Keeping Yourself Safe
Support for young people
There is a wide range of support organisations for young people focused on keeping yourself safe. This page provides signposts to some of these organisations and a summary of the aims and services they offer.
NSPCC and Childline
NSPCC is a national organisation that provides support and tips to help keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child. You can contact the NSPCC helpline for support and advice for free. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekends – 0808 8005000.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/
Childline is a national organisation that has targeted support for under 19s with any issue they’re going through including bullying, abuse, my body, home and families, your feelings, friends, relationship & sex, school and college. Their helpline is open every day from 9am to midnight – 0800 1111.
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/
| NSPCC helpline: Report Abuse in Education
The NSPCC launched on 1 April 2021 a new helpline, Report Abuse in Education. Working with the Department for Education (DfE), who have commissioned this initiative, they will run the bespoke helpline to provide appropriate support and advice to victims of abuse and harassment, and concerned adults, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to. Report Abuse in Education helpline: Young people and adults can call 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk Further information is available on their website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/news/2021/april/sexual-abuse-in-education-helpline-launched |
| Crimestoppers – concerned about knife crime or exploitation? You can give information anonymously through ‘Fearless’ on the Crimestoppers website and by following the following link: |
Contents
1. Mental Health
2. Sexual Health and Relationships
3. Family Support
4. Online safety for your child
5. Drug, Alcohol and Gamer/Gambling support
6. General Youth Organisations
1. Mental Health______________________________________________
The CLD Trust (including Strong Young Minds)
| John Masefield High School is working in partnership with The CLD Trust to support student’s mental health and wellbeing during their time in our school.
The CLD trust is a local charity specialising in providing counselling, low and high intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and systemic family practice. The CLD Trust supports schools and colleges with their whole school approach to improving and caring for students and staffs mental health and wellbeing, through the provision of training and access to therapy. The CLD trust’s counselling service is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and they are also a member of NHS England’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. The CLD Trust works with GP’s and other health professionals to improve mental health and wellbeing and help enable students to make the most of their school experience and to achieve their full potential. Therapists from the trust use nationally recognised routine outcome monitoring tools to ensure effective practice and all staff are fully qualified and receive case management and supervision. In John Masefield High School we have a counsellor on site and and therefore able to refer students who would benefit from supplementary help and support, in addition to the pastoral approaches provided by JMHS. More information can be found about the trust on https://www.thecldtrust.org/and https://www.thesymproject.org/ |
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The CLD Trust launched Strong Young Minds (SYM project) in November 2015. Strong Young Minds is a Big Lottery funded project designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Herefordshire. The SYM Project is for young people (10 – 24 yrs) who are disenfranchised, distressed, unemployed, at risk of social isolation, poor achievement & ill health, due to poor mental health and wellbeing. They work with young people to address issues which can have an adverse effect on their mental health & wellbeing, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self harm, bullying, cyberbullying, relationship breakdown, employability, low self esteem, body image & loss. Referrals to the project can be made via their website.
Kooth
Kooth is a new, anonymous, confidential, safe, online mental wellbeing service offering counselling, information and forums for young people, aged 11 to 18 years. Young people can have a “drop-in” chat with a counsellor or therapist or book a one-to-one session. Kooth’s counsellors and therapists are available every day of the year from 12pm until 10pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 12pm Saturday and Sunday. You can log on by smartphone, laptop or tablet: https://www.kooth.com/
NHS
The NHS has a number of apps to help with anxiety, mindfulness, breathing and relaxation for young people:
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/filter/?categories=Mental%20health
Every Mind Matters
Explains mental health problems and different ways to get support; looks at ways to develop your own Mind Plan & manage areas such as stress, anxiety , boost your mood, improve sleep
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Harmless
http://www.harmless.org.uk/ – Harmless was established at the beginning of October 2007 to respond to the needs of people who are at risk of self-harm and suicide. It is a national voluntary organisation for people who self harm, their friends, families and professionals. Harmless also has an advisory group, comprised of people who have personal and professional experience of self harm. The advisory group is consulted about developments with Harmless, and help them to develop a service that is responsive to what people need.
