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Mental Health & Additional Needs

We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Our mental health is how we’re feeling inside, or how we are emotionally.

At some time in our lives, all of us can experience ups and downs in our mental health. Struggling with your mental health can be a disability in itself, depending on the impact your mental health has on living the life you want. You may find it difficult sometimes to do the things that you want to do.

Whatever the reason that you are struggling with your mental health, you can get support from people who understand the experiences you are going through and who can help you to feel better.

Find the Young Minds guide to disability and mental health

Read the feeling down guide - Easy read

Our Experiences

By young people, for young people

Would you like to share your experiences of this topic with other young people?

This could be some written text, a blog post, a short voice or video recording or even an animation!

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All You Need to Know

Who Can Help?

You can talk to your parents or carers, or a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.

If you live in Norfolk:

If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you live in Waveney:

You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.

Family Hubs bring together a range of existing services, so you are able to access the advice and support you need, when you need it. They are for families with babies, children and young people from conception until they reach the age of 19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Young Minds is an organisation supporting and advocating for children and young people's mental health.

Ambitious About Autism is a national charity aimed at supporting autistic children and young people in the UK.  

Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.

Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm. 

Urgent Mental Health Support

For 24/7 immediate advice, support and signposting for anyone with mental health difficulties please contact 111 and select the mental health option. 

If you feel someone's life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, call 999 or go to A&E.


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