Mental health and stress have become an epidemic among younger generations.
According to the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report, one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023.
This page signposts to specific national and local organisations that support the mental well-being of young people. There are also resources including podcasts and videos which can help.
Support available nationally
As well as the NHS mental health services , there are a number of other organisations for young people that provide information and services to help manage their thoughts and feelings.
The Mix provides a free confidential telephone helpline and online service for anyone under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 for free – lines are open from 11am to 11pm every day.
Provides a confidential telephone and online counselling service for anyone under 19. Lines are open 24 hours a day.
Young Minds gives young people access to other young people’s mental health stories and experiences. It provides resources and training for young people, parents and professionals.
Check out the Mind page of this website for more contacts and resources.
Local help available
Off The Record (OTR) is a free, mental health, social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. There is also a service for North Somerset. You can visit a regular hub or access online support. This video explains more.
Kooth is an online counselling and information service for young people who live in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire, or are registered with a GP in one of the three areas.
There is an online counselling service and ways of setting goals to overcome young people’s issues.
Young people can get in touch with the service to get support directly, without needing to be referred by a health professional.
Mind you is an information hub for young people living in South Gloucestershire. It offers support to help them look after their mental health, find out about mental health problems or get support.
These directories provide up-to-date, local mental health and wellbeing information for young children. They include services commissioned by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB.
Click on the images below to see each directory.
Videos and podcasts
This video from MIND entitled “Mental Health in Our Own Words” , shares lived experiences of 13 young people aged 18-25. They talk about what it’s like to live with a mental health problem, and what helps them cope.
And here are some short videos giving practical support for a number of mental health issues:
Panic attacks:
Showing emotion isn’t a crime:
Self harm:
Advice every young man should hear:
The best advice Nicole has been given:
Click on the logo for the What’s On Young Minds? podcast is by and for young people and their mental health.
Honest conversations that shed light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating mental health, getting support and finding joy along the way.