# data[].attributes.body
Offering support for people who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, ranging from helpline services, support groups, courses to support and manage anxiety, webinars and therapy services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National charity helping people with Anxiety - Anxiety UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Become a Member of Anxiety UK. We pride ourselves on being user led, with many on our staff and volunteer team having personal experience of anxiety.

# data[].attributes.body
This service is an online forum that aims to: Support individuals who self-harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life.

# data[].attributes.body
A service that offers free online self-harm support for 11-19’s. They offer a free online 7 week course.

# data[].attributes.body
A service that is there to educate, offer hope, and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Information plays an important role in helping people understand and come to terms with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

We're here to educate, offer hope and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between, we are OCD-UK.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OCD-UK | A national OCD charity, run by, and for people with lived experience of OCD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information plays an important role in helping people understand and come to terms with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We're here to educate, offer hope and support people through the difficult times, right through to recovery and everything in between, we are OCD-UK.

# data[].attributes.body
A UK charity that can offer support to people who are experiencing difficulties with an eating disorder. They are able to listen, help people to understand the illness, and support them to take positive steps towards recovery. They also support family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

# data[].attributes.body
The Samaritans is a charity that is able to offer support if you’re having a difficult time or if you are worried about someone else. They will provide a listening ear if you need someone to talk to, and they will not judge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We do not tolerate behaviours that are threatening or abusive in any way. While we recognise that people who exhibit these behaviours have a right to the support they need, it's not possible for us to provide a safe and supportive space when met with threatening or abusive behaviours.

We act to prevent further contacts from callers who behave in these ways. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
Limiting or withdrawing access to our services
From time to time we may have to use the information collected about you when you contact us to make decisions about limiting access to our services. If we believe you are abusing our service or are abusive towards volunteers, we will use our system to block your calls or messages from getting through.

If you can't get through by phone, you will hear a message that explains how to contact us to discuss our decision to block you from our system.

If we take the decision to limit your access to our systems, we will make every effort to inform you as to the reason why we have restricted your access. We may ask you to give us a contact number so that a member of our Caller Support Team can call you to talk about your support needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're going through a tough time, contact us free. We won't judge you or tell you what to do. We are here to listen so you don't have to face it alone.

# data[].attributes.body
PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to content

Watch the full video

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.

My whole way of thinking has changed. I feel positive about my future and the people around me. I'm now looking forward to the future and helping others just like me!

Thank you so much for the incredible support PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 has given me. You helped me in that moment and it kept me alive.

I intend to continue to fundraise for and promote PAPYRUS. I am so proud and humbled to be involved with a wonderful charity, and to have received the support that I have.

Having been personally bereaved by suicide I understand the importance and need for our charity. I am surrounded by others who are as passionate as I am about saving lives.

* All feedback is provided by people who contact PAPYRUS. All feedback has full consent of the user and the user remains fully anonymous. Some feedback may have been adapted to keep the users anonymity.

Our latest news

Stay up to date with PAPYRUS; our news section is regularly updated with helpful advice and guidance, as well as information about our upcoming events and campaigns. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch.

Our upcoming events

Please see below some of our upcoming and exciting events including fundraisers and charity events we will be attending. For more information please get in touch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

# data[].attributes.body
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and  wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health.We want to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.headline
Support groups and contacts for   children with Autism

# data[].attributes.subject
Support groups and contacts for   children with Autism

# data[].attributes.body
A list of support available for families.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Come along to our 'drop in' sessions and meet other parents and carers of children and young people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

We offer access to symbol software, a colour printer and laminator, with opportunities to make resources at various venues.

For more information, contact:

Volunteer Parent Support

Get one-to-one support from trained volunteers through our Volunteer Parent Support if a child or young person in your family has a disability or additional needs.

York Inspirational Kids

Join York Inspirational Kids, a support group for families and carers of children with disabilities and additional needs.

There's a specific group for families with children with Autism ('Ausome Kids').

Activity groups for children with Autism

There are many activities for children and young people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome in York, including:

Disabled Children's Charter

We've signed the national Disabled Children's Charter.

YorOK has developed a local charter which sets out how those working with children, young people and families commit to improve outcomes for disabled children in York.

Also see

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
help for parents with children with additional needs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Support groups and contacts for children with Autism - City of York Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
York offers activities and support groups for children and young people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

# data[].attributes.headline
Support groups and contacts for   children with AD(H)D

# data[].attributes.subject
Support groups and contacts for   children with AD(H)D

# data[].attributes.body
A list of support available for families.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ADHD assessments take a long time to access through the NHS. But whether you are waiting for an assessment or looking for tips to support a child diagnosed with ADHD, this blog post will give you some insights and tips on how to best support them.

ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurobehavioral difference. Common ADHD signs tend to include the individual:

According to ADHD Action, 5% of children in the UK have ADHD with only a third having been given a professional diagnosis. ADHD tends to be diagnosed in children between the ages of 6 and 12, however, it is not uncommon to receive a diagnosis later in life.

What are the positives of having ADHD?

We work with several children and young people who have received a diagnosis of ADHD. Despite not being specialists in ADHD, we find one of the best ways that you can enhance a child or young person's confidence is to share with them the positives of the diagnosis.

Each person with ADHD has their own unique strengths which should be highlighted to them to build their resilience levels.

Here are just a few strengths that a child or young person with ADHD tends to have:

Hyper-focussed - when working on a project that sparks their interests and strengths, children and young people with ADHD can channel all of their attention and energy into remaining focussed and productive for long periods of time.

Generosity - those with ADHD have a strong drive to please and look after those that they care about and will look for ways to make people happy.

How to support a child with ADHD

First and foremost, make sure your child understands their ADHD strengths and weaknesses, this can help them to better cope under stressful situations and help build their resilience levels. We appreciate, however, that there are going to be some challenging days, however there are some mechanisms that you can put in place, to help your child to thrive:

We hope you have found this post useful, we're currently for more volunteer mentors who can support children and young people with an ADHD diagnosis. If you would like to join us as a volunteer mentor, then click here to find out more. Fully training is provided.

Follow us on social media

Why not follow us on our social media channels - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedInand TikTok to keep up to date with our charity work in York - providing Islands of space and time for vulnerable children and young people; by building confidence, self-esteem and unlocking potential through positive mentoring relationships and unique programmes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can at first feel overwhelming. Read this blog post to discover what ADHD is, the positives of having an ADHD diagnosis and how you can best support a child or young people with ADHD.

# data[].attributes.body
Are you feeling distressed, frightened, overwhelmed? Or are things are too much for you?

Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support?

Are your usual sources of support closed for the night?

York Safe Haven offers out-of-hours mental health support to anyone aged 16 or over in York and Selby.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you feeling distressed, frightened, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you?
Don't know where to turn to get mental health support?
Are your usual sources of support closed for the night?

Phone: 07483 141 310.
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 6pm-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 2pm -10pm.
Address: 30 Clarence Street, York, YO31 7EW (Opposite the Union Terrace Coach Park, next to York St. John University)

Calls and emails will be monitored by staff during Safe Haven opening hours. You may call and leave a message, or send an email, at any other time of day, and these will be picked up and responded to as soon as possible during opening hours.

What can you expect from us:

This is a walk-in service - there's no need to be referred by your GP or Care Coordinator. The Haven @ 30 Clarence Street offers a welcoming, safe, comfortable, non-judgmental and non-clinical environment. At the Haven, we will be able to provide information and emotional support if you are in crisis or feel you are heading towards a crisis situation.

You can come just for a chat, or you can access one-to-one emotional support from trained mental health professionals. We also offer virtual support via video call.

We also offer help in creating staying well and crisis plans, and support visitors to access other services and organisations that may be useful to them.

We work closely with GPs, Community Mental Health Teams, Crisis Teams, A&E Mental Health Liaison Teams, Police and Ambulance Services, Street Triage, and other front-line healthcare professionals to ensure that people in emotional distress have a safe, supportive Haven to go to, with appropriate mental health support available.

People using The Haven will also be supported by our 24/7 helpline, which offers access to emotional support and information even when The Haven is closed.

Who is this service for?

Anyone aged 16 and over who is experiencing a mental health crisis, is in distress, or their carers, can come to The Haven - you don't need a formal referral or appointment.

