uk
Cruse also works with St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby to offer bereavement support for adults and children. To find out more please call 01472 250623 or go to www.standrewshopsice.com
Financial:
HEY Credit Union NEL can help with finances, budgeting, loans, and benefit plans. Find out more at: www.hullandeycu.co.uk/contact-us or tel 01482 778753.
General:
connectNEL: The team can link people to adult and child services, housing, events, social groups, and more. Call Connect NEL (01472 403403), available 24/7.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
NAViGO’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – often referred to locally as Young Minds Matter – is a free NHS service that supports children and young people with a wide range of mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, obsessions and the effects of abuse or trauma. And if you’re a parent or carer, CAMHS can offer support to you as well as your child.
Referrals to CAMHS can be made by any professional, such as your child’s GP or teacher. But if you would like to discuss a possible referral, please call the NAViGO CAMHS team on (01472) 252570 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm) or visit navigocare.co.uk/camhs for more information.
Kooth offers a free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing community for young people. The site offers helpful articles and discussion boards, daily journals for recording feelings and emotions, and a place to chat to members of the Kooth team. For more information, visit www.kooth.com.
CompassGo have Mental Health Support Teams working in all of the schools and colleges in North East Lincolnshire. THye work with children and young people aged 5 to 19, and with their families. Through low-intensity interventions to help with low mood, anxiety, exam stress, self-harm and managing relationships. For support, call: 01472 494 250.
Share this article