You can:

• Talk to a Teacher, School mentor, School mental health Lead or Counsellor
• Talk to a School Nurse or Health Visitor
• Access Chat Health
• Visit a Children and Family Centre for advice and suggestions of services available
• Access free Mental Health Support via text, a helpline or website 

Click on the service name to access their website.

School Nursing

School Nurses can support on a one to one basis virtually or in school where there is a need for talking therapy and guidance with issues of exam pressure, relationships and other health issues or conditions. 

0-19 team Single Point of Access can direct any enquires to the relevant school nurse team on any day.

Please see contact details for the following areas:

Milton Keynes 0-19 Universal Health Service (Health Visitors and School Nurses)

Tel: 01908 725100 (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm)

ChatHealth

ChatHealth is a text service for young people aged 11-19 (or aged 25 with SEND) to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues or make an appointment with a school nurse. They can also find out how to access other local services including emotional support or sexual health services.
Chat Health Milton Keynes TEXT 07480 635517

Children and Family Centres

We offer support and activities for families from 17 Children and Family Centres across Milton Keynes. These centres are hubs of activities and services for families and the local community

All of our Children and Family Centres offer a range of services for families from pregnancy to 5 years old. Our Family Centres also have services for families with children up to the age of 19 years, support the community with sessions and support for adults who may not have children or whose children may have grown and left home.

Mental Health Support lines are a good source of information

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.

Childline  

Offers online advice through an app or desktop site, with coping strategies, message boards, “ask Sam” feature, 24/7 online 1-2-1 Counsellor and Freephone helpline for young people up to the age of 19

Tel: 0800 1111

Young Minds 

Free 24/7mental health crisis support across the UK by text service

Text: YM to 85258 / Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544 

The Mix 

For any issue affecting young people under 25.  Crisis messenger text service 24/7 crisis support across the UK

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 or Text THEMIX to 85258

NSPCC

Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.

Telephone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline)

0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (24-hour helpline)

Reflect / Shout 

Reflect is a free, confidential and 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who needs advice or help. It is delivered by trained volunteers and clinicians who are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed or not quite themselves. It is part of the wider network of Shout services across the UK.

Need Support? Find information on Reflect / Shout 

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) for Reflect

You can:

• Access digital support via Shout/Reflect
• Access the Mental Health Support Team (See the link below to see schools with service in MK)
• Access Youth Information Service (YIS)
• Access Service Six
• Access support from Early Help services

Click on the service name to access their website.

Reflect / Shout 

Reflect is a free, confidential and 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who needs advice or help. It is delivered by trained volunteers and clinicians who are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed or not quite themselves. It is part of the wider network of Shout services across the UK.

Need Support? Find information on Reflect / Shout 

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) for Reflect

Mental Health Support Teams

The Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) are an early intervention service who work in partnership with local schools to offer a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing.

The team works with primary and secondary schools and colleges, in parts of Bletchley, Central Milton Keynes, Wolverton and Stantonbury, delivering evidence-based interventions to support young people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Check with your school to find out if they are working in collaboration with the MHST. If in doubt, call 01908 725692 for clarification or signposting.

This is a service that supports children and young people, aged 5 to 18, and their families, with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. This includes anxiety and/or depression needs

MHSTs work with children and young people, parents/carers, school staff, and external specialist services. They provide support through:

• Training and workshops for both schools and parents
• Group programmes
• 1:1 interventions where indicated by need

We offer individual and group work through effective, low-intensity, interventions for children, young people, and their families, who are experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Behavioural difficulties

We collaborate with schools to champion a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing, empowering them to support the wellbeing of all their students and staff

Milton Keynes mental health school teams can be contacted on

Tel: 01908 725691 

The Mix 

For advice, help and support for any issue affecting young people under 25.  Crisis messenger text service 24/7 crisis support across the UK

You can:

• Access digital support via Kooth
• Access the Mental Health Support Team (See the link below to see schools with service in MK)
• Access Youth Information Service (YIS)
• Access Service Six
• Access support from Early Help services

The Mix 

For advice, help and support for any issue affecting young people under 25.  Crisis messenger text service 24/7 crisis support across the UK

Tel: 0808 808 4994 or Text THEMIX to 85258

Service Six Youth Starz 

The project activities include:
• Bespoke 1:1 support and mentoring packages
• Peer Support Groups
• Building Resilience Awareness Talks
• Workshops
• Group Work Programmes
• The development of Wellbeing Champions

Tel: 01933 277520

Early Help

Early Help is a term used to describe an approach to providing support for children, young people and their families as soon as problems start to emerge.