Please note: York Safe Haven is not suitable for people needing urgent medical attention (for example, after self-harm) - for urgent medical care please attend your nearest A&E or call 999.
Please also be aware that, for the safety and wellbeing of others using the service, York Safe Haven cannot accept people who are very intoxicated, aggressive or abusive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Safe Haven offers out-of-hours mental health support to anyone aged 16+ in the York and Selby area.

# data[].attributes.body
York Mind Helplines is an information service that is also able to offer signposting. They provide information on mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options and information on advocacy services.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Retreat - Children's Mental Health Services

# data[].attributes.subject
The Retreat - Children's Mental Health Services

# data[].attributes.body
If you are worried about your child or young person’s mental wellbeing, then we are here with the support your family needs.

# data[].attributes.body
Significant events like bereavement, unemployment, relationship breakdown, traumatic events or even stress at work can lead to difficulties requiring help and support. Problems with low mood and anxiety can develop and make it difficult for us to cope with life’s daily demands.

You can self-refer to IAPT by completing a referral form on their website or alternatively you can call them. Where this service is not suitable for you, then they will offer signposting. Support available for anyone aged 16 or over in York and Selby.

# data[].attributes.headline
Not Fine in School - support for families with children experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

# data[].attributes.subject
Not Fine in School - support for families with children experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

# data[].attributes.body
Not Fine in School was created as a resource for the growing numbers of families with children experiencing school attendance barriers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Not Fine in School is a parent-led organisation empowering families & raising awareness of school attendance barriers (school refusal/ anxiety/ SEND/ bullying)

# data[].attributes.body
People of all ages can now contact their local Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) crisis service. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will make it easier for people to access help in a mental health emergency.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The following information is for adults over the age of 18.

There are times when our freephone crisis service receives lots of calls and although we are trying our hardest, it may take us longer to get to you. This webpage gives more information around other organisations you can talk to and what to do if there is an immediate risk to life.

If you are feeling low, sad or worried but are not experiencing a mental health crisis, there is a range of mental health support you may wish to consider. We are here for you, whenever you feel ready.
Other mental health support
Dealing with a mental health crisis

If you experience mental health problems, it can be frightening and you may feel alone. If this is a new experience, you may not know what is happening.

If a person's mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, this can be referred to as a mental health crisis or a mental health emergency.

A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. You may feel many things (although this may be different for individuals) including emotional distress or anxiety, that you can't cope with day-to-day life or work, you might think about suicide or self-harm, or you might experience hallucinations and hear voices.

A crisis can also be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as confusion or delusions caused by an infection, overdose, illicit drugs or intoxication with alcohol. Confusion may also be associated with dementia.

You might be in crisis if:

you are thinking of hurting yourself or suicide seems the only option

you are experiencing extreme distress that seems overwhelming, which may relate to current/past trauma

you are experiencing psychotic episodes (loss of sense of reality, hallucinations, hearing voices) and / or other behaviour that seems out of control or irrational and that is likely to endanger the person or others.

In a crisis situation, there are several different avenues that you can take. It is important however to get help quickly. Whether you experience a sudden deterioration of an existing mental health problem, or are experiencing problems for the first time, you'll need immediate expert assessment to identify the best course of action and stop you getting worse.

People already receiving treatment/help for mental ill health

If you are already receiving treatment and support for your mental health from a community mental health team, the first point of contact should be with the team and your care coordinator / named worker.

If you have previously had similar symptoms then you might find it useful to think about what helped you cope before.

Your care plan and / or a crisis and safety plan will identify what you (and others) can do to help along with details of who to contact in an emergency and outside of the teams operational hours.

It's best to seek help from professionals that know you well as they can help support you better.

If you are worried about your own safety, being close to acting on suicidal thoughts contact your local crisis team and home treatment team, tell someone who you trust or call a local support line immediately.

If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger of serious harm (for example, if someone has taken an overdose) and you need immediate medical help Tel. 999.

If there is a risk of physical violence, or if you are at risk of self-harm or of causing harm to someone else, it may be necessary to contact the police directly by calling 999.

In a medical emergency call 999 if you, or someone you know, are seriously ill or injured.

Give as much information as possible to the 999 operator and be as clear as you can when giving your address and telephone number.

Our crisis and home treatment teams work closely with the acute hospitals/accident and emergency departments to make sure that you can be treated for a mental health illness where needed.

