Advice for Young People

General Advice

Children and Family Health Services

This is an NHS service that provides integrated physical and mental health support for children, young people, and their families in Devon (excluding Plymouth). They offer specialist care for a range of issues, including:

• Behavioural problems

• Complex physical health needs

• Learning disabilities and neurodiversity (e.g., autism, ADHD)

• Mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Speech, language, and communication difficulties

• Physical disabilities

You can get help from CFHD by a referral from a doctor or other healthcare professional, or sometimes directly from parents, carers, or school staff. 

Children & Family Health Devon Website

 

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity committed to preventing suicide. Their core mission is to provide a safe space for people to talk about what's troubling them. They are available 24/7, every day of the year, to offer confidential, non-judgmental support.

24/7 Helpline: You can call them anytime, day or night, for free on 116 123. This service is for anyone who needs to talk, whether they are in crisis or simply struggling to cope.

Other ways to get in touch: They also offer support through email and a face-to-face drop-in service at their local branches.

Confidentiality: The service is completely confidential. You don't have to give your name or any personal details, and they won't tell you what to do.

Focus on listening: The trained volunteers are there to listen and help you explore your feelings, so you can find your own way through a difficult time.

Samaritans also works to reduce suicide more broadly by reaching out to high-risk communities, working with prisons, and campaigning to make suicide prevention a national priority.

Samaritans website

 

Childline

Childline is a free, private, and confidential service for children and young people under 19 in the UK. Childline counsellors are trained staff and volunteers who are available to listen and support you with any problem, no matter how big or small.

Free Helpline: You can call them anytime, day or night, on 0800 1111. This number is free and will not appear on your phone bill.

Online Support: You can also get support online through their 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor or by sending an email.

Peer Support: The website has message boards where you can share your experiences and get support from other young people in a safe, moderated space.

Confidentiality: Childline is a safe place to talk. Your conversations are confidential and they won't tell other people what you've said unless you ask them to, or if they believe your life or someone else's is in immediate danger.

Self-Help Resources: The website offers a variety of resources, including articles, games, and activities in the "Calm Zone" to help you cope with feelings like anxiety, stress, or depression. You can also use a mood journal to track how you're feeling.

No problem is too big or small: Childline counsellors are there to help with a wide range of issues, including bullying, mental health, family problems, and worries about safety.

Childline website

 

Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime or traumatic events in England and Wales. This includes victims, witnesses, and their family and friends. Their aim is to help people cope and recover from their experience.

• 24/7 National Support line: They offer a free, confidential helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0808 1689111. You can also use their live chat service.

• Specialist Services: They offer a range of specific support services for different types of crimes and situations, including:

  • Homicide (bereavement by murder or manslaughter)

  • Domestic abuse

  • Sexual violence

  • Hate crime

  • Fraud and cybercrime

  • Support for children and young people

• Practical and Emotional Help: Victim Support provides both emotional support and practical assistance. This can include helping you understand your rights, providing information on police and court procedures, and offering support in court.
  
  
• Confidentiality: The service is confidential and you do not need to have reported the crime to the police to receive support. Information is only shared without consent if there are concerns about a person's safety or if required by law.

Victim Support website

 

Addiction Advice

Frank

FRANK is a confidential and non-judgmental service that provides expert advice and support on drugs. Whether you're a young person with questions, a parent with concerns, or someone who needs help, FRANK is a reliable source of information.

• 24/7 Helpline: You can call FRANK's confidential helpline at 0300 123 6600 at any time, day or night, for advice and support.

• Text and Email Service: If you prefer, you can text a question to 82111 or send an email, and FRANK will text or email you back.

• Website Information: The FRANK website provides comprehensive, factual information on a wide range of drugs, including their effects, risks, and legal status. The site also includes an A-Z list of drugs and a search function to help you find what you need.

• Support for Parents and Carers: FRANK offers specific guidance for parents and carers, helping them feel more confident and prepared to talk to young people about drugs.

• Confidentiality: The service is confidential, and the information you provide will not be shared with other organisations.

Talk to Frank website

 

NHS Smokefree

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. The NHS offers a range of free and proven services to help you quit and stay smoke-free for good.

• Personal Quit Plan: You can create a free, personalized 8-step plan to help you prepare for your quit date. This plan provides tailored tips and advice on managing triggers and cravings.

• Support from Experts: You are three times more likely to quit with professional support. You can get free, local, face-to-face support from trained advisors in your community. You can also get help from your GP or pharmacist.

• Quit Aids and Medication: NHS professionals can help you access various stop-smoking aids, including nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, sprays) and prescription medications.

• Digital Tools: The NHS offers a free "Quit Smoking" app to help you track your progress, get daily support, and stay motivated.

• Timeline of Benefits: The website provides a clear timeline of the health benefits that happen from the moment you quit, from your heart rate returning to normal to your risk of heart attack halving after just one year.

NHS Smoke Free website

 

Sexual Health Advice

Sexual Health Line

Information and advice on sexually transmitted infections, HIV, & AIDS

Telephone 0300 123 7123 (Call Free)

 

Emergency Contraception

You have 3 days in which to act to try and prevent a pregnancy.
Help is available from any GP who provides contraceptive services or from Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service (see above). During Bank Holidays emergency contraception may be obtained through Accident & Emergency Depts.