Get help and information
Whatever you're worried about or need help with there's advice and information.
However awful it feels or even if it feels trivial or small. You can find and ask for help. (sometimes it can feel hard to ask for help, check out our top tips)
There's help from both organisations in Cornwall and Nationally.
Get Urgent Help
Childline 0800 1111.
Childline If you're under 19 you can confidentially call, email, or chat online about any problem big or small.
You can also sign up for a childline account on their website, so you can message a counsellor anytime without using your email address.
And you can talk to a counsellor using British Sign Language too.
Samaritans 116123.
If you're in distress and need support, you can ring the Samaritans for free at any time of the day or night on 116123.
You can email them too, but they say that it will take longer to respond.
Runaway Helpline
Feeling unsafe? Thinking of Running away? Worry about a friend?
Call / Text 116000
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.Text SHOUT to 85258 (free)
Advice and information in Cornwall
ChatHealth
A new text messaging service is available across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly linking young people with school nurses
Called ChatHealth, it aims to provide a quick and easy way to access health advice and support on anything from relationships to wellbeing.
Kooth
Kooth is a FREE, anonymous, confidential, safe, online wellbeing service, offering counselling, information, and forums for children and young people.
Young People Cornwall
From drop-in youth groups to one-on-one mental health sessions, YPC offer a huge range of support – all over Cornwall.
Head to a youth centre, go to a support hub, or find our friendly faces walking around your area. Our centres are places to relax, be yourself, meet new friends and have fun.
Visit our website to find out what YPC do what's on in your area www.youngpeoplecornwall.org
Get updates on what's happening where by following @youngpeoplecornwall (on all platforms).
Kernow Young Carers - Supporting Young Carers in Cornwall
How can we help?
We provide support for Young Carers. We aim to support Young Carers to self-manage caring responsibilities, providing information, advice and guidance over the phone and working with schools. We also provide direct 1-1 work with Young Carers and Young Adult Carers as well as offering activities on a regular basis and during the school holidays.
Advice Line (freephone) 01736 756655
YZUP: Support for young people
For young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who are worried about drugs or alcohol
Whether you're looking for advice for yourself, or for someone else, we work with you to make sure you get the right support.
To access our services, call us: 01872 300 816
Kernow Connect
If you’re a young person and looking for someone to talk to, you can ring or text us on the number below, we will take your details and get a Youth Worker to contact you within 5 working days. Our telephone number is manned during office hours (9am – 4:30pm). If you call/text outside of these hours leave a message with your contact details and we will get back to you within 5 working days.
Phone: 01872 722831
(If you need urgent support check out the information above)
Find out more about Kernow Connect including Youth Clubs and more
Other Recommended Websites / Apps
You can find recommendations for helpful websites and useful apps in the Wellbeing Toolkit
Remember...
There is a lot of great information and advice out there BUT there is also some really unhelpful possibly harmful stuff too.. Especially on social media.
Apps
There are fewer wellbeing apps around now than there used to be. Many have disappeared and many of those still around involve a fee or in-app purchases. We've only recommended free apps amd one we know have been recommended by experts like the NHS.
If you know of any websites or apps you'd recommend for other young people let us know. We'd love to hear what works for you.
Important Note Apps are only a resource to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health. They do not replace the help of professionals. If you need more help ask.