If you are a parent or you care for a child or young person and are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing, there are specific services available in Kent and Medway to support you and them.

The services are provided by both NHS organisations and local authorities, so that will be Kent County Council or Medway Council, depending on where you live.

There are also self-help tool and online apps aimed at children and young people. 

Details of websites with online tools for parents to help you look after your family’s mental health and wellbeing, can be found in the Online Help section below. 

If you are not sure what mental health and wellbeing help the child or young person you care for may need, phone the Single Point of Access (also referred to as SPA) on 0800 011 3474.

Good Mental_Health Matters logoGood Mental Health Matters 

Good Mental Health Matters is a free, NHS-initiated resource that empowers young people by encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their own wellbeing. It offers information for parents, including taking you through five positive steps for good mental health for your family.


every mind matters logoEvery Mind Matters 

Every Mind Matters has a range of dedicated support and resources to help parents look after the mental wellbeing of their children and for young people to care for their own mental health.


Action for Children 

Action for Children offers advice and activities to support children and parents with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.


MindEd logoMindEd for Families 

MindEd for Families is a website full of advice about young people’s mental health, which was created by experts and parents together.

NELFT logo

NELFT provides eating disorder services for children and adolescent (up to age 18) and mental health services for people living in Kent and Medway. You can find out more about these services on the NELFT website

If you live in Kent, it’s called the Kent Children and Young People's Mental Health Service.

If you live in Medway, it’s the Medway Young Persons Wellbeing Service.

(NELFT stands for the North East London NHS Foundation Trust. As well as providing children and young people’s services in Kent and Medway, the trust also provides integrated adult community and mental health services for parts of both London and Essex, hence its name.) 

Children and Young People’s Counselling Service        

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) offers a Children and Young People’s Counselling Service for children aged four to 19 struggling with their emotional health. Although it’s located on the school health section of KCHFT's website, children and young people do not have to be in school to access the service. If you want to find out more there are ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQS) available.


Kent Resilience Hub logo

Kent Resilience Hub provides information, guidance and resources for parents to support their own, as well as their child’s emotional wellbeing and resilience.


Moodspark logo

MoodSpark can support young people to better understand and support their own emotional wellbeing and resilience.


kent mind and body logo

Mind and Body programme is delivered to 13 to 25-year-olds in school and the community to explore and better manage thoughts and behaviours associated with self-harm. Mind and Body also offers support for parents and carers of young people receiving support.


Chums logo, 'mental health and emotional wellbeing service service

CHUMS offer specialist bereavement support to children and young people from aged three and a half until their 26th birthday in Kent and Medway.

This specialist bereavement service is provided by a wide range of experienced, trained professionals and volunteers. Support can be tailored to provide evidence-based interventions to children and young people through one-to-one, group and drop-in sessions.

Bump Birth and Beyond logo

If you are having a baby, or have a newborn, and feel you need support with your mental health and wellbeing, you can find out more about perinatal mental health services via the Kent and Medway Local Maternity System’s website Bump, Birth and Beyond.  

If you, or a member of your family, are under the age of 25 and have special educational needs and disabilities, support is available through the Local Offer in Kent or Medway, depending on where you live. 

Text KENT or MEDWAY to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support at any time.

Free expert advice from trained counsellors is available for every mental health concern.

Visit Release the Pressure website and watch the video to find out more.

 

Safe Havens offer face-to-face mental health support.

To find out more and see the opening times, visit the Safe Havens page.