Posted on: 9 February 2024
We know how hard it can be to balance all the demands of daily life.
Are you feeling sad? Or have feelings of anxiety?
It’s important to share your thoughts and feelings, and if you’re struggling, we’re here to help.
We've created this collection of resources which shows the support available to young people at CNWL - including Milton Keynes.
What support is there?
Urgent support for mental health
If you or someone you know needs urgent help or need urgent advice, you can click the link below to see the phone numbers and services you can use for support.
Get help with stress, anxiety or depression
CAMHS
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provides mental and emotional health services for children under 13 years old and young people aged 13 to 18. Our teams can help children, young people and families get the support they need.
We have six teams based across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon and Milton Keynes and two inpatient care teams.
Visit: www.cnwl.nhs.uk/camhs
Useful websites and apps
CAMHS has created a list of apps and websites, which are some of the favourites pointed out by our young people. This includes Moodjuice, CalmHarm and BlueIce.
Visit: www.cnwl.nhs.uk/camhs/your-resources/apps-and-websites
Get help with health topics
You can see websites related to specific mental health conditions such as feelings, bullying, identity and relationships within our health topic pages.
Visit: www.cnwl.nhs.uk/camhs/your-resources/health-topics
Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) in schools
Our teams work in schools to support young people with mental health difficulties such as worries, low mood or anxiety. We work one-to-one with young people used guided self-help but we also offer group workshops.
For young people at school in Brent, Harrow, and Hillingdon you can speak to a teacher or member of staff who can refer you.
Young Adult (16-25) mental health support
Everyone is different, so the help they need will be different too. Good mental health allows us to live life in a positive and meaningful way. It helps us to work or study to our full potential, and cope with day-to-day life stresses.
Here is a range of services to support you on your wellbeing journey:
Young Adults (16 – 25s) Mental Health and Wellbeing Space
Under 5s
Many children will have difficulties as part of ordinary development, but if problems start to take over everyday life, or parents feel they are not enjoying parenting, or struggling to parent their child, then they may find it helpful to speak to someone from the Under 5s Service.
We have two teams based across Brent, Harrow and Hillingdon as well as Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea who offer treatment aimed at improving the wellbeing of children under five years old.
- Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Under 5s service
- Brent, Harrow and Hillingdon Under 5s service
Talking Therapies
If you feel anxious, worried, down or depressed, this NHS service can provide a range of talking therapies. Talking Therapies is offered in different ways, including:
- using a self-help workbook with the support of a therapist
- as an online course or in a group
- one-to-one in person, over the phone or through video consultation
You don’t need a referral from a GP, you can refer directly to the local service and complete an online form: https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/
Get help coping with a crisis or mental health distress
The Coves
The Cove is a daily drop-in support service for people aged 16 and up who are experiencing mental distress. The service is open between 2pm and 10pm, every day of the year.
They offer a friendly, safe and welcoming space to receive emotional support and discuss coping strategies to help young people in the future. They aim to help young adults reduce their immediate worries and provide them with information of local services and resources that will also be able to help them moving forward.
The Cove has sites for residents of Hillingdon, Brent, Harrow, Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster. www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/coves
In this video, you’ll hear from a young person who has visited the Cove, who tells you more about what to expect.
Online self-help and support
Best For You NHS
The Best For You website has information about wellbeing that’s relevant for everyone, as well as content on common mental health topics like anxiety and self-harm.
It also signposts to a range of support options including a 24/7 text support line, services run by various organisations in each CNWL borough, or safe, innovative digital apps.
Visit: https://bestforyou.org.uk/
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is a mental health support database, bringing together support services in one place.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, direct them to the Hub of Hope so they can access support in their local area. You can also download the Hub of Hope app for free from the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Get safe online mental health support from a professional
Kooth provides young adults with access to free, safe and anonymous support through an online mental health community. The team which includes qualified practitioners are available to chat 7 days a week, 365 days of the year from 12pm to 10pm weekdays and from 6pm to 10pm on weekends.
No waiting lists. No problem too big or too small. Access to this service can be from any internet connected device - no downloads necessary
QR code https://gov.kooth.com/nwlondon
Get help with eating disorders
STRIDES
STRIDES (Support to Recovery in Disordered Eating Service) help young people understand their problems and provide skills to regulate eating and exercise, manage difficult emotions, and improve body image and self-esteem in the long-term.
