“You’re never too young to talk mental health”
Anna Freud
At Future Steps we work alongside individuals, families, schools, social workers, and local authorities across the country, to provide support to individuals from birth into adulthood.
Children and Family Support
We are a registered charity whose aims are to support children, young people and families across the Tees Valley area.
Useful Links
Positive Mental Health
Men’s Health Forum
Bereavement and Serious Illness
Parenting
Relationships
Family Counselling Services – Relationship Support | Relate
Online resources to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
NSPCC – Recognising the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing can be really hard. NSPCC have got advice to help you support your child who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or self-harm. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/
CAMHS – A really helpful website which includes, downloadable self-help activities, information guides, information and more. https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk
YoungMinds – This website offers advice for you to help your children and a free telephone service. Call the Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm, free for mobiles and landlines). https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/
Anna Freud – This charity is dedicated to providing training and support for child mental health services. https://www.annafreud.org/
Mind – This is a charity which offers advice and support, especially around the ‘5 ways to wellbeing.’ https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing/
The Samaritans – This charity offers confidential support for people with feelings of distress. https://www.samaritans.org
Harbour – This charity provides assistance to families and individuals affected by domestic abuse. https://www.myharbour.org.uk
Ten tips for talking to your child. https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus/#ten-tips-from-our-parents-helpline
Childline Calm-Zone. https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone
Just Breathe – A video aimed at children to help them feel calmer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg
150 Sensory Learning Ideas. https://inclusiveteach.com/2020/03/20/150-sensory-learning-ideas
‘100 positive things every kid needs to hear’. https://raising-independent-kids.com/100-positive-things-every-kid-needs-hear
Stop, Breathe and Think App – check in with how you’re feeling and try short activities tuned to your emotions. https://www.stopbreathethink.com
Smiling Mind App – A great app with age specific mindfulness resources, including a new resource, ‘Thrive Inside’. Thrive Inside is a special program to help you stay psychologically healthy while you’re spending extended periods of time at home. https://www.smilingmind.com.au
Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness App – This app often has a two week trial available. https://www.cosmickids.com
Telephone Helplines
Samaritans – If you need to talk to someone, the Samaritans can help- they offer emotional support and a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is a free phone number that can even be called from a mobile that has no credit. Your call will not appear on the phone bill. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
Childline – Comforts, advises and protects children 24 hours a day and offers free confidential counselling. Call 0800 1111 (24 hours)
NSPCC Helpline – If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, contact our professional counsellors for help, advice and support. Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
CALM Helpline – Confidential support for men, 7 days a week, 5pm to midnight, free Call 0800 58 58 58. https://www.thecalmzone.net/
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Free, confidential, 24 hour helpline. Call 0808 2000 247 https://www.starsdorset.org
Women’s Aid – Information and support for women experiencing domestic violence Live Chat https://chat.womensaid.org.uk https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors
Citizens Advice – Providing advice on issues such as debt management and welfare benefits, housing, immigration and asylum, employment, consumer complaints and landlord-tenant disputes. Due to increased demand for this service Citizens Advice advise people to use the website first. https://www.citizensadvicebcp.org.uk Call – 0344 411 1444