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.  

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 or Text THEMIX to 85258

Harry's Rainbow 

Milton Keynes based charity supporting bereaved children

Telephone: 01908 061676 

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)

Shout 

Shout 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. 

You Mental CIC 

The provision of early intervention and prevention mental health and wellbeing support to young people in Milton Keynes. The offer is designed to be accessible, flexible, and offer a trusted point of support. 

The services include Education & Training, Outreach including Wellbeing Hubs, Advocacy & Participation, and Support Services. Further details can be found by visiting the website or by an email to us. 

Wellbeing Hubs - Safe spaces for 11-18 year olds to access early intervention and prevention mental health and wellbeing support. No thresholds, No referrals, and No appointments needed, simply drop-in whenever you like. You can find us at Walnut Tree Sports Pavilion, Bourton Low, MK7 7DE. Every Tuesday (during term time) between 4:30-6pm.

You can:

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

Click on the service name to access their website.

MK Wellbeing Service 

The MK Wellbeing service offers a safe space for young people to discuss their mental health & wellbeing. It aims to provide support at the earliest possible stage and intervention for those who may be feeling low, unhappy or sad. For example, confidence building, stress management skills and support to improve resilience.

MK Wellbeing is being delivered in collaboration between CNWL, Relate MK and Service Six. You can access the service or make a referral by emailing cnwl.mkwellbeingservice@nhs.net . Young people can also self-refer.

Shout 

Shout 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. 

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

Opal project 

The OPAL Project is supporting children and young people in Milton Keynes aged 10-18 who are using Self Harm and Risk Taking Behaviours to become stronger, understand their feelings and to cope better with every day situations and live a healthier and happier life.

Please find further information here. 

 

 

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

Our CAMHS service offer

Information on our CAMHS service offer can be found here. 

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

Shout 

Shout 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. 

Young People Sanctuary for Milton Keynes

Mind’s Young Person’s Sanctuaries are safe, non-judgemental spaces where young people aged 14-17 can come if they find themselves in crisis or mental distress in the evenings. There is no need to call ahead or book an appointment. A young person can simply drop-in and they will be met by a trained youth mental health professional who will listen carefully and help identify ways to address the problems they are facing. The teams will also be able to refer and signpost to other services if required.

The sanctuary is now open at CAMHS Eaglestone Health Centre, Standing Way, Milton Keynes, MK6 5AZ. It is open from 4pm to 10pm 7 days a week. It is also open on Saturday between 4pm and 10pm. For more information about the Sanctuary, please see the attached flyer and visit the local Mind website

Drug and alcohol support services for young people

Why and how we can help you

Drug and alcohol misuse has multiple risks to your development and health. The damage done during childhood can impact your future, limiting your physical and education development. Many adults with established drug misuse problems started using drugs as a young person

You may benefit greatly from support and advice for drug and alcohol use. This support is geared to help you cope with exam stress, schoolwork and the other pressures you may face including family breakdowns and domestic abuse.

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

Young People Sanctuary for Milton Keynes

Mind’s Young Person’s Sanctuaries are safe, non-judgemental spaces where young people aged 14-17 can come if they find themselves in crisis or mental distress in the evenings. There is no need to call ahead or book an appointment. A young person can simply drop-in and they will be met by a trained youth mental health professional who will listen carefully and help identify ways to address the problems they are facing. The teams will also be able to refer and signpost to other services if required.

The sanctuary is now open at CAMHS Eaglestone Health Centre, Standing Way, Milton Keynes, MK6 5AZ. It is open from 4pm to 10pm 7 days a week. It is also open on Saturday between 4pm and 10pm. For more information about the Sanctuary, please see the attached flyer and visit the local Mind website

Young person sanctuary social story 

ICASH Poster 

Crisis Cafe Milton Keynes 

For young people aged 18+ 

If you or someone you know needs urgent or crisis support with their mental health, we are here for you. Our Crisis Café operates 365 days of the year, seven days a week, between 5.00pm – 11.00pm. If you find yourself in crisis or need support with your mental health in the evening we are here to listen and help you in your time of need.

 

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

Text the Mix 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: 88247 / Email

CALM

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

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

 

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)

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

 

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.

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)

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)

 

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)

Beat (Eating disorders)

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.

This toolkit is designed to help you support World Mental Health Day

Information on the World Mental health Day 2024 lunch and learn webinar can be found here.