Early Help is designed to support families build on their existing strengths and build capacity and resilience to identify their own solutions.

Early Help can be accessed via your children’s school, a health professional or local family centre.

They will work with you to complete an Early Help Assessment (EHA), which is used by agencies to identify your family’s needs and strengths.

You might be invited to a Team Around the Family (TAF) meeting so that your needs can be shared with other relevant agencies and a plan of action will be agreed with you. You should always receive a copy of any notes taken at this meeting including any agreed actions.

You might also be supported with advice and guidance on a range of issues or signposted to other local specialist and community support services

Early help | Milton Keynes Council (milton-keynes.gov.uk

Click on the service name to access their website.

What is CAMHS?

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides outpatient assessments, support and treatment for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems. The service works to provide them with a greater knowledge of their condition and improve coping techniques.  

They provide help to children and to the wider family, including those with living with foster parents, adopted children and young people living in children’s homes. The service may see children and adolescents on their own, with their parents or with their family, and may also see parents on their own.

CAMHS support CYP with the following moderate to severe mental health needs

• Significant behaviour problems
• Depression
• Self-harm
• Anxiety disorders (including phobias)
• Obsession/compulsion
• Tic disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Eating disorders
• Family relationship problems
• Trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis

A referral can be made into CAMHS by another professional e.g.GP, Health Visitor, Teacher or the young person can self refer by contacting our Single Point of Access (SPA) Team on 01908 724228 or by emailing cnw-tr.mkspcamhsspa@nhs.net

You may also want to contact:

Samaritans

Talk to us on the phone

Whatever you're going through, call us free any time for free 24/7, from any phone, on 116 123.

Write us an email

Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.

jo@samaritans.org response time: 24 hours

Reflect / Shout 

Reflect is a free, confidential and 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who needs advice or help. It is delivered by trained volunteers and clinicians who are available around the clock to listen and support anyone who is feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed or not quite themselves. It is part of the wider network of Shout services across the UK.

Need Support? Find information on Reflect / Shout 

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) for Reflect

Mental health crisis support is available 24/7 across Milton Keynes

We have fully trained professionals ready to support young people experiencing a mental health crisis. This is available 24 hours a day all year round via A&E at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

How does the service help?

The service helps by providing a full assessment within 4 hours pf presentation at A&E when a young person is in crisis.  We can advise and direct you to the most appropriate services.

When should people contact the service?

The service is available 24/7. If you feel as though you're in a mental health crisis or believe a friend or family member is then please report this on arrival at A&E

How does the service help people who don't speak English?

Don't worry if English is not your first language. As well as working within a diverse multilingual team we also have access to an interpreting service.

Milton Keynes University Hospital A&E, Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD

Click on the service name to access their website.

Samaritans

Talk to us on the phone

Whatever you're going through, call us free any time for free 24/7, from any phone, on 116 123.

Write us an email

Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.

jo@samaritans.org response time: 24 hours

SHOUT

Our trained volunteers are there for you 24/7 to listen and support you to get to a calmer and safe place. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service for anyone in the UK. It won’t appear on your phone bill.

How it works:

1. Text

To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. If you’re feeling low, anxious, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, suicidal or not quite yourself, we are here for you.

2. Connect

Once you text us you’ll receive four automated messages before you are connected to one of our empathetic Shout Volunteers. This will usually be within 5 minutes, but if we are busy it can take longer.

3. Chat

The volunteer will introduce themselves and ask you to share a bit more about what’s bothering you. This might include feeling anxious, having relationship problems, addiction, depression, bullying, self-harm and suicide. You will text back and forth and share what you feel comfortable with.

4. Plan

The goal of the conversation is to help you reach a calm and safe place, with a plan of how to support yourself going forwards. As well as listening without judgement, our volunteers may provide you with further resources or tools to help you get more expert support

5. Calm

As the conversation comes to a close we encourage you to reflect on the thoughts, feelings and experiences you've explored, how you want things to be and how you may be able to get there. You'll be safe in the knowledge that if you're in distress again and struggling to cope that we're here 24/7. Conversations tend to last around 45-60 minutes

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.

Click on the service name to access their website.