Anorexia and Bulimia care
https://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/tribute/make-a-difference – For over 25 years, ABC has provided personal care and support for anyone affected by anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and all types of eating distress. They also educate, train and advise those caring for sufferers as well as carrying out preventative education and strive to promote research into eating disorders and research into treatment and/or cures and to publish the results.
Beating Eating Disorders (BEAT)
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk – National charity helping people with eating disorders, offering 1 to 1, group and webchat support.
General helpline: 0808 801 0677 Youth line: 0808 801 0711 Student line: 0808 801 0811
Herefordshire Mind
https://www.herefordshire-mind.org.uk/ – Herefordshire Mind, your local mental health charity. They believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. They are here for you, whether you’re stressed, depressed or worried about someone else. They’ll listen, give support, and fight your corner. We provide a range of services such as support at home and in the community, supported housing and other support groups around mental health and well being.
DistrACT / The Mix
https://www.themix.org.uk – The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. They aim to help young people take on any challenge they’re facing – from mental health (including help around self harm and suicidal thoughts) to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via their online community, on social, through their free, confidential helpline or their counselling service.
Get Self Help
www.getselfhelp.co.uk – Huge site where you can find explanations, exercises and worksheets on virtually every mental health problem affecting young people or adults; uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and provides a good overview of what CBT is about and its aims and how it may support you.
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The following apps and programs offer between them a range of mindfulness, sleep improvement and meditation type programs that may be of benefit to young people. |
Calmharm (UK charity on children & young people’s mental health) https://calmharm.co.uk
Clearfear (Free app to help with managing anxiety) https://www.clearfear.co.uk
Headspace (Guidance & training in mindfulness) https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
MeeTwo (Helps teenagers to talk about difficult things) https://www.meetwo.co.uk
MindfulGnats (Helps young people develop mindfulness and relaxation skills) https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mindful-gnats/id973919092
MindShift (Canadian app with advice managing anxiety and depression) https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/new-mindshift-cbt-app-gives-canadians-free-anxiety-relief/
MoodGym (Interactive program to help with low mood) https://moodgym.com.au
Recharge-move well, sleep well, be well (Program to help improve mood and energy levels) https://apps.apple.com/au/app/recharge-move-well-sleep-well-be-well/id878026126
Sleepio (online sleep improvement programme) https://www.sleepio.com
Smiling minds (Australian app-based meditation programme) https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/smiling-mind/id560442518
2. Sexual Health and Relationships_____________________________
Disrespect Nobody
https://www.disrespectnobody.co.uk/ – Website looks into sexting, relationship abuse, consent, rape, harassment.
Healthy relationships are all about respecting each other. You should feel loved, safe and free to be yourself. Relationships can be confusing and it can be difficult to understand what is and isn’t normal behaviour.
But disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour can come in many forms. It isn’t limited to just physical behaviour; it can also go way beyond that. For example, it’s not OK for someone to try and pressure you into sending a nude pic, or to expect the same things to happen that they’ve seen in a porn film. If someone makes you do something you don’t want to, makes you feel scared, intimidated or tries controlling you, it’s not acceptable and is never OK.
Sexual Health Services 4 Herefordshire
https://sexualhealthservices4herefordshire.co.uk/under-25s/ – They provide free and confidential sexual health services from our easily accessible new clinic. This includes information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment. Our service is confidential, non-judgemental and for people of all ages, genders and orientations.
Brook
https://www.brook.org.uk/ – Free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing experts that use innovative clinical services, digital support, tailored counselling and advice. Brook are committed to changing attitudes, challenging prejudices and championing equality so that all young people can lead happy, healthy lives. Being a young person can be tough.
3. Family Support_____________________________________________
a. Bereavement support
The following organisations offer support for young people and families locally and or nationally , with bereavement.
St Michaels Hospice https://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/
Cruse https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/west-midlands/herefordshire
Pheonix https://directory.childbereavementuk.org/organisation/phoenix-bereavement-support-services-hereford/
Child bereavement UK https://www.childbereavementuk.org/
Winstons Wish https://www.winstonswish.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjcLdo_y66gIV6YBQBh1BUA46EAAYASAAEgJsTvD_BwE
b. Domestic Abuse
The Hideout https://thehideout.org.uk/
A website created by national charity, Women’s Aid, to help young people and children understand domestic abuse and how to take positive action if it happens to you. There is also information on the site for adults about domestic violence and the effect it has on children and young people.
