Where to go for mental health support

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and during the current situation, we need to be looking after our mental health more than ever.

Here at ACC we have Mental Health champions in each of our campuses. The ones in Manchester have created a long list of resources to support students and parents/carers during these times.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Anna Freud Foundation – This website has a helpful page with information about how to support children during the Covid-19 outbreak. It also includes advice for young people and education:

SANE – This offers mental health support to anyone affected by Mental Health, including family, friends and carers.

The Sleep Council – This looks at the importance of a sleep routine and helping young people and their families to adopt healthy sleep habits.

Mind – They offer advice and support to empower people experiencing mental health problems.

Young Minds – These are the UK’s leading charity for young people and children and can offer support to parents and practical advice.

Mental Health Foundation – a guide for Young People during Coronavirus

Function Central – a brilliant guide created to support the mental health and wellbeing of musicians (but also useful for non-musicians too!)

Support Lines

Shout – text 85258

Childline – Call 0800 11 11

Samaritans – Call 116 123

Apps to limit stress and worries

Calm Harm (self-harm) / Clear Fear (anxiety) / Combined Minds (family & friends)

HEADSPACE – a meditation and breathing app

Parenting Support

Parentline is a helpline to offer advice and guidance on any aspect of family life.

Motherwell Cheshire is specifically counselling for mothers who are struggling and are facing their own anxiety difficulties often in combination with their child’s difficulties.

Bereavement and Loss

The Dove Service provides bereavement and counselling support to children and young people.

Grief Encounter supports bereaved children and their families.

Self-harm and risk-taking behaviour

Harmless – advice for families and for people who self harm

SelfHarm UK – a project dedicated to young people impacted by self harm providing a safe space to talk.

The fearless.org website has a range of free downloadable educational resources which include some serious topics if you are genuinely concerned about the serious risk taking behaviours of a young person close to you

BEAT – providing support for those affected by eating disorders