If you’re worried about how a friend or relative is feeling, it can be really hard to know what to say or how to help.
Reaching out to someone could help them know that someone cares, that they are valued. It can also help them get the support they need.
This page will give you some simple advice that will help you to help your friend.
By young people, for young people
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Listen
Listen to your friend. This might seem obvious but it will have taken a lot of courage for them to come to you.
Don’t push them but let them just talk and share what they feel ready to.
Don't Judge
Everybody copes with life stresses in different ways.
You can help your friend find safe ways to cope by pointing them in the right direction. Remember not to be judgemental about their current way of coping.
Support
Offer to support your friend to get help if that is what they want. You can offer to be with them if they are ready to talk to someone.
While you are supporting your friend don’t forget about yourself. To look after someone else, you need to look after yourself first.
Talk to an Adult You Trust
If your friend or relative tells you something that you think may put them at risk of harm, please talk to a trusted adult so they can get the help they need to be safe. This could be someone like a teacher, other professional or Childline who will know who else to talk to.
You need to also look after yourself so make sure you seek help too.
There are lots of places online to get free, confidential advice and support:
Online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support.
Help for young people get mental health support.
There's someone to talk to for advice and support 24 hours a day.
Help and support to overcome issues related to self harm.
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now. If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.
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.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support 7 days a week until 10pm.
MAP Norfolk can give free and confidential support, information and advice on issues such as housing, money and mental health. You can call 01603 766994 or email info@map.uk.net.
MAP offer free confidential advice and drop in centres locally over the whole of Norfolk.
Childline offers a wide range of support to young people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where to get help if you are worried about a parent, family member or friend.
