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Understand what happens to your brain at exam time

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Understand what happens to your brain at exam time

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What happens to your teenage brain at exam time?

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Youth Experience Group - share your views!

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Youth Experience Group - share your views!

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To sign up email thehive@togsmind.org or call 0161 330 9223

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Book on to webinars for young people in Greater Manchester, covering topics such as:

Anxiety

Belonging (Children's Mental Health Week)

Staying calm in exam season

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The 5 Ways to Feel Good are activities that have been scientifically proven to boost your mood.

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Wellbeing resources and mental health support for children and young people

It's good to talk...

Sometimes all you need is to share how you feel with someone you can trust. Is there anyone you can talk to about how you are feeling?

Maybe:

Your family members or friends.

People at school - teachers, school counsellors, friends?

People outside of school - sports coach, dance instructor, club leader, someone from within your faith community?

There are also plenty of ways you can help yourself to feel better at home. Finding ways to relax and unwind such as listening to music or writing down your thoughts and feelings.

I need information and advice

There's lots of online support and advice available.

Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children and families. Their wellbeing resources aim to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing. Their pages have been co-produced by young people to help other young people. Self-Care Resources For Young People | Anna Freud

The Children's Society provide specialist support that empowers young people to make positive changes and rediscover their hope. Wellbeing Activities | The Children's Society

Free online wellbeing programme: SilverCloud - aged 16 years+ Online programmes to help ease your levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience. You can choose to use any of the programmes. They are self-help, confidential and secure. gm.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

Free online programmes for parents and carers. Supporting an Anxious Child (for parents and carers of children aged 5 to 11) and Supporting and Anxious Teen (for parents and carers of teenagers aged 12 to 18) instant access to self-help support: gm.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

NHS Greater Manchester. These resources provide guidance and information that has been quality assured by a Clinical Psychologist in Greater Manchester. There are resources for young children, teens and parents and carers on: Low mood; Anxiety; OCD; ADHD

Eating disorders. NHS Greater Manchester have created a leaflet with advice about eating disorders and the support available across Greater Manchester Eating disorders support in Greater Manchester Beat is the UK's eating disorders charity, their website has lots of information about eating disorders and advice on getting help and how to talk to people Beat - beat eating disorders

Self-harm. NHS Greater Manchester have created this advice for young people, parents and carers about why people may self-harm, how to talk about it and strategies to help young people manage their emotions: Self-harm: A Guide for young people and Self-harm: A guide for parents and carers

Trauma.

1. Greater Manchester Resilience Hub resources: A guide to understanding and managing trauma: This guide is for children and young people. It looks at what trauma is, how you might be feeling, triggers, and some things that can help and Looking after your child following trauma: This guide is helpful if your child, or a child you look after, has been involved in a traumatic situation.

2. UK Trauma Council videos. These videos have been created by UK Trauma Council, a project by Anna Freud to help children and young people following traumatic events and experiences: Coping with scary and distressing memories, Picking up the pieces: young people on trauma and Thoughts about accessing mental health support

I need someone to talk to

Kooth: Free digital mental wellbeing support. Join the community and access free, safe and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Support available includes: Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals; Self-help tools and activities; Online community Kooth (for ages 10 to 25) www.kooth.com

ChildLine is the UK's free helpline for children and young people. It provides confidential telephone counselling service for any child with a problem. It comforts, advises and protects. Phone: 0800 1111 (24 hours, 7 days a week) www.childline.org.uk/

Papyrus runs a national helpline, HOPELineUK, including text and email services, staffed by a team of mental health professionals who provide practical help and advice to vulnerable young people (under 35 years) and to those concerned about any young person who may be at risk of suicide. Phone: 0800 068 41 41. www.papyrus-uk.org/

Samaritans volunteers listen in confidence to anyone in any type of emotional distress, without judging or telling people what to do. Call 0116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (24 hours, 7 days a week) www.samaritans.org/

YoungMinds Parents' Helpline is a free, confidential helpline for any adult who is concerned about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25. Phone: 0808 802 5544. www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline-and-webchat/ If you need help speaking to someone Young Minds have produced a useful guide to reaching our for help www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/reaching-out-for-help/

Need more help?

NHS Talking Therapies (for anxiety and depression). Psychological treatments, including cognitive behaviour therapy, are effective in treating anxiety and depression and are often recommended first, particularly for mild to moderate anxiety and depression. If you are aged 16+ you can make a self-referral to NHS Talking Therapies (for anxiety and depression).You can find the service in your area here

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are an NHS service that assesses and treats young people (aged 11 to 18) with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. Support covers depression, problems with food, self-harm, abuse, violence or anger, bipolar, schizophrenia and anxiety, to name a few.

1. Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop www.penninecare.nhs.uk/camhs

2. Bolton and Wigan www.gmmh.nhs.uk/child-and-adolescent/

3. Manchester, Salford and Trafford https://mft.nhs.uk/rmch/services/camhs/

CAMHS Resources. This site was created for young people, carers and professionals to pool together lots of helpful resources from across the internet that are available to help support your mental health and well-being. HOME | CAMHS Resources

I need urgent help

Mental health crisis support. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option if you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis. Available 24/7, you'll speak to a mental health professional who can help you find the right support.
If there's an immediate risk to life ring 999 or go to A&E.

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Wellbeing resources and mental health support for children and young people - Mental Health

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Wellbeing resources and mental health support for children and young people

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Self-care is about the things we can do to look after our own mental health. Young people told us that when they are struggling they are usually told to see a professional. They don't often get much advice about how they could help themselves.

We spoke to professionals and looked at academic research. Then we drew up a list of strategies young people use (you can see the process in this self-care infographic). We also published a report following a consultation with young people and their families online.

We're sharing these strategies with you to help you to manage your wellbeing. It's up to you to decide what helps. If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn't, stop and try something else. And you can help us build an evidence-base for these activities by letting us know what works by clicking on the 'Did this activity help your mental wellbeing' button on each page. This will help us decide which ones to research further. We've also created a booklet to help you create your own self-care plan as part of our and another booklet with advice for young parents and carers on looking after their wellbeing.

These activities are not a substitute for seeing a mental health professional. Sometimes we need outside help and advice. Getting help is good. No-one should feel bad about it. That's what this site is about.

This self-care section was developed by Common Room and young people from mental health support group Hearts & Minds.

These strategies were identified by young people aged 11-25 though some strategies might not be appropriate for all ages without support or guidance of a trusted adult.

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Resources to enable the prioritisation of mental health and wellbeing

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Exam results - tips from Shout Volunteers

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Exam results - tips from Shout Volunteers

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Exam results: support from Shout Volunteers

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If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed about exam results you’re not alone. Our Shout Volunteers share their lessons in things they would tell their younger selves about how results don’t define them. Get support today

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Childline advice about school and college

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Childline advice about school and college

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Info and advice Menu. Press ALT and ENTER to access submenu.

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Exam Stress | How To Deal with Exam Stress

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It's normal to feel a bit worried about exams, but sometimes they can make you feel anxious or depressed. Find out how you can deal with exam stress.

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Information to help young people to understand exam stress

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Information for 11-18 year olds – Exam stress

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We explain what exam stress is and how it can affect your mental health. Find advice on how to cope with exam stress and where to go for support.

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Wellbeing Action Plan for children | Charlie Waller Trust

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For teachers of Key stage 2/3 to guide conversations with a pupil to help them identify their strengths and manage their wellbeing

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This booklet is designed for young people who feel anxious about going to school

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Stockport School Anxiety (Young People) FINAL

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Alumina - Free online support around self-harm

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Alumina - Free online support around self-harm

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Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 14 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones, tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. You don’t need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions – you’ll just join in via the chatbox.

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"Since starting alumina it's become the highlight of my week. It's such a safe, non judgemental place which has really helped me in my recovery."

Max

"If you're thinking about joining I'd say go for it, the team are lovely and everyone who does it is so welcoming and supportive"

Abi

Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 14 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones, tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. You don't need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions - you'll just join in via the chatbox. We want to help you to find your next steps towards recovery, wherever you are on your journey.

IS ALUMINA RIGHT FOR ME?

Are you...

10-17 years old?

Living in the UK?

Someone who self-harms or worries they might?

Looking for support but not wanting to do it face to face?

Wanting to move towards a life free from self-harm?

If so...

Alumina could be a helpful step forward. If you sign up we'll begin a conversation over email to work out if it might be a good fit - and you can ask us any questions you have. The only rule we have in Alumina is that we don't talk about suicide in the groups. If that's something you are struggling with thinking about we recommend getting in touch with our friends at Papyrus who are better equipped to support you.

"I thought it would be all serious and uncomfortable because of the self-harm talk but actually, the staff have made me laugh, we've been given a space that feels relevant to our ages and most importantly we can turn up in any mood and they'll be there for us." Runa

What's a session like?

"Clicking on the link for the first time was nerve wracking and intense with lots of thoughts going through my head. But within only a few minutes of the session I had a smile on my face and felt comfortable with the staff and the group."

Sasha

"Alumina was quite different to what I expected, I thought it would just be an intense 6 weeks and it would be over like other services. But it was nothing like that - instead I felt and still feel very supported by the staff. The group and staff are like a big family who's always there for me."

