Unfortunately, we continue to see a rise in mental health cases amongst children and adolescents and it is currently being labelled as a national crisis. As a parent or carer, it is important to know how you can support your child in their own mental wellbeing and understand the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis. It is important that you have honest conversations with your child, encourage and support them to open up on their feelings and always take their feelings seriously. It is also important to remain interested in their life and what things are important to them, this helps to build positive relationships and helps them to feel valued. You can also look at building positive routines into their life making sure that they are eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough sleep.
If you feel that you are unable to support your child’s mental health on your own it is important that you don’t struggle. We are fortunate as a city to have a number of providers that specialise in mental health support. Below is a list of recommended mental support that is available to the young people in our city:
KOOTH online counselling Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online service for 11-18 year olds where young people can chat 1-2-1 with BACP accredited counsellors, access self-help articles 24/7 and connect with peers through live moderated forums. Telephone number 0800 45 46 47.
- The Market Place 0113 246 1659
- Teen Connect 0808 800 1212
- Safe Zone 0113 8198189
- Night OWLS 08001488244
- Leeds CAMHS Crisis Call line 0800 953 0505
- Child Bereavement UK Leeds 0113 350 3598
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service 0113 8434388