# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Stonewall, we stand for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere. We imagine a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be ourselves and can live our lives to the full.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Place2Be is a children and young people's mental health charity with almost 30 years' experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools.

We provide mental health support in schools through one-to-one and group counselling using tried and tested methods backed by research. In addition, we also offer expert training and professional qualifications.

Why it's important

1 in 5

children and young people have a probable mental health condition, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood.

50%

of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14.

1 in 10
boys aged 5-19 with a mental health condition are suspended in some form from school.

Find out more about our work

How we help

Mental health support in schools

Our in-school mental health service supports the wellbeing of pupils, families and staff.
Find out more

Our mental health services in schools

We provide mental health services in schools that contribute to a whole-school approach to mental health.
Find out more

Counselling training and placements

Gain experience and skills with our child counselling training and placements.
Find out more

Place2Be is part of our school family. It is more than an office, more than a therapy room and more than a collection of counsellors.

Glyn Ellis - Headteacher, Haslingden Primary School

My daughter had become a different person - one we didn't recognise - but since counselling we see signs of our old loving daughter coming back.

Parent

If you have problems or worries you get a chance to talk to a person you trust. When I grow up I want to help children like Place2Be helps children.

Eight-year-old girl

Your support makes it possible

Thousands of vulnerable children and families depend on our work every single day. We simply cannot reach them without your help. There are so many ways to lend your support.

Place2Be's counselling service in primary schools has the potential to return £8 to society by improving long-term outcomes for each child.

Make a donation

How you can help

Fundraise for us

Raise money to transform children and young people's mental health. Browse ideas, tips and advice.

Get fundraising inspiration

Take part in an event

Run, cycle, walk. Trek to great heights or tackle some muddy obstacles. Take a look at our fundraising events.

Take on an event

Partner with us

See how your organisation can help us to support more children, families and school staff across the UK.

Find out more

Our impact

In the last school year

6,901

pupils were supported through one-to-one counselling.

33,327

pupils booked their own appointments o speak to our mental health professional.

After one-to-one counselling with Place2Be

76%

of children with severe difficulties show an improvement in mental health, according to parents.

64%

of pupils whose difficulties impacted their learning in class improved, according to teachers.

75%

of children and young people found it easier to make and keep friends, according to parents and carers.

Place2Be: mental health support in schools

Hear from children and teachers about the impact of Place2Be.

News & blogs

Eating Disorders in Children and Young People: a major public health concern

Clara Faria and Professor Tamsin Ford reflect on the impact of eating disorders on children and young people's mental health.

Read more

New report from NHS England shows increase in children experiencing mental health difficulties

Published today, the report reveals that 1 in 5 children and young people now have a probable mental health condition.

Read more

The BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be arrives in North-West London

BAFTA and Place2Be team up to bring the BAFTA Roadshow to North-West London.

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Improving children's and young people's mental health - Place2Be

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Place2Be provides mental health counselling support and training to schools to improve the emotional wellbeing of children, young people, families, teachers and staff.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a mental health support which has been paid for by NHS Highland for young people to have access to. All TRA pupils are encouraged to have a log in set up for this service as it has lots of helpful tools and a chat service available

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

# data[].attributes.body
Free 24/7 text support for young people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
Help line for parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Guidance for making a request for assistance
Just ask

Do you have a question about the development or wellbeing of a child or young person in Highland?

Call us on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 1-4pm. A health or educational professional will call you back within a few days.

Staff usually available are

Autism Practitioner

Community Learning Disability Nurses

Dietitians

Educational Psychologists

Infant Feeding Support workers

Occupational Therapists

Physiotherapists

Primary Mental Health Workers

Psychological Service Home Visiting Teachers

School nurses

Speech and Language Therapists

Please call us on 0300 303 1365.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Guidance for making a request for assistance Do you have a question about the development or wellbeing of a child or young person in Highland? Call us on Tuesdays or Thursdays, 1-4pm. A health or educational professional will call you back within a few days.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Winston's Wish - giving hope to grieving children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Winston's Wish is the UK's childhood bereavement charity. We support children and their families after the death of a parent or sibling.

# data[].attributes.body
Breathing exercises to help relax.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The best and most effective breathing exercises are the ones that work for each of us. Try the different practices and see what techniques and exercises fit. Then, we can use them as tools to help take control of our breath when everything around us feels out of control. In each of the techniques below, repeat for as long as it feels good.
Beginner? Take five deep breaths.
The simplest breathing technique is to count our breaths. Start by counting 1 on the slow inhale through the nose, 2 on the long exhale through the mouth, 3 on the inhale, 4 on the exhale, 5 on the inhale and release.

Use the Headspace app to breathe along to animations of a sleeping cat, fluffy white clouds, gentle waves, and more. We can also set a timer or count a number of breathing cycles on our fingers.
Racing mind? Lengthen each exhale.
Making our exhales longer than our inhales slows down both our heart rate and thoughts. Breathe in slowly through the nose to the count of 3, then exhale through the mouth to the count of 6.

If 3 and 6 are too long, try 2 and 4 breaths. Or to extend the exhale longer, try 4 and 8 breaths.
Anxious? Try belly breathing.
We're not actually breathing into our belly here, but the belly will puff out when we fill up our lungs. It might be helpful to place a hand on the stomach so we can feel how it rises and falls when we direct our breath there.

Slowly breathe in through the nose and feel the belly push out. Slowly exhale through the mouth and feel the belly draw inwards.
Need to focus? Try box breathing.
For this breathing exercise, it might be helpful to imagine a box and its 4 equal sides. See it? This visualization will help us breathe and hold our breath for the same number of counts while we trace one corner to the next in our minds, all the way around the box.

Taking slow, deep breaths, inhale through nose for 4, hold the breath for 4, exhale through the mouth for 4, and hold the breath for 4 before we inhale again.
Overwhelmed? Try alternate nostril breathing.
This ancient yogic form of breathing is called Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, a method said to balance the left and right hemispheres in the brain and create a peaceful state of mind. This exercise is best to do sitting upright, with a long spine and relaxed shoulders.

Take the right thumb and close the right nostril, inhale slowly and fully through the left nostril, then pause. Use the right ring finger to close off the left nostril. Then release the thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Pause.

Leaving our fingers exactly where they are, we'll breathe in through the right nostril, then pause. Use the right thumb to close off the right nostril. Then release the right ring finger and exhale through the left nostril. Pause. That's one full count.

When we're finished with deep-breathing exercises, we no longer need to breathe intentionally. So we can return to our normal breathing. While the breath is returning to its natural rhythm, take the moment to notice how the body and mind feel after we took the time to practice a little self-care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breathing Exercises to Reduce Stress - Headspace

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Taking a deep breath is one of the easiest and most effective ways to relieve stress. Learn breathing exercises and techniques to feel calmer and more relaxed with Headspace.

# data[].attributes.body
Support for parents to be able to discuss mental health with Teens.

# data[].attributes.body
Self Help App for managing anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
at first I thought the app was so good like I've just downloaded it and it as I was looking at all the different things it offers I was impressed. BUT, I got to the chat room and created an account n all that stuff, and some of the things people said was very graphic and triggering for people (like myself) who are sensitive about certain aspects of anxiety. I apologise if it says anything about this in the terms and conditions but personally I don't think an app like this (which it's purpose is to help people) should allow people to say such serious things like that.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
‎SAM is a friendly app that offers a range of self-help methods for people who are serious about learning to manage their anxiety. SAM has been developed by a university team of psychologists, computer scientists and student users. Established methods of self-help have been combined with high standa...

# data[].attributes.body
Award winning app to help resist the urge to self harm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The urge to self-harm is like a wave. It feels the most powerful when you start wanting to do it.

Join over 2 million users and learn to ride the wave with the free Calm Harm app by choosing activities from these categories: Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, and Random.

There is also a breathing technique to help be mindful and stay in the moment, regulate difficult emotions and reduce tension.

When you ride the wave, the urge to self-harm will fade.

Calm Harm is an award-winning app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nihara Krause, in collaboration with young people, using principles from the evidence-based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). It is built to NHS standards and approved by ORCHA.

Calm Harm provides some immediate techniques to help break the cycle of self-harm behaviours and explore underlying trigger factors; build a 'safety net' of helpful thoughts, behaviours and access to supportive people; and provides the opportunity to journal and self-reflect. It also provides signposts to help.

The Calm Harm app is private, anonymous and safe.

Reviews from Calm Harm app users:

* 'This app helps me so much. I can't thank you enough for improving my life.'
* 'I was told by my support worker to download this, best thing I ever did!! It's helped me a lot through the tough times and I would definitely recommend this!!!'
* 'This app saves lives. It is a beautiful, beautiful tool. Thank you endlessly.'

Awards for Calm Harm include:
* Health Tech Awards Winner 'Best Healthcare App of the Year' 2021
* Digital Leaders 100 Awards Winner 'Tech for Good Initiative of the Year' 2020 (for stem4's app portfolio, including Calm Harm)
* Third Sector Awards Winner 'Digital Innovation of the Year' 2019

Please note that the Calm Harm app is not a substitute for the assessment and individualised treatment by a health/mental health professional.

Please also note that if you forget both your passcode and security answer, these cannot be reset as we do not create user accounts. You will need to reinstall the app, losing any previous data.

We've given some of the activities in the app a refresh, reviewed and updated the signposts provided, updated the privacy policy, and added our Age Appropriate Design Code statement.

Helpful!!

I've used this last year as it was a suggestion by a therapist, & just started using it again recently. It has helped me out!! I am glad more people have suggested things to do!! :D I think though, there should be a gaming place where ppl can use the mascots (if they've chose any), & play with them?? Maybe a section where you listen to ocean waves or nature, as some cannot go outside. A video of where there are visuals of the mascots talking & telling you to breathe or are telling to close ur eyes & telling you what to imagine!! It might be a great idea for those of us who like to see things visually or hear things. :) + sumtimes people may not want to do things off of the app .

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your suggestions which we will log for review in future releases. Also if you are using the app for anxiety, note we have another free app called Clear Fear which includes mindfulness videos that you may find helpful.

good but

i dont normally write reviews for apps. i was told to download this app by a thrive practitioner at school, and ive used it a few times since then and ive found the activities fairly helpful and good at distracting me from the urge. however what i find annoying is that say an activity hasnt helped, you cant log it it just asks you to find another. i normally say the activity has helped even if it has, just so i can log the fact ive had to try multiple activities before the urge has gone away(if that makes sense). also, the fact you're only allowed to write in the journal space AFTER the urge has gone is very frustrating because i think it would be more beneficial to be able to write in the journal throughout e.g if an activity hasnt worked and you still feel sad you can write in the journal which is why i always say the urge has gone even if it hasnt because thats the only way im able to. i dont know what to write in the journal after the urge has gone, but i have plenty of things i can write in it during the time im feeling upset. i also think you should be able to create an account, so if you are to make a change of device you can easily log in. please take into account the things i have said and change them about your app! i think it would be a lot better with the things ive mentioned. other than that its a brilliant app definitely give it a try if you somebody that self harms

Hi there, thank you very much for your feedback! It is much appreciated.

Just to clarify, users are able to record that an activity did not help them in the activity feedback that is presented once any activity has been completed, which will then show in the Self Monitoring section; however, users do need to select 'Urge has passed' to be able to proceed to this stage (instead of 'Urge has not passed'), so I understand how this can be counter-intuitive and frustrating, and I have logged this to be reviewed with our team.

Regarding the journal, users can make entries without having completed an activity first, which can be done so via Self Monitoring > My Journal > Add journal entry. However, it sounds like you might be referring to journal entries done during an activity, which is a request that I have logged for future review with our team - thank you.

Finally, in terms of user accounts, the decision not to include these was based on user research, with young people telling us they valued privacy. This does mean, however, that if the Calm Harm app is deleted or the device is changed, any app data is lost. We therefore recommend that screenshots of any data that is to be saved are taken. We value your feedback regarding user accounts, however, and I have logged this for review as well.

Good idea but not good completion

I believe this app was developed with the best at mind but it wasn't thought out correctly. The activities cannot be completed through the app. It requires you to go and get things such as paper and a pen to draw or write things down, it's more about giving you things to do rather than actually helping you do them? It says to draw or call people or go for a walk, someone who is suicidal at that point does not want to go for a walk? They want to hurt themselves and if they are using this app they need real help right now, they dont have time to go into their craft box or pencil case or search round for a pen. If the app seems to think doodling will help then you should be able to doodle within the app, wordsearchs, colouring and other like for like activities should be available in the app itself and not from outside sources. It seemed like a good idea in the beginning but now I've started trying to use it I'm just frustrated

Hi, thanks for your review. Sorry the app is frustrating you, it won't help everybody. In the next release users will be able to type answers to relevant activities in a 'notepad'. We would love to add interactive activities, however as a charity we have to fundraise to include these types of features in the app and we want the app to remain free for young people. I will pass on your feedback to our development team for future releases though, thank you.

The developer, Stem4, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
‎The urge to self-harm is like a wave. It feels the most powerful when you start wanting to do it. Join over 2 million users and learn to ride the wave with the free Calm Harm app by choosing activities from these categories: Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, and Random.

# data[].attributes.body
A fab app for bedtime stories to help switch off

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I use this app most nights it's got just as many stories as apps which cost a lot, one suggestion to the makers would be to have a favourites or save section. I have gone through most of the sleep stories as I prefer them to the music or white nose tracks and have some favourite sleep stories but it's a pain to have to go through and find them or search names when your half asleep

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
‎The app for Sleep,Meditation,Music and mindfulness. Enjoy 1000 guided meditations to help you manage anxiety, lower stress and sleep better. It is the perfect mindfulness app for beginners, but also includes hundreds of programs for intermediate and advanced users. Sleep Stories to help you fall in...

# data[].attributes.body
Support for suicide and self harm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Take your self-help further

Writing down how I was doing helped me identify and articulate how I was feeling. It was a quite a revelation really.
- Samaritans Self-Help user

With an account you can:

Record your mood every day

Look for patterns in how you're feeling

Make your personal safety plan

Store images of things that give you hope

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn techniques from Samaritans to cope better and improve emotional wellbeing, using our Self-Help website or downloadable app.

