If you or your teen is struggling with anxiety and you would like advice or help, the following websites include emotional and wellbeing information and support. Some also offer 1-2-1 chat or counselling services to children and young people, their parents, carers and families.

If you feel that you or your teen may be in a crisis, please see our separate information for more specific support.

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Chat Health

Provided by Children and Family Health Surrey, this is a Surrey-wide text messaging service for anyone aged 11–19 at secondary school looking for confidential advice on issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, or sexual health. Users are connected to a member of the school nursing team who aims to respond to texts within one working day.

Childline

A free, confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK where you can talk about anything, anytime. You can contact them via email, telephone or a 1-2-1 online chat. Please note that the night-time service is often busy and sessions may only last up to 15 minutes.

Children and Family Health Surrey

A Surrey-wide NHS community health service for children and young people from birth up to 19 years of age and their parents and carers. Their Advice Line provides support on all aspect of child health, development and parenting.

Family Lives

Previously known as Parentline, this is a website offering emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. There is also a confidential and free helpline, live online chat and community forums for families in England and Wales.

Mind

Provides advice and support to empower those experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. The Infoline provides an information and signposting service. The Legal line provides legal information and general advice on mental-health related law. The website has some practical resources for helping to cope in a crisis.

Infoline
  • Tel: 0300 123 3393
  • Available: Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm (excluding bank holidays)
  • Email: info@mind.org.uk
  • Text: 86463
  • Post: Mind Infoline, PO Box 75225, London, E15 9FS
Legal line

Mindworks Surrey – Youth Counselling Service (Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust)

This is a free and confidential counselling service for young people aged 12–24 who live in West Surrey and North East Hampshire. They offer 6–12 sessions with a trained counsellor where you can talk about anything that is concerning you.

MYH – Muslim Youth Helpline

Offers faith- and culturally-sensitive support services for young muslims. You can contact them using the free and confidential helpline, and also through email, online chat and WhatsApp. The service uses male and female volunteers trained in basic counselling skills to respond to client enquiries without judgment. Calls are taken from people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Mix

A website providing advice, information and support for young people aged 11–25. There are discussion boards and support groups on a wide range of topics. You can contact them via the free helpline, email, crisis messenger, or 1-2-1 chat.

  • Tel: 0808 808 4994
  • Available: Monday to Friday, 4pm–11pm
  • Crisis messenger: text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • Website: www.themix.org.uk

YoungMinds

A mental health charity with lots of useful tips and advice to help support young people. It also partners with SHOUT 85258 to provide free 24/7 text support for young people experiencing a mental health crisis. There is also a free Parents Helpline and Webchat for detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person up to the age of 25.