Children, young people & families

There is a wide range of mental health and wellbeing support available for children, young people and families in the county as well as nationally. We have listed a wide range of services below and there are more in other sections of the site such as eating disorders, sexual health, support for carers, LGBTQI+ and more.

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provides specialist NHS mental health services for children and young people (and their families and carers) who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. Fore information about the services can be found at: www.ghc.nhs.uk/other-areas/cyp/

There’s also a range of support available locally that you can access yourself without going through a GP or teacher.

On Your Mind Gloucestershire (OYMG) is an NHS website which signposts to information and support for young people in the county about bullying, eating disorders and anxiety and much more including how to self-refer to NHS mental health and counselling services. Find out more at: www.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk

Young Gloucestershire (YG) is a countywide charity that supports young people who are facing very difficult times; whether it be a disruptive home life, caring for a family member, coping with a mental health issue or substance abuse: www.youngglos.org.uk 

Tic+ If you are aged between aged 9-21 and living in the county, Tic+ might be able to help you cope with stress as Counsellor Kerry Boorman explains here:

Tic+ is a Gloucestershire-based charity which provides confidential counselling, support and care for young people and their families.

Last year, over 2,000 young people used their counselling services to help them cope with issues such as depression, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, anger, relationship problems, low self-esteem and self-harm.

For more information visit: www.ticplus.org.uk or call: 01594 372777. 

Tic+chat is an anonymous, safe, confidential 1-2-1 live message chat support service for young people aged 9-21 living in the county open Sunday – Thursday 5pm – 9pm at standard network local rate accessed via their web page or by calling: 0300 303 8080. 

Tic+ Parent and Carer Support including support groups, family counselling information and online chat service is available on their website or by calling: 0800 625675

Alternatively, take a look at the range of support listed below:

Local Listings

GlosFamilies Directory

GlosFamilies Directory is an online resource provided by Gloucestershire County Council providing information for families and practitioners on Relationship Support for Parents, Family Support, Advice and Early Help Services, Childcare, Education, Young People, Things...

read more

Your Circle

Your Circle is a directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire. The website is run by Gloucestershire County Council with information, advice and support to help you, or someone you look...

read more

Community Hubs and Social Groups

There are a number of community and social groups that meet regularly in local areas across the county. Find out what’s going on in your area or choose from a range of categories to find out more: www.yourcircle.org.uk

read more

universitycompare.com

Universitycompare.com has developed a guide for students managing anxiety when in university halls of residence. They cover important topics, such as: • Understanding and embracing anxiety triggers • Coping techniques and preparing for life in halls • How to deal with...

read more

BZ Bodies

BZ Bodies is commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council to offer Healthy Lifestyle programmes for families. They work with families with children aged 5-15 years where one or more children in the family is over 92nd Centile in weight The whole family can come...

read more

Safeline

Safeline’s National Male Survivor Helpline is a dedicated service for men and boys in England and Wales affected by rape or sexual abuse and those that support them such as friends and family.

read more

Future Me Gloucestershire

Future Me Gloucestershire is for young people, about young people and by young people and aim to represent and connect with other young people so they can share their views and experiences of growing up in this county.

read more

Dad Matters

Dad Matters is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire and provides support for dads with children under 3, including antenatal groups and perinatal mental health support groups.

read more

Mothers in Mind

Mothers in Mind is a peer support drop in group for mums struggling with their mental health and is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire.

read more

Home-Start Gloucestershire

Home-Start Gloucestershire provides early support to families who are facing the challenges and stresses of family life, including a wide range of difficulties such as isolation, low self-esteem, physical and mental health issues.

read more

Crossroads Gloucestershire

Crossroads Gloucestershire is a charity based in the Forest of Dean which provides practical help, support and social opportunities to carers and those they care for across all ages and disabilities.

read more

Gloucestershire Police

Gloucestershire Constabulary’s (police) website provides a range of advice and resources on where to get help, how to report crimes and tips and advice.

read more

National Stalking Helpline

The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, advocacy and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.

read more

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that aims to give people the power to speak up and stop crime anonymously.

read more

Stroud Women’s Refuge

Stroud Women’s Refuge is a charity offering accommodation and support services to women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse.

read more

Beat Eating Disorders

Beat Eating Disorders is a national charity which provides an eating disorder helpline to help encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery.

read more

Black Thrive

Black Thrive is an organisation that aims to end the stigma associated with mental health and address mental health inequalities experienced by Lambeth’s Black communities.

read more

Mind

Mind is a mental health support charity and offers a way of finding out what’s available in your area, such as specific BAME groups.

read more

www.nhs.uk/live-well

Advice, tips and tools to make the best choices about your health and wellbeing to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.

read more

Run things

Run things is a not-for profit virtual running club that focuses on fighting isolation and social anxiety among users.

read more

Every Mind Matters

Simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting your mood or sleeping better.

read more

Social Prescribing

Improving the quality of life of individuals and increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.

read more

Mencap

Mencap is a national charity which provides advice and support for people with a learning disability and their families

read more

Inclusion Gloucestershire

Inclusion Gloucestershire is a user-led self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism or mental ill health.

read more

Scope

Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales providing practical and emotional support. Their online disability forum is a supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information and to talk to people with...

read more

Carer’s Trust

Carers Trust is a charity which works to improve support, services and recognition for carers.

read more

Guideposts Gloucestershire

Guideposts Gloucestershire is a charity that supports people living with long-term conditions, disability or caring responsibilities to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

read more

Gloucestershire Carers Hub

Gloucestershire Carers Hub provides information, advice and guidance for carers, signpost to other services, provide assessments and support planning, support groups and hubs, benefits and finance advice, access to groups, befriending and mentoring as well as counselling and provide a free 24-hour helpline as part of their carers’ emergency scheme.

read more

Cotswold Friends

Cotswold Friends is a local charity which helps and supports older and vulnerable people in the North Cotswolds.

read more

Cheltenham and District Carers and Families

Cheltenham and District Carers and Families (CADCAF) is a charity family support group for parents and carers who are caring for a child or young person with additional needs in Cheltenham and surrounding areas.

read more

Managing Memory Together

Managing Memory Together provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment services to people who are worried about memory as well as providing support to their carers.

read more

FRANK

FRANK is a website and national telephone helpline operated by Public Health England offering honest advice, information and support to anyone concerned about drugs and solvent/volatile substance misuse.

read more

National Debtline

National Debtline is a charity which provides free and independent debt advice over the phone and online as well as handy resources to help overcome financial pressures.

read more

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is a charity representing children’s rights and supporting children and young people in or leaving care.  

read more

POhWER

POhWER is a charity and membership organisation providing information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion.

read more

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid offers information and support on domestic violence including live chat and forums.

read more

The Hideout

The Hideout is a charity-supported website to help provide children and young people with information about domestic violence.

read more

Respect Men’s Advice Line

Respect Men’s advice line is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse offering nonjudgmental emotional support, practical advice and information.

read more

Refuge

Refuge is a national charity offering a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for women and children.

read more

NSPCC

NSPCC is a national charity working to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.

read more

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana is a UK human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

read more

Gloucestershire Constabulary

Gloucestershire Constabulary provide advice and information on Domestic Abuse, how to report it and links to partner support helplines at: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

read more

National Bullying Helpline

National Bullying Helpline is a charitable organisation offering help and support for adults, children and parents struggling with bullying issues.

read more

Kidscape

Kidscape is a national charity which provides children, families, carers and professionals with advice, training and practical tools to prevent bullying and protect young lives.

read more

BullyingUK

BullyingUK is a website provided by charity Family Lives and provides advice, resources and support to help people of any age who may be experiencing bullying.

read more

Anti-Bullying Alliance

Anti-Bullying Alliance is a national charity comprising a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.

read more

Gloucestershire Counselling Services

Gloucestershire Counselling Services is a charity offering a range of counselling in Gloucestershire and the surrounding area for individuals, couples, children and families, schools and other services.

read more

Switchboard LGBT+

Switchboard LGBT+ provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging.

read more

Stonewall

Stonewall provides information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.

read more

Pink Therapy

Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).

read more

Mermaids

Mermaids helps gender-diverse kids, young people and their families.

read more

LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation is a national charity offering information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme.

