Mental health support available for children and young people in Lancashire and South Cumbria

The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions can be especially tough for children and young people. Parents and carers in Lancashire and South Cumbria are reminded that there is support here for them.

Health and care organisations across Lancashire and South Cumbria would like to reassure children and young people, parents, and carers that the NHS is here for you when you need it and there are also online resources available.

Elaine Walker, Integrated Emotional Health and Wellbeing Manager for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

"Parents and carers may be able to spot signs that their children are struggling, such as a difficulty sleeping, eating, or managing their emotions. They might appear in a low mood, more withdrawn or tearful. We want to make sure when they spot these signs, they know what support and resources are available for them.

Some of our mental health services may be accessed a bit differently at the moment to keep our patients and staff safe, but they remain open to support our young people. It is now more important than ever to look out for our children and young people and to help them access the support they need. We know it is not easy to talk about mental health, we would really like to encourage young people to have open conversations about their wellbeing, and to reach out for help when they need it."

Peter Tinson, Executive Lead for Out of Hospital Services at Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, said:

"Making sure that support and advice is available for children, young people, parents and carers when they need it is really important. In addition to the mental health helplines for children and young people for urgent help, there are some excellent online resources which have been developed by partners across Lancashire and South Cumbria on Healthy Young Minds, a website which focuses on many common issues such as anxiety or low mood.

It’s important that if you are struggling with your mental health, you remember that you are not alone, and support is available."

The following mental health support is available

• The new NHS Mental Health Urgent Response Line (for all ages) is staffed by medical professionals to help people who need immediate advice or assistance, for themselves or a friend or family member: call 0800 953 0110 (24/7)
• East Lancashire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service helpline: 01282 804806 (8am to 8pm) or call 0800 953 0110 (out of hours)
• Blackpool Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service helpline: 01253 957160 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or 07810 696565 (out of hours)
• The Healthy Young Minds website focuses on many common issues such as anxiety or low mood. There are resources for children and young people, parents and carers and professionals

The following national helplines and websites are also available

• Childline call 0800 1111
• The Samaritans call 116 123
• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
• Papyrus Hopeline UK suicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
• The Mix call 0808 808 4994 (Sunday to Friday 2pm til 11pm)
• If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight every day).