West Midlands rape and sexual abuse centre https://www.wmrsasc.org.uk/
West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for individuals who have experienced any kind of rape, sexual violence, sexual abuse or sexual assault at any time in their lives.
c. Other areas of support for families
Young carers support https://www.wisherefordshire.org/looking-after-someone/young-carers/#:~:text=Herefordshire%20Council%20has%20a%20Young,other%20organisations%20which%20can%20help.
ACT (Action counters terroism) https://act.campaign.gov.uk/
If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives. It only takes a moment to make a report online. In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999. You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. Every year thousands of reports from the public help the police keep communities safe from terrorism.
Lets Talk about it https://www.ltai.info/staying-safe-online/
Radicalisation: There are many different types of individuals, organisations and institutions that may be targeted by extremist groups. They may try to take advantage of these individuals or institutions as a way to share their story with others, particularly with people who may be vulnerable to their messages. Let’s Talk About It advocates the value of a strong and united community, prioritising the need for consistent awareness of the threat of radicalisation to become a part of our daily lives.
Hope Support http://www.hopesupport.org.uk/
Hope are here to help young people aged 11 and over through a family health crisis. There are different ways of getting our support but wherever you live, Hope has something for you. We support young people when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, such as cancer. Led by two Y-Teams, we’re a truly youth-led service.
4. Online safety for your child____________________________________
Safers School https://oursaferschools.co.uk/
The safer schools app is currently freely available for all parents and students at JMHS . It provides updated information and alerts on a range of online safety topics. Please contact your Year Leader for further details.
Childnet https://www.childnet.com/
Working directly with children and young people from the ages of 3 to 18 on a weekly basis, as well as parents, carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real experiences online, and the positive things they are doing as well as sharing safety advice.
NSPCC: On line safety https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
The leading children’s charity in the UK, specialising in child protection and dedicated to protecting children today to prevent abuse tomorrow. The only UK children’s charity with statutory powers, which means they can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse. Advise on a range of things,from setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps.
Safer internet https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
Provides online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
Internet Watch Foundation https://report.iwf.org.uk/en
Anonymously and confidentially report images and videos related to child abuse Reporting is quick, easy and anonymous and it can lead to the rescue of a child victim from further abuse.
5. Drug, Alcohol and Gamer/Gambling Support Organisations__________________________
Talk to Frank
https://www.talktofrank.com/ Launched by the Home Office to encourage young people to talk, FRANK offers information about the harms of drugs. Teenagers are encouraged to reconsider what they know about drugs and where to find reliable information about the risks.
We are with you (formerly addaction)
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/ Provides free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health. Operate locally.
Rehab4Addiction
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/ Imparting advice for people seeking drug and alcohol rehab clinics in the UK.
Young Gamers and Gambling (YGAM)
https://parents.ygam.org/about-ygam-parent-hub/ The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) is a national charity with a social purpose to inform, educate and safeguard young and vulnerable people, helping them build resilience and understand the potential harms caused by gambling and gaming. Parents can often feel overwhelmed in a world of constantly advancing technology and YGAM is keen to provide simple, usable resources to help parents have honest and open conversations with their children around the topics of gaming and gambling.
6. General Youth Organisations___________________________________
No Wrong Door
http://www.hvoss.org.uk/categories/young-people-and-youth-groups/no-wrong-door-project.aspx
A local organisation designed by young people and practitioners, No Wrong Door (NWD) provides a focal point to access help with information, support and guidance services, including mental health and wellbeing, drug and alcohol cessation, family crises and lets young people (aged 11 – 25 yrs) in Herefordshire know what’s going on. Open weekdays from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Barnados
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do – A national charity that aims to protect, support and nurture the UK’s most vulnerable children. Their website has a range of information and signposts to their services.
The Mix
https://www.themix.org.uk/ The Mix is the one of the UK’s leading support service for young people. They are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them on confidential helplines or online.
The Children’s Society
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-services/climb – A leading UK charity which campaigns and offers support and information on a wide range of childhood issues including mental health, child poverty and exploitation.