read more

Imaan

Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

read more

Gloscats

Gloscats provides support for the transgender community in Gloucestershire. Find out more here: www.gloscats.org.uk

read more

GayGlos

GayGlos is a charity which provides support services, education and engagement for Gloucestershire’s LGBTQ+ community.

read more

School Nurses

School Nurses support children and young people aged from 5 to 19 in the community, whether they attend school or not.

read more

Hope House

For information about services available, STI’s, contraception, HIV, pregnancy and sexual assault.

read more

Winston’s Wish

Winston’s Wish is a national childhood bereavement charity which provides practical and emotional support for children, young people and those who care for them after the death of a parent or sibling.

read more

Selfharm.co.uk

Selfharm.co.uk is a charity which supports young people aged 14-19 impacted by self-harm and provides information and a moderated discussion board where you can ask questions and get support

read more

National Self Harm Network

National Self Harm Network is a national charity offering support, advice and advocacy services to people affected by self-harm directly or in a care role.

read more

Harmless

Harmless is a sponsored organisation which provides a range of services about self-harm including support, information to people who self-harm, their friends and families.

read more

Stay Alive App

Stay Alive App is a free suicide prevention resource for the UK, from charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention.

read more

YoungMinds

YoungMinds Is a national charity for children and young people who need mental health support.

read more

SupportLine

SupportLine is a charity which provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.

read more

Shout

Shout is a 24/7 text service, supported by digital mental health charity, Mental Health Innovations.

read more

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity providing non-judgemental listening support to anyone. 

read more

MindEd for Families

Free, practical information to help you to understand your child and support them through whatever they are going through.

read more

Independence Trust

Independence Trust provides a range of services aimed at supporting you in strengthening your emotional and physical wellbeing and promoting better attitudes to mental and physical health

read more

Childline

Childline is a national free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19 where you can talk about anything big or small with trained counsellors.

read more

ChatHealth

ChatHealth offers support to young people aged between 11 – 19 with questions relating to a wide range of health and wellbeing issues

read more

On Your Mind Glos (OMYG)

On Your Mind Glos is a website providing information about to bullying, eating disorders and anxiety and where you can go for more support.

read more

Tic+

Tic+ is a Gloucestershire-based charity which provides confidential counselling, support and care for young people and their families.

read more

School nurses

School Nurses support children and young people aged from 5 to 19 in the community, whether they attend school or not.

read more

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Previously named CYPS, provides specialist NHS mental health services for children and young people, their families and carers who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, from birth to their 18th birthday. Find out more about the...

read more

National Listings

GlosFamilies Directory

GlosFamilies Directory is an online resource provided by Gloucestershire County Council providing information for families and practitioners on Relationship Support for Parents, Family Support, Advice and Early Help Services, Childcare, Education, Young People, Things...

read more

Your Circle

Your Circle is a directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire. The website is run by Gloucestershire County Council with information, advice and support to help you, or someone you look...

read more

Community Hubs and Social Groups

There are a number of community and social groups that meet regularly in local areas across the county. Find out what’s going on in your area or choose from a range of categories to find out more: www.yourcircle.org.uk

read more

universitycompare.com

Universitycompare.com has developed a guide for students managing anxiety when in university halls of residence. They cover important topics, such as: • Understanding and embracing anxiety triggers • Coping techniques and preparing for life in halls • How to deal with...

read more

BZ Bodies

BZ Bodies is commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council to offer Healthy Lifestyle programmes for families. They work with families with children aged 5-15 years where one or more children in the family is over 92nd Centile in weight The whole family can come...

read more

Safeline

Safeline’s National Male Survivor Helpline is a dedicated service for men and boys in England and Wales affected by rape or sexual abuse and those that support them such as friends and family.

read more

Future Me Gloucestershire

Future Me Gloucestershire is for young people, about young people and by young people and aim to represent and connect with other young people so they can share their views and experiences of growing up in this county.

read more

Dad Matters

Dad Matters is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire and provides support for dads with children under 3, including antenatal groups and perinatal mental health support groups.

read more

Mothers in Mind

Mothers in Mind is a peer support drop in group for mums struggling with their mental health and is part of Home-Start Gloucestershire.

