Worried About a Young Person?

If you are concerned about a child or young person’s emotional wellbeing or mental health, it can be difficult to know what support is available and where to start.

Understanding Needs and Suport Options

Our “Worried About a Young Person?” guide provides an overview of:

  • Mental health crisis support and emergency contacts
  • Safeguarding concerns and immediate risk
  • Emotional wellbeing and mental health support services
  • The i-THRIVE needs-based groupings
  • Advice, help, further support and risk support options available across Kent and Medway
  • Routes to support for children, young people, families and professionals

View the Support Guide

View the “Worried About a Young Person?” support guide

Urgent Mental Health Support

If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.

If a child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, call 111 and select the mental health option.

For information about emotional wellbeing and mental health services available across Kent and Medway, visit the Services and Support for Young People page on Kent Resilience Hub.

Emergency Medical Help

If a child or young person requires immediate medical attention following a serious injury, overdose, accident or other life-threatening situation, call 999 immediately or attend the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

Suicide Crisis Support

If you are concerned that a child or young person may be thinking about suicide, seek support immediately via the Samaritans: Call 116 123 any time, day or night, or email jo@samaritans.org

Specialist Mental Health Support

Some children and young people experience significant mental health difficulties that have a substantial impact on daily life, relationships, education or wellbeing. This may include severe anxiety, depression, eating difficulties or other complex mental health needs.

Support can be accessed through the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS). Families and professionals can contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0800 011 3474 to discuss needs and the most appropriate route to support.

Information and Advice for Professionals

Professionals can access mental health advice and consultation for children and young people aged 0-18 by calling the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust Consultation and Advice Line on 0300 300 1585, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm.