Support & CAMHS Signposting
Trusted national helplines and services for you and your child. For services in your area, visit your Local Area page.
Urgent & crisis help
Emergency Services (999)
999
If your child is in immediate danger or at serious risk of harm to themselves or others, call 999 now.
NHS 111 (Option 2 for mental health)
111
For urgent but non-life-threatening mental health help, call 111 and select the mental health option, available 24/7.
Shout 85258
Text SHOUT to 85258
Free, confidential 24/7 text support for anyone in crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258.
Samaritans
116 123
Round-the-clock emotional support for anyone struggling to cope.
Mental Health & CAMHS
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
Free, confidential advice for parents worried about a child or young person's mental health.
NHS CAMHS
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Referrals are usually via your GP, school or the local single point of access. See your Local Area page for local contacts.
SEND Legal Advice
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)
Free and independent legally-based advice on SEND law, EHC plans and appeals.
SOS!SEN
Free, friendly, independent helpline and advice service for SEND matters.
SENDIASS (your local service)
Every Local Authority has a free, impartial Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service. Find yours on your Local Area page.
Family Support
Contact (for families with disabled children)
Advice, workshops and a free helpline for families with disabled children on benefits, education and more.
Council for Disabled Children
Information and resources on the SEND system, the Local Offer and participation.
Family Lives
Support and a helpline for all aspects of family life, including parenting a child with additional needs.