read more

Home-Start Gloucestershire

Home-Start Gloucestershire provides early support to families who are facing the challenges and stresses of family life, including a wide range of difficulties such as isolation, low self-esteem, physical and mental health issues.

read more

Crossroads Gloucestershire

Crossroads Gloucestershire is a charity based in the Forest of Dean which provides practical help, support and social opportunities to carers and those they care for across all ages and disabilities.

read more

Gloucestershire Police

Gloucestershire Constabulary’s (police) website provides a range of advice and resources on where to get help, how to report crimes and tips and advice.

read more

National Stalking Helpline

The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, advocacy and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.

read more

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity that aims to give people the power to speak up and stop crime anonymously.

read more

Stroud Women’s Refuge

Stroud Women’s Refuge is a charity offering accommodation and support services to women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse.

read more

Beat Eating Disorders

Beat Eating Disorders is a national charity which provides an eating disorder helpline to help encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery.

read more

Black Thrive

Black Thrive is an organisation that aims to end the stigma associated with mental health and address mental health inequalities experienced by Lambeth’s Black communities.

read more

Mind

Mind is a mental health support charity and offers a way of finding out what’s available in your area, such as specific BAME groups.

read more

www.nhs.uk/live-well

Advice, tips and tools to make the best choices about your health and wellbeing to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.

read more

Run things

Run things is a not-for profit virtual running club that focuses on fighting isolation and social anxiety among users.

read more

Every Mind Matters

Simple and practical advice to get a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting your mood or sleeping better.

read more

Social Prescribing

Improving the quality of life of individuals and increase their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes.

read more

Mencap

Mencap is a national charity which provides advice and support for people with a learning disability and their families

read more

Inclusion Gloucestershire

Inclusion Gloucestershire is a user-led self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism or mental ill health.

read more

Scope

Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales providing practical and emotional support. Their online disability forum is a supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information and to talk to people with...

read more

Carer’s Trust

Carers Trust is a charity which works to improve support, services and recognition for carers.

read more

Guideposts Gloucestershire

Guideposts Gloucestershire is a charity that supports people living with long-term conditions, disability or caring responsibilities to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

read more

Gloucestershire Carers Hub

Gloucestershire Carers Hub provides information, advice and guidance for carers, signpost to other services, provide assessments and support planning, support groups and hubs, benefits and finance advice, access to groups, befriending and mentoring as well as counselling and provide a free 24-hour helpline as part of their carers’ emergency scheme.

read more

Cotswold Friends

Cotswold Friends is a local charity which helps and supports older and vulnerable people in the North Cotswolds.

read more

Cheltenham and District Carers and Families

Cheltenham and District Carers and Families (CADCAF) is a charity family support group for parents and carers who are caring for a child or young person with additional needs in Cheltenham and surrounding areas.

read more

Managing Memory Together

Managing Memory Together provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment services to people who are worried about memory as well as providing support to their carers.

read more

FRANK

FRANK is a website and national telephone helpline operated by Public Health England offering honest advice, information and support to anyone concerned about drugs and solvent/volatile substance misuse.

read more

National Debtline

National Debtline is a charity which provides free and independent debt advice over the phone and online as well as handy resources to help overcome financial pressures.

read more

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is a charity representing children’s rights and supporting children and young people in or leaving care.  

read more

POhWER

POhWER is a charity and membership organisation providing information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion.

read more

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid offers information and support on domestic violence including live chat and forums.

read more

The Hideout

The Hideout is a charity-supported website to help provide children and young people with information about domestic violence.

read more

Respect Men’s Advice Line

Respect Men’s advice line is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse offering nonjudgmental emotional support, practical advice and information.

read more

Refuge

Refuge is a national charity offering a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for women and children.

read more

NSPCC

NSPCC is a national charity working to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.

read more

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana is a UK human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

read more

Gloucestershire Constabulary

Gloucestershire Constabulary provide advice and information on Domestic Abuse, how to report it and links to partner support helplines at: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

read more

National Bullying Helpline

National Bullying Helpline is a charitable organisation offering help and support for adults, children and parents struggling with bullying issues.

read more

Kidscape

Kidscape is a national charity which provides children, families, carers and professionals with advice, training and practical tools to prevent bullying and protect young lives.

