When life gets tough, it can feel like there’s nowhere to turn. Mental health challenges can be especially overwhelming for children and young people, but reaching out for help is always the right step to take. There are many fantastic organisations out there that provide support, guidance and care to young people facing mental health difficulties. Whether it’s for a one-off conversation or ongoing support, these services are here to help young minds find hope and healing.

Let’s take a look at some of the top mental health organisations for children that provide amazing resources and support tailored to young people’s needs.

YoungMinds is one of the leading mental health organisations for children and young people in the UK. They offer a variety of services including a helpline for parents, young people and teachers, as well as resources for navigating mental health difficulties. Their mission is to ensure that every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it.

With a focus on supporting mental health in schools and spreading awareness, YoungMinds is a great first step for anyone struggling with mental health issues.

Specifically focused on bereavement, The Laura Centre provides an incredibly important service to young people who may be dealing with the death of a loved one. Our compassionate approach helps children and young people navigate grief, offering support to process their emotions in a safe and understanding environment.

If you’re a young person or the parent of a child struggling with the loss of someone close, The Laura Centre can offer the specialised care needed to cope with such a difficult time.

Place2Be works in schools to provide mental health support to children and young people. They focus on early intervention and offer a range of services, including one-to-one counselling and group work, to help young people with their emotional and mental well-being.

Their trained professionals are experts in supporting children who might be struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.

Barnardo’s offers a comprehensive range of support services for children and young people, including those struggling with mental health. As one of the UK’s most well-known children’s charities, they provide mental health services, mentoring and family support to help young people through challenging times.

Whether it’s offering safe spaces for young people or helping with issues like bullying, depression or trauma, Barnardo’s plays a vital role in supporting the mental health of young people.

CAMHS is a specialist NHS service for children and young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health issues. They provide a wide range of services, including assessments, therapy and treatment plans.

Each local NHS area has its own CAMHS team, meaning services can vary, but they generally offer a pathway of care for children experiencing issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression or more severe mental health conditions.

The Prince’s Trust is a well-known charity that helps young people aged 11-30 with a variety of life challenges. They provide emotional support as well as practical support for those facing difficult circumstances such as unemployment, mental health issues and homelessness.

Their personal development programmes help young people gain confidence, learn new skills and improve their mental wellbeing, ultimately giving them the tools to cope with life’s challenges.

Papyrus UK is a crucial service for preventing suicide in young people. They provide confidential support for children and young people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings. They offer a helpline – HOPELINE247 – for those under 35, as well as support for families and professionals who are worried about a young person’s mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, Papyrus UK is a life-saving resource that can offer support in a time of crisis.

Childline is a free, confidential helpline available to children and young people up to the age of 19. Whether you’re struggling with mental health issues, facing bullying or dealing with family problems, Childline is there to listen.

Their website is packed with useful advice, activities and support, and their counsellors are available 24/7 to offer a safe space for young people to talk through their feelings and get the help they need.

Although Headspace isn’t an organisation specifically for children, it’s a fantastic resource to help young people improve their mental well-being. Headspace offers meditation, mindfulness and breathing exercises that are perfect for anyone needing a calm moment in their day.

It can help you learn how to deal with stress or find ways to relax through a variety of tools that are helpful for children and young people who want to take care of their mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, there is always someone out there who can help. Remember, reaching out is always the first step to feeling better.

If you need help and supporting following the loss of a child, parent or sibling, remember you can turn to The Laura Centre.