Samara

"Clicking that link for the very first time was terrifying. But I knew it could be life-changing. The first session I felt welcome, I no longer felt like an outsider. It's fun, believe me!! Most days I find myself looking forward to the next session because Alumina gives me a sign of hope."

Dan

Questions

We aren't a crisis service so if you're in need of immediate support please contact one of the following:

The Mix: Offering essential support for anyone aged 12-25. For their crisis messenger support service text THEMIX to 85258.
Childline: Support for anyone up to age 18. Call, chat online or email their crisis service.
Samaritans: Call 116123 anytime if you need to talk to someone.

We've changed the shape of our support for young people. This website introduces Alumina, our online support groups for young people struggling with self-harm. We've also recently launched beheadstrong.uk offering young people all kinds of information, stories and videos about looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing. You can find links to some of selfharm.co.uk's most popular articles below.

Yes we have! We have worked with 14-19 year olds for many years but we have always heard from people who are younger (or those who care about them) asking if we do anything for younger people. Then from September 2022 we reduced our age range to 11, and found how important it was to support this age range and that our Early Intervention project was great for this age range. Therefore, from October 2023 we will be aiming our work at young people in secondary school or college (or equivalent) and those transitioning to secondary school and our age range has reduced to 10-17 years old. If you're under 13 we will need to get permission from someone with parental responsibility for you, and we will email them to explain how Alumina works and make sure they are happy with you joining a group.

We aim to group similar aged young people into groups together, so 10-13-year-olds will be offered groups together and 13-17 year olds will be in other groups together. We are happy to work with anyone until the end of their full-time education, therefore we will work with 17- and 18-year-olds so long as they are three months or more away from finishing their education at the end of August.

Meet the team

Live Webinars

We have recently started to do live webinars on YouTube on issues related to self-harm and emotional wellbeing

Supporting Young People Who Self-harm

If you're a parent, professional or friend supporting a young person who's self-harming, we recommend taking an hour to watch this webinar with our Alumina Managers. They explore why people self-harm, why young people especially self-harm, why it becomes addictive, how to break the addiction cycle, and what young people wish the adults around them understood about self-harm.

"Alumina is a well thought through support service for young people; it is professional, caring and accessible to all. Signposting a young person to Alumina will help them begin their recovery journey."

DR. KATE MIDDLETON

Our Alumina advisory panel

More information about self-harm

We've moved some of our most popular articles about self-harm over to beheadstrong.uk, and you can use these links to find them:

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Free online Self-harm support for 10-17 year olds

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"Since starting alumina it's become the highlight of my week. It's such a safe, non judgemental place which has really helped me in my recovery." Max "If you're thinking about joining I'd say go for it, the team are lovely and everyone who does it is so welcoming and supportive" Abi Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm.

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Please see our Padlet for parents and carers

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Use the code REDROCK to access for free at https://togetherness.co.uk/mul/stockport/

Complete the activities in your own time

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For girls age 11-17, Wednesdays 6-7.30pm

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For girls age 11-17, Tuesdays 4-5pm

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Kooth Support Guide for young people experiencing self-harm

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Kooth Support Guide for young people experiencing self-harm

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If you are struggling with self-harm, you can reach out for support and look for ways to help you reduce your behaviours and urges

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Mental Health Support for Young People leaflet

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Mental Health Support for Young People leaflet

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Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

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24/7

You can text us any time, day or night.

Confidential

Your messages with us are confidential and anonymous.

Free

It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK.

Get involved

Donations doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Simply support Shout's Big Give campaign by midday on 5 December, and your donation will be doubled!

Can you help us hit our match funding target of £50,000 and support a further 5,000 people this winter?

Find out more

Get help

Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

Find out more

I think Shout saved my life tonight... no one has ever made me feel so safe, listened to and understood

Shout texter

GET HELP

Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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Connecting with others can be life-changing. That’s why we’re here to make sure you get the support you need, through practical tips and advice from our charity partners, as well as information on getting the support you need.

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We’re here to make sure you get the support you need, through practical tips and advice from our charity partners, as well as information on getting the support you need.

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Out There is a registered charity providing emotional and practical support and an information service for families of prisoners in Greater Manchester.

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Out There (SFOP) Charity - Manchester 0161 232 8986

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Out There is a registered charity providing emotional and practical support and an information service for families of prisoners in Greater Manchester.

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Resources to help you make informed choices about your mental health & wellbeing

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Resources to help you make informed choices about your mental health & wellbeing

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Our children and young people's wellbeing resources aim to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health & wellbeing. These pages have been co-produced by young people to help other young people.

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Our children and young people's wellbeing resources aim to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health & wellbeing. These pages have been co-produced by young people to help other young people.

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0800 1111 to speak to someone about anything that's worrying you

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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Young Minds - mental health help and advice

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Young Minds - mental health help and advice

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

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For young people age 11-17 years

Register or refer a young person online

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SHINE Early Intervention Support | Beacon Counselling

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Develop your skills to support your own emotional wellbeing, build resilience and confidence with SHINE’s wellbeing and art group. Free to access for For 11-17 years in Stockport.

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Our community eating disorders service provides care and support to children and young people with an eating disorder.

We also offer advice and support to families, carers, and those who work with, or support, a child or young person.
Our service is based at two hubs:
North - covering Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, and Oldham

- covering Stockport, Tameside and Glossop

We offer children and young people a full assessment and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approved care, advice, and treatment.

This includes:

Assessment: This is the first step in understanding your difficulties and is a face to face meeting. Sometimes we see you and your family once only-it all depends on need.

Therapeutic interventions: If you want to access help and support for your eating disorder we can offer a range of family and individual interventions.

Dietetic support and advice: A dietician's job is to help you and your familiy to understand the nutritional and physiological impact that disordered eating can have. This could be bespoke meal plans, or advice about portion sizes or appropriate foods.

Physical health monitoring: This is done by measuring height and weight, and checking blood pressure and pulse. Sometimes you may need blood tests and other medical investigations and we can arrange this if necessary.

Consultation and training: We can offer support and advice to schools, colleges, GPs and other professionals as well as bespoke training packages about a variety of eating disorders and body image-related issues.

Liaison with other professionals: We often talk to people in your life who can help, when this is necessary.

Parent and carer support: We offer a parent and carer group on a regular basis for those whose children and young people who are in treatment. This is for support, advice, and a space to share personal experience and hear and learn from others.

Where the service is based

We deliver the service in two teams:

North - based on Tenterden Street in Bury (this covers Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, and Oldham)

- based at Stopford House in Stockport (this covers Stockport, Tameside and Glossop)

Click the links above for contact details and directions.

​​​

How to get an appointment

Our service is available to those aged between 8 and 18 years.

Aged under 16 years

If you're under 16, your parent/carer, any health professional, child care, educational or local authority professional can refer you to us.

Simply complete this referral form and email to pcn-tr.ceds@nhs.net

Aged over 16 years

You can refer yourself (if you are aged 16-18) to us.

A parent, carer, or anyone who works with you, or supports you, can also make a referral on your behalf - but they must have your permission first.

Simply complete this referral form and email it to pcn-tr.ceds@nhs.net

Need urgent help or advice

If you need urgent or emergency help for either your physical and/or mental health, please go to your nearest accident and emergency department.

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Community eating disorders service :: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

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LGBT+ support for young people

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The Proud Trust is an LGBT+ organisation that supports LGBT+ young people through youth groups, peer support, mentoring programs and the Proud Connections chat service.

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HOPELINE247 advisers want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe.

For children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide

For anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide

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HOPELINE247 | Papyrus UK | Suicide Prevention Charity

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Are you having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for someone who feels suicidal? Then contact HOPELINE247 for free confidential support on 0800 068 4141.

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Healthy Stockport - information on mental health support for children and young people

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Healthy Stockport - information on mental health support for children and young people

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How to look after your mental health

5 Ways to wellbeing

Evidence shows that there are 5 things we all need in our lives to improve our wellbeing. These are:

Connect: Connecting with other people and having people close to us who we can confide in

Be active: Physical activity is not just good for our bodies, it's good for our minds too

Take notice: In our busy lives, we do not often take the time to relax and enjoy our surroundings. Being mindful of what's going on around us improves our wellbeing

Keep learning: Our brains respond well when we take up a new hobby or learn a new skill and continue to challenge ourselves

Give: Do something nice for a friend or relative, help out with a good cause, raise money for charity or smile at strangers. When we do something good for other people, it's good for us, too

Visit the Mind Your Way website to find out more about the 5 ways to wellbeing.

Help in your library

Every library in Stockport has a selection of self-help books and support materials relating to mental health. Visit the Stockport Council website to find information about mood boosting books.

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Find information about how to look after your mental health and the support available.

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NHS 111 option 2 provides 24/7 access to crisis mental health support, connecting you with trained mental health professionals for immediate assistance. Call 111 and select option 2 to talk to someone. You can also use NHS 111 online to check your symptoms and get advice.

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Check your mental health symptoms - NHS 111

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If you’re worried about a mental health symptom, answer some questions and we will tell you what to do next.

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Online mental health and wellbeing counselling and support for young people aged 11-18