read more

BullyingUK

BullyingUK is a website provided by charity Family Lives and provides advice, resources and support to help people of any age who may be experiencing bullying.

read more

Anti-Bullying Alliance

Anti-Bullying Alliance is a national charity comprising a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.

read more

Gloucestershire Counselling Services

Gloucestershire Counselling Services is a charity offering a range of counselling in Gloucestershire and the surrounding area for individuals, couples, children and families, schools and other services.

read more

Switchboard LGBT+

Switchboard LGBT+ provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through instant messaging.

read more

Stonewall

Stonewall provides information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.

read more

Pink Therapy

Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).

read more

Mermaids

Mermaids helps gender-diverse kids, young people and their families.

read more

LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation is a national charity offering information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme.

read more

Imaan

Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.

read more

Gloscats

Gloscats provides support for the transgender community in Gloucestershire. Find out more here: www.gloscats.org.uk

read more

GayGlos

GayGlos is a charity which provides support services, education and engagement for Gloucestershire’s LGBTQ+ community.

read more

School Nurses

School Nurses support children and young people aged from 5 to 19 in the community, whether they attend school or not.

read more

Hope House

For information about services available, STI’s, contraception, HIV, pregnancy and sexual assault.

read more

Winston’s Wish

Winston’s Wish is a national childhood bereavement charity which provides practical and emotional support for children, young people and those who care for them after the death of a parent or sibling.

read more

Selfharm.co.uk

Selfharm.co.uk is a charity which supports young people aged 14-19 impacted by self-harm and provides information and a moderated discussion board where you can ask questions and get support

read more

National Self Harm Network

National Self Harm Network is a national charity offering support, advice and advocacy services to people affected by self-harm directly or in a care role.

read more

Harmless

Harmless is a sponsored organisation which provides a range of services about self-harm including support, information to people who self-harm, their friends and families.

read more

Stay Alive App

Stay Alive App is a free suicide prevention resource for the UK, from charity Grassroots Suicide Prevention.

read more

YoungMinds

YoungMinds Is a national charity for children and young people who need mental health support.

read more

SupportLine

SupportLine is a charity which provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.

read more

Shout

Shout is a 24/7 text service, supported by digital mental health charity, Mental Health Innovations.

read more

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity providing non-judgemental listening support to anyone. 

read more

MindEd for Families

Free, practical information to help you to understand your child and support them through whatever they are going through.

read more

Independence Trust

Independence Trust provides a range of services aimed at supporting you in strengthening your emotional and physical wellbeing and promoting better attitudes to mental and physical health

read more

Childline

Childline is a national free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19 where you can talk about anything big or small with trained counsellors.

read more

ChatHealth

ChatHealth offers support to young people aged between 11 – 19 with questions relating to a wide range of health and wellbeing issues

read more

On Your Mind Glos (OMYG)

On Your Mind Glos is a website providing information about to bullying, eating disorders and anxiety and where you can go for more support.

read more

Tic+

Tic+ is a Gloucestershire-based charity which provides confidential counselling, support and care for young people and their families.

read more

School nurses

School Nurses support children and young people aged from 5 to 19 in the community, whether they attend school or not.

read more

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Previously named CYPS, provides specialist NHS mental health services for children and young people, their families and carers who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, from birth to their 18th birthday. Find out more about the...

read more
Be Well Gloucestershire
Be Well Gloucestershire

Ask for help if you need it

It can be hard to know where to turn when we’re struggling with our mental health but support is available, from NHS and council-commissioned services to local and national charities. Many services are free, confidential, and you can access them yourself without a referral from a professional.

Support for carers

Find out what support is available to you.

Find Support

Support for children, young people and families

There is a wide range of support for children, young people and families in the county.

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Support for older age groups

More information about additional support that is available for older people locally and nationally.

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Support for ethnic minorities

Find out more about some of the support that is available

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Support for LGBTQ+ communities

Getting help with issues you're struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do

Find Support

Support for veterans

If you think you or your partner may be experiencing mental health difficulties, you can get expert help

Find Support

Your health and wellbeing

The past year has been a particularly challenging time for everyone but whatever you’re worried about, please reach out for support – help is available

Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111

Contact us

If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch to let us know what mental health support information would be useful to you at this time

Be Well Gloucestershire