6 places to find mental health support

Looking for support right now? Here’s where to go

This content was originally part of our Pandemic support series: to address the chaos and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support young people with navigating this difficult time.

Although many of us may feel we’re now in a post-pandemic era, this content will still be relevant to lots of people. There are still many people who rely on communicating, building relationships and accessing support online, whether they continue to shield from COVID-19, have long Covid, or have any other chronic illness that means they have to limit in-person social contact. There are still lots of reasons why we may need some extra support right now, and no one should feel excluded from society or unable to access the support they need.

We conducted a survey which found that young people have been facing a range of issues during the pandemic. This included isolation, tricky relationships and struggling with motivation. For those living in tough family situations, it’s been hard to access the same support networks as before the pandemic hit.

If you’ve been struggling during the pandemic, don’t lose faith. Things will improve, life will return to normal, and there is hope on the horizon. If you need support now – or just someone to talk to – here’s a handy list of places you can check out online.

1. YoungMinds

YoungMinds offers support and advice on all areas of young people’s mental health. They even have a section dedicated to advice about handling the coronavirus pandemic.

2. Give Us A Shout

Give Us A Shout offers free, confidential support via text. This means you can speak to someone trained in mental health support without even having to leave your house. Text ‘shout’ to 85258. Here for you 24/7.

3. The Mix

The Mix provides support to young people under 25 and offers helpful guidance during these difficult times. You can reach out to them by phone, email, or even text.

4. Stem 4

Stem 4 is a fantastic place to find mental health support for teens and young people. They have a handy tool to easily find resources related to issues such as anxiety, depression, or addiction.

5. Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline

Switchboard has a dedicated LGBTQ+ helpline, led by LGBTQ+ people, running daily from 10am-11pm. The service includes a text option, making it easy and discreet to reach out. Their helplines provide advice without any judgement or shame, so head over to their site for lots of resources and support. Our full list of LGBTQ+ support services can be found here.

6. Childline

Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Childline’s trained counsellors are available over the phone, via email or through their 1-2-1 online chat.

Getting mental health support

We recognise it’s not always easy to get the help you need in the current healthcare system. There are long waiting times and, on top of that, social barriers that can make it even harder. For example, there’s a harmful stereotype that boys and men don’t struggle with mental health, when of course we know that they do. Gender, race, being disabled, and being neurodivergent (and more) can all play a part. It also takes a lot of energy to ask for help, and you might not have lots of energy at the moment. If all you can manage is talking to a trusted adult, then that’s a good place to start. Childline has lots of tips for who that ‘trusted adult’ may be for you, and how to start the conversation.

If you’re feeling frustrated about the current situation, you’re not alone. YoungMinds are currently campaigning specifically for more mental health support for young people: #EndTheWait. Fumble backs this campaign and we are committed to fighting for better mental health support, for all young people.

Discover Fumble’s pandemic support series

The pandemic has had a huge impact on all of our lives, and we’ve all struggled to adapt to the changes that continue to happen all around us.

Our pandemic support series explores young people’s experiences of COVID-19, and helps you start to make sense of the chaotic and uncertain time we’re living in. Discover the full series here.

Read more