If you aren't already under the care of mental health services or if you experience a mental health crisis out of hours phone your GP surgery and ask for an emergency appointment or call back. If you phone and the surgery is closed there should be a recorded message giving you an emergency contact number to call.

Alternatively, you can contact your local mental health crisis team. For people living in County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire and York the number is 0800 0516 171.

Injuries or other physical health problems

If you or someone you know has injured themselves or is experiencing another physical health problem which your GP or urgent care service cannot address, then please go to the accident and emergency department.

Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice, but it's not a life-threatening situation. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Telephone: 111

Text phone: 18001 111

If you need someone to talk to

If you want to call someone about how you feel or how to deal with someone else's behaviour, you could contact one of the following helplines for immediate assistance.

These helplines have specially trained volunteers who'll listen to you, understand what you're going through and help you through the immediate crisis.

Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123 (free to call service open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

SANEline

Telephone: 0300 304 7000

NHS choices

The NHS website has some useful information, advice and support.

Careline

Telephone: 0845 122 8622 (Monday - Friday, 10am-1pm and 7pm-10pm)

MIND

Telephone: 0845 766 0163 (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm)

Every mind matters
NHS - Every Mind Matters
You can also text SHOUT to 85258.

There may also be local crisis café's in your area that could support you - www.nhs.uk is a good place to find information.

Recovery College Online

The Recovery College Online, provides a range of free online mental health educational courses and resources. The content of the site has been developed by people with experience of mental illness
L991, V10, 23/06/2023 (Archive: 23/06/2026)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What to do in a mental health crisis - Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information for adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Please get in touch if you are in a crisis. We are here for you. Call us.

# data[].attributes.body
A service that can offer down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust. They can provide answers to parenting questions in their advice articles, or you can talk to a parenting coach about anything that is worrying you. It is a free service. They also have information on mental health and wellbeing, behaviour, stages and development, additional needs, education, parenting and relationships, sleep and nutrition and healthy eating.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bereavement support for children, young people and their families

# data[].attributes.subject
Bereavement support for children, young people and their families

# data[].attributes.body
Bereaved Children Support York is a local charity that seeks to support children, young people and their families living in the York area, so they are better able to cope with the impact of bereavement on their lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Bereaved Children Support York

Bereaved Children Support York is a local charity that seeks to support children, young people and their families living in the York area, so they are better able to cope with the impact of bereavement on their lives. We do this by running a monthly peer support group which provides the opportunity to meet other children with similar experiences in a relaxed, fun and creative environment. We also offer one to one therapeutic support for those children who need it as well as arranging social trips and activities and running a regular daytime group for parents.
Bridge House
Bridge House offer free support and practical help for anyone in North Yorkshire who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. Bridge House offers support and guidance, medical assessment and aftercare.

Bridge House SARC, 48 Bridge Road, Bishopthorpe, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 2RR

Tel:0330 223 0362

Family Fund

Family Fund is a grant awarding organisation where you can apply for financial assistance, support, equipment to help children with disabilities.

Family Early Help Assessment (FEHA)

A Family Early Help Assessment (FEHA) is a tool used by the Local Area Team to assess the needs of children, young people and families to determine the need for early help, and the actions to be taken to improve outcomes, based on a holistic view of the needs of the family. This tool takes you step-by-step through a clear process of information gathering, analysis and action planning.

The FEHA is not just a form; it's a process which allows practitioners to assess needs, identify service delivery requirements and check that needs are being addressed as part of a structured framework. A FEHA is voluntary and should only be undertaken with consent from the young person or family.

If you are considering completing a FEHA, please contact the Local Area Team on Tel: 01904 551900 or Email: lat@york.gov.uk
Healthy Child Service
Health visitors lead and deliver the Healthy Child Service for 0 to 5 year olds, offering support to all families in pregnancy and up to when children are aged five by:

helping to support the health and wellbeing of your whole family, from ante-natal visits until your child goes to school

providing advice on healthy choices (breastfeeding, weaning and healthy eating)

offering development reviews to ensure your child is reaching its full potential

supporting parents to feel confident in their parenting skills and to provide the best opportunities for their baby

working in partnership with Children's Centres and specialist services to support families with additional needs

offering support and information to families experiencing specific difficulties such as postnatal depression, social isolation and domestic abuse.