# data[].attributes.body
UK eating disorder charity.

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

# data[].attributes.body
A good place for lots of support around LGBTQ+.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can make a difference... Get a full rundown of our digital services for young people during the pandemic Find out more There's loads of ways you can help us make Scotland the best place to grow up for LGBTI young people Find out more

# data[].attributes.body
Good local support line to call for advice & support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Information

Age Rating

12+ Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
‎A suicide prevention app aimed at users in the Highland region of Scotland. Provides helpful info for those affected in any way by suicide, extensive contact details for services across the Highland area as well as allowing users to create their own safety plan.

# data[].attributes.body
A string of tweets around teenage sleep.

# data[].attributes.body
Use this to help you plan how to improve your own wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.headline
Crocus - Highland Hospice Bereavement Support

# data[].attributes.subject
Crocus - Highland Hospice Bereavement Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Crocus Group is a bereavement support service for children and young people living in the Highlands. Our services are available free of charge to young people living with grief, regardless of their location or the cause of their bereavement.

The death of someone close to the child can be a time of great sadness, distress or confusion. There may be unanswered questions about what has happened, and the grief of other family members can make it hard for the child to talk about their feelings. Whilst many children and families will be able to manage their loss without targeted support, we are here to provide help and advice where it is needed.

Staff and volunteers from a variety of backgrounds contribute to the work of Crocus Group, all with a shared focus on the needs of young people as individuals within a family.

We aim to:

Help children, young people and families to understand and express their grief

Provide children and young people with an opportunity to meet other bereaved children and young people

Help children, young people and families to find positive ways of remembering the person who died

Educate children, young people, families and the wider community about grief

Help people to talk openly about death and bereavement

Help restore confidence and self-esteem in bereaved children and young people

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Crocus Group is a bereavement support service for children and young people living in the Highlands. Our services are available free of charge to young people living with grief, regardless of their location or the cause of their bereavement. The death of someone close to the child can be a time of great sadness, distress or confusion.

# data[].attributes.body
Good locally based information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Change, Loss and Bereavement in Highland is made up of a collective of professionals from a variety of agencies who strive for better outcomes for children and young people who have experienced change and loss.
The aim of this website is to provide advice, guidance and links to useful materials, resources and other agencies who can support in times of change.

"The majority of children do not require specialist intervention and the indiscriminate use of bereavement services can be unhelpful. Children are more likely to seek support from family and friends and communication and support both within families and from the wider community have been found to play an important role in children's coping."
The prevalence of childhood bereavement in Scotland and its relationship with disadvantage: the significance of a public health approach to death, dying and bereavement; Sally Paul & Nina Vaswani.

We are still adding to our page, and welcome ideas and input. Especially from children, young people and their families.
In the meantime, you can find policies and guidance relevant to Change, Loss and Bereavement here.
Follow Our Blog

To keep up to date with new content and our blog posts please enter your email address below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Change, Loss and Bereavement in Highland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Change, Loss and Bereavement in Highland is made up of a collective of professionals from a variety of agencies who strive for better outcomes for children and young people who have experienced change and loss. The aim of this website is to provide advice, guidance and links to useful materials, resources and other agencies who...

# data[].attributes.body
Support for sleep issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
© 2021 Sleep Scotland Privacy policy | Cookie policy | Website disclaimer TEENS+ is a division of Sleep Scotland Sleep Scotland is a registered charity (SC027560) and company limited by guarantee (SC182935) Registered office in Scotland: 18G Liberton Brae, EDINBURGH, EH16 6AE

# data[].attributes.body
A good resource for parents regarding routines and mental health support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tips and advice you can trust to help with the ups and downs of parenting. Through pregnancy to toddler tantrums and starting school, all the way up to those tricky teenage years, Parent Club is here to help.

# data[].attributes.body
Ideas for apps to download - remember try the free version first!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A meditation app that acts as a personal guide to health and happiness

An online cognitive behaviour therapy program for depression and anxiety

​

A free app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.

Helps build resilience - the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic even in the face of difficult obstacles

Turns the latest innovations in the science of happiness into activities and games that help you lead a more fulfilling life.

A meditation program developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into your life

Chill Panda helps children better understand their stress and shows them ways to feel better using breathing techniques, yoga, exercise and calming games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A meditation app that acts as a personal guide to health and happiness An online cognitive behaviour therapy program for depression and anxiety ​ A free app designed to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Exam Stress | How To Deal with Exam Stress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
A good place to find some tips on making some time for you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take a look at Young Scot's YouTube channel to access a range of free mindfulness activities, including yoga sessions, breathing exercises and face massage.

# data[].attributes.body
A good starting point

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.