12–18 May 2025 marks Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, and this year’s theme is “Community” – a powerful reminder that none of us are in this alone.

For many young people, life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with friendship issues, school pressure, family challenges, mental health struggles, or simply feeling low for no obvious reason – it’s important to remember this: it’s okay to feel how you feel. Emotions can be confusing, and that’s perfectly normal.

But if things start to feel too much, remember – you don’t have to face it alone.

Mental Health Awareness Week is about breaking the silence, looking out for one another, and recognising that mental health matters just as much as physical health.

If you or someone you know seems to be struggling, reaching out and starting a conversation can make all the difference.

💡 Tips for When You're Ready:

• Start with a message: “Can I talk to you about something I’ve been going through?”

• If speaking face-to-face feels difficult, try writing a note or sending a text.

• Choose someone you trust – a friend, teacher, coach, or family member.

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• MHAW stakeholder graphic - Positive community tip - landscape
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🆘 Struggling to Talk to Someone You Know? Try Reaching Out to:

You're not alone – opening up about your feelings can be tough, especially with people close to you. You might worry about being judged, not taken seriously, or just not know where to begin.

To help, we’ve put together a national support directory of free, confidential services dedicated to supporting young people across the UK. Whether you need someone to talk to, professional mental health support, or simply want to feel heard, there’s always someone ready to listen.

🧭 Youth Mental Health Support Directory (UK)

Free, Confidential Help Based on Your Needs

🫤 Feeling Anxious, Depressed or Overwhelmed?

🔹 YoungMinds

• Best for: General emotional struggles, anxiety, low mood, self-harm.

• Age group: Up to 25.

• Support: Advice, coping strategies, signposting to services like CAMHS.

• Contact: youngminds.org.uk

🔹 Kooth

• Best for: Talking to someone anonymously about anxiety or low mood.

• Age group: 11–25.

• Support: Free online chats with counsellors and peer support.

• Contact: kooth.com

😟 Crisis Support / Suicidal Thoughts

🔹 PAPYRUS (HOPELINE247)

• Best for: Young people feeling suicidal or those concerned for someone else.

• Age group: Under 35.

• Support: Suicide prevention helpline and safety planning.

• Contact: Call 0800 068 41 41 or text 07860 039967 | papyrus-uk.org

🔹 Samaritans

• Best for: Confidential talk when in distress or crisis.

• Age group: All ages (including youth).

• Support: 24/7 phone and email support.

• Contact: Call 116 123 | samaritans.org

🔹 Shout

• Best for: Immediate help during a mental health crisis via text.

• Age group: All ages.

• Support: 24/7 crisis text line.

• Contact: Text SHOUT to 85258 | giveusashout.org

🧒 Struggling at School or with Peer Pressure

🔹 Place2Be

• Best for: Mental health support at school.

• Age group: 4–18 (primarily through school).

• Support: In-school counselling and emotional support.

• Contact: place2be.org.uk

🔹 Anna Freud Centre

• Best for: Academic stress, transitions, and mental wellbeing in school settings.

• Age group: Children & young people (via schools or resources).

• Support: Evidence-based resources, school programmes.

• Contact: annafreud.org

😔 Bullying or Online Abuse

🔹 Childline

• Best for: Children experiencing bullying, abuse, or feeling unsafe.

• Age group: Under 19.

• Support: Free, confidential chat and phone counselling 24/7.

• Contact: Call 0800 1111 | childline.org.uk

🔹 The Mix

• Best for: Teens and young adults facing bullying, online issues, peer pressure.

• Age group: 11–25.

• Support: Helpline, peer forums, online counselling.

• Contact: themix.org.uk

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Identity and Mental Health

🔹 MindOut (Not originally listed, but highly relevant)

• Best for: LGBTQ+ young people struggling with mental health.

• Age group: 16+.

• Support: LGBTQ+ specific mental health support online and in groups.

• Contact: mindout.org.uk

🔹 The Mix

• Also supports: LGBTQ+ identity, sexuality, and coming out concerns.

🧍 Loneliness and Isolation

🔹 Shout

• Best for: Talking to someone instantly when feeling alone or isolated.

• Age group: All ages.

• Contact: Text SHOUT to 85258.

🔹 The Mix

• Best for: Connecting with others in a similar situation.

• Age group: 11–25.

• Support: Group chats, forums, counselling.