The health visitors and school nurses can be called Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, at:

The Avenues children's Centre: 01904 551760

Clifton Children's Centre: 01904 552322

Hob Moor Children's Centre: 01904 555475

Home Start
is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times.

Telephone: 01904 674764 Email: support@homestartyork.org.uk
Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS)
IDAS offer non-judgmental, practical and emotional support to anyone affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or sexual abuse in York, North Yorkshire, Sheffield and Barnsley. Their experienced workers will listen and explain the options available, including providing support through the criminal and civil justice system. They can also help to arrange emergency accommodation for people fleeing domestic abuse. They keep people safe and support them to make their own decisions.

Tel: 03000110110 Email: info@idas.org.uk
Kyra Womens Project
Kyra's vision is to provide non-judgmental support and information to all women. Whatever their reason for seeking help we recognise that women face challenges in their lives that are distinct from those of men. Our services are tailored to support women to make the changes they need, at their own pace.
Lime Trees
CAMHS Lime Trees (outpatients) service, is the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Outpatients Service covering the York and Selby area. Tel: 01904 615300, 31 Shipton Road, York, YO30 5RE.
Reflect
Reflect is a free support service in North Yorkshire for anyone facing a Pregnancy Choice and for those struggling after experiencing Pregnancy Loss. We offer free one to one support for individuals or couples either face to face or via skype or telephone.

Reflect, The Gateway Centre, Front Street, Acomb YO24 3BZ. Tel: 01904 676710 Email: enquiry@reflectyork.co.uk
SENDIASS - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service
SENDIASS provides free impartial, confidential and accurate information, advice and support about education, health and social care for children, young people and their parents on matters relating to special educational needs and disability. Phone: 01482 467540 Email: enquiries.yorkshire@kids.org.uk
The Island Mentoring Scheme
The Island is a well-established charity supporting some of our York's disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated children and young people to realise their potential through positive mentoring relationships and activities.
The School Wellbeing Service
The School Wellbeing Service(SWS) is a school based early intervention mental health (MH) support service. It is jointly funded by Health, Local Authority and Schools. The service is targeted at emerging and developing mental health needs. In particular, children who are presenting with mental health issues and concerns, that are below an intervention from specialist CAMHS and above what school pastoral structures can support.

Emotional and mental health issues that the service can provide support with:

Low self-esteem and poor resilience - Lacks confidence and may have developed a fixed mindset, where this is clearly impacting on their mental health.

Low Mood - Where this is impairing functioning at home and school. This may include issues with sleep and hygiene, lack of motivations and suicide ideation.

Emotional regulation - Managing emotions and distress, this may include anger, self harm, and behavioural issues that present at home/school.

Anxiety - Where there is a concern that anxiety may be impairing functioning at school / home. This might include generalised anxiety, panic attacks, emotional regulation, phobias and separation anxiety.

Trauma, loss and attachment difficulties - Where there are concerns that the cyp has experienced trauma, loss or attachment difficulties and this is impacting on their mental health.

Eating disorders - Sporadic and chaotic eating that is causing concern at school and home. Increased exercise and restricted diet.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD/ADD - Support with potential early identification and referral to specialist CAMHS for screening and support to school to implement helpful strategies.

The Snappy Trust
The Snappy Trust, formerly known as Snappy (Special Needs Activities and Play Provision for York), is a registered charity supporting children and young people with wide-ranging disabilities, from across the York area.

In 2018, they changed our name to The Snappy Trust to better reflect the work that they are doing in not only supporting those children, young people and families who use our services, but also the work we do in raising awareness about the importance of inclusion, acceptance and empowerment in disability.

Tel: 01904 640 562 Email: office@snappyyork.co.uk

Wilberforce Trust is one of York's oldest charities. They care and support individuals with sight and hearing loss along with other disabilities. They have developed a service so that they can offer out of school support to children with visual impairment.

If you have a child with a visual impairment and your family would like to join Club Wilber then contact Samantha Scholey-Dyson at s.scholey@wilberforcetrust.org.uk or telephone: 01904 760037.

York Ausome Kids
York Ausome Kids is a support group for parents/carers of a young person with autism/aspergers/pathological demand avoidance in the York area. As a subgroup of York Inspirational Kids they aim to provide information and support for those with ASC/ASD specific needs. See their facebook page for more information.
York Down Syndrome Support Group
The York Down Syndrome Support Group is a parent led group, supporting families in and around York, whose worlds are enlivened by having a family member who has Down Syndrome. The overall aim of the group is to create and develop necessary provisions which will enable our children to attain their full potential.

They do this by:

· offering personal support to families with a prenatal or antenatal diagnosis

· hosting monthly sessions where families can come together to chat and play

· having regular social events for the whole family

· lending useful resources to families and professionals

· providing training for parents and professionals

· providing weekly speech and language groups

· promoting the awareness of Down syndrome

Tel: 07542428016 Email: support@ydssg.org
York Educational Psychology Services
The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) consults with staff, parents and carers to find the best ways of helping children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
York Family Information Service (York FIS)
The York Family Information Service is a free and impartial information service for mums, dads and carers of children and young people aged 0-19 (or up to 25 for disabled children). They are part of the Local Area Teams Information Service and Information Service for Young People.

Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm 01904 554444

Text Only: 07624 802244 Email: fis@york.gov.uk
York Families Wellbeing service
The York Families Wellbeing team , in partnership with Changing Lives, provides community-based support to families within the City of York.

The service helps families struggling with any issues which may affect their housing or have a negative impact on their children's wellbeing. They work with families whose children are aged 0-19 years old, or 0-25 years old where the child has a disability. They welcome applications from people who may have mental health needs, autism or learning disabilities in their family.

The service can help with the following:

Preventing homelessness

Debt and budgeting problems

Anti-social behaviour

Accessing the correct benefits

Accessing training, education and employment

Social isolation

Accessing physical/mental health support

Accessing support around autism or learning disabilities

Tel: 07391868741 email: ginny.barker@commlinks.co.uk
York Inspirational Kids
York Inspirational Kids is a support group for families who have a child with a disability and/or additional need. The group offers activities, outings, training and general support for parent cares, disabled children and siblings. In addition to the main group there are sub groups of York Ausome Kids that supports families of children on the autistic spectrum, York Hemi Kids for families of children with hemiplegia.

Tel: 01904 780880
York Mind
York Mind offers counselling and online groups, support services and courses for young people. Mentoring may also be available.
York Racial Equality Network
York Racial Equality Network is a supportive environment in which people from diverse communities can develop new friendships and build links to the wider York community. Run by York Racial Equality Network, a voluntary organisation and registered charity. Email: info@yren.co.uk
Yorkey Dads
Yorkey Dads ' mission is to create a safe, engaging and supportive environment for dads, grandads, male carers and dads-to-be. Connecting Dads in and around the York area through meetups, activities, events and online support.
Yorqueer
Yorqueer is York's LGBTQ youth group for ages 14-25 run by Yorkshire MESMAC.

The Workshop, Marygate Lane, York, YO30 7BJ Tel: 01904 620400 / 07710 099 033 Email: e.allenby@mesmac.co.uk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Support For York Families - BrightSparks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We often get asked for details on the support that is available to families living in and around York; so we have put together this list of local organisations which we hope you will find useful.

# data[].attributes.body
York Family Information Service is a free and impartial service for parents and carers who have children aged 0 – 19 years old (or up to 25 years old if the child has additional needs or disabilities). We provide information on anything to do with family life in York including, Ofsted registered childcare, ways to reduce childcare costs, baby, toddler groups and activities, support services, young people and much more. We operate on an ask anything basis, so whatever your question, get in touch and we will try and help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Yor-OK website is designed to support parents, carers, children, young people and anyone who works with children, young people and families. If you are not sure where to find information or answers to your questions contact York Family Information Service on 01904 554444; TEXT ONLY 07786202241 or email fis@york.gov.uk and an Information Officer will try and help you.

Information, activities and services specifically for adults (18+) can be found on Live Well York.

Raise York - Your Family Hub Network

We're working with partners across York to develop a Family Hub model, funded by the Department for Education. This will include creating a new website to replace Yor-OK called Raise York. The new website will become live in the Autumn and there will be a re-direct from Yor-OK.

Why develop Raise York

We believe that all children and young people in York deserve the best start and the chance to thrive. Every family, child and young person should be able to get help, information and support at the right time and place. They should be able to reach their full potential and lead healthy, happy lives.

