What mental health support is available for children and young people

The service is an extension of the existing Sussex Mental Healthline, there are now mental health trained clinicians in the service to support calls from children, young people, parents and carers.

How does it work?

When a young person calls the Sussex Mental Healthline (SMHL) they will be put straight through to a mental health trained clinician. If the clinician is already on another call, a call back within the next hour will be arranged.

Who can call us?

Anyone who is concerned about a young person experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the service for free on 0800 0309 500.

When to call us?

• If a young person is suicidal or has self-harmed
• If a young person is experiencing extreme emotional distress that won't stop
• If a young person is experiencing sudden or severe anxiety which is preventing them getting on with their normal life
• If a young person is in extreme emotional distress and would like to speak to someone
• If anyone needs urgent advice about a young person's mental health.

What we can do

• Offer advice and support about how to cope in a crisis
• Help the young person and carers make plans to keep the young person safe
• Complete an urgent assessment of risk
• Offer follow-up from local CAMHS Duty and Liaison Teams
• Offer signposting to other services that may be able to support.

For more information

• Sussex Mental Healthline - read more
• Local information, advice and training for young people and families is also available at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/yourmindmatters
• Sussex Mental Healthline expands support offer for children and young people | Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust