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In Crisis? Get Immediate Help – Resources for When You Can't Wait

  • Writer: The CYP Services
    The CYP Services
  • Jun 25
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 16

Life can be tough, and sometimes it feels overwhelming.


When you're struggling, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. This post is here to guide you through some trusted resources and coping strategies, so you can find the support you need.


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In a Crisis: Immediate Support Options

Please don't wait. If you or someone else is at serious risk:


  • Call 999 – For emergencies or if someone's safety is at risk.

  • Call 111 – For urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns.



Mental Health Support (UK-wide)

Here are some UK-wide services offering free, confidential support:


  • YoungMinds: For young people and their parents. Call 0808 802 5544 or visit youngminds.org.uk.

  • Childline: For anyone under 19. Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.

  • The Mix: Support for under 25s on a wide range of issues. Call 0808 808 4994 or visit themix.org.uk.

  • Kooth: A online community and counselling service for young people. Visit kooth.com.

  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK: For young people under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned about a young person. Call 0800 068 4141 or visit papyrus-uk.org.

  • Samaritans: Available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope. Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

  • NSPCC: Support and advice for children and families. Call 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk.

  • Mind: Advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health difficulties. Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463, or visit mind.org.uk.



Coping Tools: Strategies for Difficult Moments

If you or someone else is feeling overwhelmed right now, here are a few simple strategies that might help with grounding:


  • Box Breathing: A simple breathing technique to calm your nervous system. Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4, and repeat.

  • 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding: A technique to reconnect with the present moment by identifying: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

  • Gratitude Lists or Journaling: Focusing on what you're grateful for can shift your perspective. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can also be incredibly therapeutic.

  • Safe Place Visualisation: Imagining a calm, safe place can help you relax and feel more secure when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

  • Sensory Tools: Engaging your senses can be grounding. This could include using fidget toys, holding objects with interesting textures, or even enjoying a comforting scent.



Helpful Books & Apps


Books:

  • Huge Bag of Worries (ages 5–10): Helps younger children understand and manage their worries.

  • What to Do When You Worry Too Much (ages 6–12): A workbook-style book that teaches cognitive-behavioural techniques for managing anxiety.

  • Mind Your Head (teens): A helpful guide for teenagers navigating mental health challenges.

  • Whole-Brain Child: Offers insights into how children develop and how parents and adults can support healthy emotional and intellectual growth.


Apps:

  • Headspace / Calm: Popular mindfulness and meditation apps designed to reduce stress and improve sleep.

  • MindShift CBT: Specifically designed for young people, this app uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies to help manage anxiety.

  • Smiling Mind: A free app offering various mindfulness meditations for all ages.

  • Stay Alive: A pocket-sized suicide prevention resource with helpful information and tools for staying safe.

  • Calm Harm: Supports young people in managing self-harm urges through distraction and coping strategies.


Additional Apps: For more app recommendations, you can also explore CAMHS resources.



You're not alone

Asking for help can feel daunting, but remember, there are people and resources available to support you. So, you don't have to face challenges alone.


The resources listed above are for immediate crisis support and are not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you or someone you care for is struggling with ongoing mental health challenges, we encourage you to reach out for professional support.


If you have questions about anything in this post or want to explore how therapy could help, please get in touch.

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