Families and communities help provide a foundation for children and young people to grow, develop and feel safe. Raise York brings together children; young people; families; communities and professionals so everyone can get the connections, help and support they want and need.

Raise York is a network of people, places and online support. It supports children, young people and families from pregnancy to adulthood. You can expect a warm welcome in your local community and to be guided to the right support for you.

A warm welcome at our family hubs

We have started to pilot some of our Raise York family hub community sites at Clifton Children's Centre on Monday and Wednesday 9-2pm and Hob Moore Children's Centre on Tuesday and Thursday 9-2pm. You will be able to meet our new Family Navigators join in with our family activities and access a wide range of information. You can get in touch with a Family Navigator by contacting York Family Information Service 01904 554444 / fis@york.gov.uk

Get involved with Family Hubs

We're co-designing Raise York with families, carers, and young people, and childcare and health professionals. We're working with a group of parents and carers to make sure that the support and information available at Raise York is accessible to everyone.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved in the coproduction process, contact Natasha Almond on email: natasha.almond@york.gov.uk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Information for families and practitioners in York.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lollipop HQ - Support for children of deaf adults (CODA)

# data[].attributes.subject
Lollipop HQ - Support for children of deaf adults (CODA)

# data[].attributes.body
Does your child have any degree of deafness? Or are you a deaf parent of a hearing child? Lollipop offer free social activities for children and young people aged 0 – 25 in York and North Yorkshire who have any degree of deafness from mild to profound, or who have parent/s who are deaf.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lollipop - Social support for deaf children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lollipop achieves this through providing regular FREE social activities in a relaxed and informal environment. We offer a wide range of activities in order to provide something of interest to everyone. Through such activities we aim to encourage members to try something new, express themselves freely and realise their true potential and in doing so build confidence, increase self-esteem and develop self-identity.

# data[].attributes.headline
York SENDIASS - matters relating to special educational needs and disabilities

# data[].attributes.subject
York SENDIASS - matters relating to special educational needs and disabilities

# data[].attributes.body
We provide free legally based confidential and impartial information, advice and support (IAS) about matters relating to special educational needs and disabilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their parents and carers. We provide a free, impartial and confidential service to help with concerns or questions around education, health, social care, inclusion and preparing for adulthood.

# data[].attributes.headline
Club Wilber - helping those with sight loss

# data[].attributes.subject
Club Wilber - helping those with sight loss

# data[].attributes.body
The Wilberforce Trust’s vision is to see a world in which all people with sight loss, including those with other disabilities, are truly integrated in society with equal opportunities in all aspects of life and to know that our passion and commitment have been influential in bringing this about.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Wilberforce Trust's vision is to see a world in which all people with sight loss, including those with other disabilities, are truly integrated in society with equal opportunities in all aspects of life and to know that our passion and commitment have been influential in bringing this about.

Historically, the Wilberforce Trust predominantly focused on support for adults but as an innovative charity that responds to need, we developed a service so that we can offer out of school support and activities to children with visual impairments.

We understand that families often find their options for recreational activities limited and that activities can exclude children due to them having a visual impairment.

This is why we created Club Wilber, so that we can run adapted activities, events and trips that are suitable for families with visually impaired children and their siblings from the ages of 0 to 25 years.
Become a member Could your business become a Club Wilber Sponsor and support our activities?
We would like to invite you to join Club Wilber and support families across Yorkshire.

Membership is open to any business, enterprise or organisation that wants to help us in this important work.
Sponsor Club Wilber now. You can also purchase Club Wilber merchandise.
Visit the Club Wilber store here.

Connect with us

The Wilberforce Trust is dedicated to helping those with visual impairment, sight loss, hearing loss and other disabilites across York, North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Club Wilber, provides adapted activities, events and trips suitable for families with visually impaired children and their siblings from the ages 0-25 years

# data[].attributes.body
FRANK gives honest information about drugs with information about dealing with peer pressure, what to do in an emergency and what to do if you’re worried about someone. You can contact FRANK through their website using live chat, text, call or email for friendly, confidential advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

# data[].attributes.headline
The Island - Enhancing children's' lives through mentoring

# data[].attributes.subject
The Island - Enhancing children's' lives through mentoring

# data[].attributes.body
The Island is a charity in York providing islands of space and time for vulnerable children and young people; building confidence, self-esteem and unlocking potential through positive mentoring relationships and unique programmes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Island - Enhancing children's quality of life through mentoring

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A York based children's charity, The Island provides mentoring services for vulnerable children and young people struggling with their mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
Offering support, friendship, activities, training & outings

for parents, families of children with a disability and,
or additional needs living in the York area

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
York Inspirational Kids - Enable disabled children access to life

# data[].attributes.body
Free support for unpaid carers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Latest news

1. Dying Matters: let's talk about it That's the message from York and Scarborough Teaching ...

2. 'We See You' We have launched an exciting new project for Carers Week called 'WE SEE ...