For Children & Young people:

Childline  

Offers online advice through an app or desktop site, with coping strategies, message boards, “ask Sam” feature, 24/7 online 1-2-1 Counsellor and Freephone helpline for young people up to the age of 19

Tel: 0800 1111

Young Minds 

Free 24/7mental health crisis support across the UK by text service

Text: YM to 85258 / Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544 

The Mix 

For any issue affecting young people under 25.  Crisis messenger text service 24/7 crisis support across the UK

Papyrus 

Offers a range of support to prevent the suicide of young people. This includes ‘Hopeline UK’ for those who are thinking of suicide:

Tel: 0800 068 41 41 / Text: 07786 209 697 / Email

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Abuse (child, sexual, domestic violence)

NSPCC

Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.

Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline)

0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (24-hour helpline)

Beat (Eating disorders)

Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)

For Adults and Parents/Carers:

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm)

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Men's Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Tel: 0808 808 4994 or Text THEMIX to 85258

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

OCD Action

Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. 

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm)

Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most

Peer support forum

Refuge

Advice on dealing with domestic violence.

Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)

Addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling)

Alcoholics Anonymous

Phone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)

National Gambling Helpline

Phone: 0808 8020 133 (daily, 8am to midnight)

Narcotics Anonymous

Phone: 0300 999 1212 (daily, 10am to midnight)

Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Care

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.

For Children & Young people:

Childline  

Offers online advice through an app or desktop site, with coping strategies, message boards, “ask Sam” feature, 24/7 online 1-2-1 Counsellor and Freephone helpline for young people up to the age of 19

Tel: 0800 1111

Young Minds 

Free 24/7mental health crisis support across the UK by text service

Text: YM to 85258 / Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544 

The Mix

For any issue affecting young people under 25.  Crisis messenger text service 24/7 crisis support across the UK

Tel: 0808 808 4994 or Text THEMIX to 85258

Papyrus 

Offers a range of support to prevent the suicide of young people. This includes ‘Hopeline UK’ for those who are thinking of suicide:

Tel: 0800 068 41 41 / Text: 07786 209 697 / Email

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Abuse (child, sexual, domestic violence)

NSPCC

Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.

Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline)

0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (24-hour helpline)

Beat (Eating disorders)

Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)

For Adults and Parents/Carers:

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm)

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Men's Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

OCD Action

Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. 

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm)

Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most

Peer support forum

Refuge

Advice on dealing with domestic violence.

Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)

Addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling)

Alcoholics Anonymous

Phone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)

National Gambling Helpline

Phone: 0808 8020 133 (daily, 8am to midnight)

Narcotics Anonymous

Phone: 0300 999 1212 (daily, 10am to midnight)

Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Care

Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Crime victims

Victim Support

Phone: 0808 168 9111 (24-hour helpline)

Eating disorders

Beat

Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)

Learning disabilities

Mencap

Charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers.

Phone: 0808 808 1111 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Parenting

Family Lives

Advice on all aspects of parenting, including dealing with bullying.

Phone: 0808 800 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm)

Relationships

Relate

The UK's largest provider of relationship support.

The NHS Long Term Plan includes a commitment that ‘by 2023/24 children and young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic with the most complex needs will have a designated keyworker.

Initially, keyworker support will be provided to children and young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic who are inpatients in, or at risk of being admitted to, a mental health hospital. Keyworker support will then be extended to the most vulnerable children with a learning disability and/or who are autistic, including people who face multiple vulnerabilities such as looked after and adopted children, and children and young people in transition between services.’

Keyworkers will make sure that these children, young people and families get the right support at the right time. They will make sure that local systems are responsive to fully meeting the young people’s needs in a joined up way and that whenever it is possible to provide care and treatment in the community with the right support this becomes the norm.

More information about keyworkers can be found on the NHS England site.

The Teen Sleep Hub provides information and advice for young people, parents, carers and professionals working in schools. 

If you’re looking for advice on how to sleep better, would like tips on tweaking your routine or help to understand the science behind your sleep patterns, you’ll find it all here.

If you’re struggling with your feelings, you're not alone. Young Minds have loads of practical tips and advice from young people just like you, as well as information on getting the support you need. 

Young Minds have tips for dealing with back-to-school anxiety

Milton Keynes Peer Support Service - Peer support groups offer a safe space for people to share their mental health experience and recovery journey and feel heard and supported by others. More Information can be found on the Mind BLMK website. 

A directory of adult mental health services and support available to access across BLMK