💚 Support for Families
Useful resources for parents
Finding the right support for your child can feel overwhelming. This page brings together trusted UK organisations, helplines and guidance to help you navigate your next steps — wherever you are on the journey.
Please note
The organisations and services listed below are independent of Little Roots Wellbeing — we are not affiliated with them and cannot speak for the support they provide. Coral Mitchell is not a therapist, counsellor, psychologist or clinical mental health professional. For clinical assessment, therapy or crisis support, please contact the services on this page directly, your GP, or the emergency numbers below.
If your child is in crisis right now
If you are worried about your child's immediate safety, please reach out to one of these services straight away. You do not need to be referred — just call.
Emergency Services
999
If your child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
Childline
0800 1111
Free, confidential support for children and young people, 24 hours a day.
childline.org.uk →NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
For adults concerned about a child's welfare. Free, confidential, 24/7. Or text 88858.
Shout Crisis Text
Text SHOUT to 85258
Free text-based mental health support, 24/7. Useful for young people who prefer not to call.
Your GP · or call 111
111
A GP can refer your child to CAMHS and other local mental health services. Call 111 for urgent but non-emergency advice.
🧠 Mental Health Support
Children's mental health organisations
Trusted national organisations providing information, support and resources.
😟 Anxiety & School
Anxiety and school refusal support
Resources for families dealing with anxiety, school refusal and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).
🌈 Additional Needs
Autism, ADHD & additional needs
Organisations providing support, information and community for families of children with additional needs.
✅ Where to Start
Not sure where to start?
If you're worried about your child and don't know where to turn, these are the first steps most families take.
Talk to your GP
Your first port of call. A GP can refer your child to CAMHS, assess for underlying conditions and point you to local services.
Speak to your child's school
Talk to the class teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). They can put support in place within school and make referrals.
Request a CAMHS referral
CAMHS is the NHS specialist mental health service for children. Your GP or school can make the referral.
While you wait — seek early support
CAMHS waiting lists can be long. Private emotional support can offer consistent, caring help while you wait.
Reach out for parent support too
Supporting a child with emotional difficulties is hard. The YoungMinds Parents Helpline (0808 802 5544) is there for you as well as your child.
One more option
Need a gentle hand while you wait?
While you navigate referrals and waiting lists, Little Roots Wellbeing offers warm, consistent emotional support sessions for children — non-clinical, gentle, and tailored to your child.
Note: Little Roots provides emotional support and confidence building — not therapy, counselling or clinical treatment.