3. Carers Week 2024 Carers Week (10 - 16 June) is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, ...

4. Carers Trust launches landmark Young Carers Covenant to transform the lives of over one million ...

View more news posts

# data[].attributes.headline
Changing Lives - Drug and Alcohol Services for young people

# data[].attributes.subject
Changing Lives - Drug and Alcohol Services for young people

# data[].attributes.body
Our Young Person’s Drug & Alcohol Service in York offers confidential advice and support for people under the age of 18 who are using substances (Drugs and/or Alcohol). We also offer support to young people (11-18 years old) affected by someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our Young Person's Drug & Alcohol Service in York offers confidential advice and support for people under the age of 18 who are using substances (Drugs and/or Alcohol). We also offer support to young people (11-18 years old) affected by someone else's drug and/or alcohol use.

We are flexible as to when & where we meet with young people and can either meet face to face or telephone support.

Our service is free and anyone can make a referral to our services as long as the young person has consented and willing to access our support.

Other services

In addition to the above, we offer:

Drug & alcohol awareness training to professionals (Dates TBC)

Drug & alcohol education to Schools & Colleges

We are working with the PFCC (Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner) to further develop our PSHE offer and aim to create new content and carry out further filming so more schools can use the interactive videos to engage in practical and informative discussions with young people. YDAS Young Persons and Digital Inclusion Services Team Lead, Mike Benson led on these educational resources which offer a non-judgemental and factual approach. Below is one of our educational videos which has been watched over 1000 times by pupils across Yorkshire.

Together with Young People

Check out the York MCN page here to see how we're working together with partners in York to answer the question, "How do we change the systems that perpetuate multiple disadvantage for children and young people in York?"

Helpful Resources

Check out the following helpful links that have digestible resources and information about drugs and alcohol:
https://www.talktofrank.com/ https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/ http://www.thedrugswheel.com/
Get in touch

If you have any questions about our Young Persons Service in York feel free to get in touch by phone (01904 4646800) or email us at york@changing-lives.org.uk.

Please use this form to refer clients, family members, or yourself to the Young Persons Service.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
York Young persons Drug and Alcohol Services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We offer confidential advice and support for people under the age of 18 who are using substances or affected by somebody else using substances.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sunflowers in York - help for Ukrainian refugee children and families

# data[].attributes.subject
Sunflowers in York - help for Ukrainian refugee children and families

# data[].attributes.body
‘Sunflowers in York’ helps Ukrainian refugee children and families to settle and thrive in York by providing emotional health and well-being activities and support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We run Sunflowers Kids Club for Ukrainian refugee children and their families in York. The Club has been a nurturing space that supports mental health and well-being of Ukrainian refugee children and their parents since July 2022. In our club children, age 0 to 17, have opportunities to learn, express themselves, enhance their emotional well-being, make friends and integrate into York. All sessions and support are delivered by a team of Ukrainian specialists who work with children.

The Club also offers individual psychosocial support to children and parents, as well as a variety of other activities designed to support their integration in York, including trips, knowledge exchange, art, mindfulness, Ukrainian classes, and so on.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here at Sunflowers in York, we are a team of Ukrainian children specialists committed to supporting Ukrainian refugees.

# data[].attributes.headline
IDAS - supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

# data[].attributes.subject
IDAS - supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

# data[].attributes.body
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North of England supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

# data[].attributes.body
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, involving the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of ‘social’ strategies as part of this avoidance. PDA individuals share autistic characteristics and also have many of the ‘key features’ of a PDA profile.

# data[].attributes.body
Everything we do protects children today and prevents abuse tomorrow, to transform society for every childhood.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover. Help us be here for children. Please donate now.