If you work with young people, mental health resources and services are available for you and those you support. 

24/7 crisis support

If you or someone you work with needs a listening ear, there is always someone to talk to:
•    NHS Connection – 24/7 helpline for Dorset: 0800 652 0190
•    Samaritans – 24/7 helpline on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
•    SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258

 

Dorset Youth’s mental health directory

Dorset Youth’s website has a range of information about mental health and support services for young people in Dorset. It is organised into categories so it’s easy to find what you need.

You can also find out about the 0-25 VSC Forum which provides a network of support for voluntary and community sector organisations working with children, young people and families across Dorset.

 

Kooth's resource hub for teachers and education staff

Public Health Dorset commission Kooth in Dorset. Kooth is a welcoming online space for children and young people which is free, safe and easy to access mental health service.
 

Kooth provides helpful resources for teachers and education staff to use to help you support young people who might be struggling or help you instil habits around proactive everyday mental maintenance.

 

RUOK? Mental health campaign resources

RUOK? is a mental health campaign we’ve been running for children and young people in Dorset. The aim of the campaign is to make sure young people know where to go if they need mental health support. 

You can help by saving, screenshotting and sharing our infographic, and encouraging young people to save it on their phones too.

You can download the RUOK? campaign resources to use as needed. This includes content you can use on social media, newsletters and digital screens.

 

Supporting someone you’re worried about

You don’t have to be an expert to help someone open up when something’s up. Samaritans has lots of advice about what to do if you're worried about someone. There is also NHS advice on ways to support a child or young person.

 

National organisations

These charities specialise in information and resources for young people, parents and those who work with them:
•    Young Minds – young people’s mental health charity
•    Papyrus – prevention of young suicide charity

 

Bereavement support

Bereavement is difficult at any age, but can be especially hard for children and young people to process. Advice and support is available.
•    Mosaic - bereavement support for all children and young people up to 18 years old in Dorset
•    Dorset Open Door – local service to support people who have been bereaved by suicide or a sudden or traumatic death 

 

Training

You can take free online Zero Suicide Alliance training courses to teach you the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about. This training is aimed at supporting people aged 18 and over.