Mental health and wellbeing

Urgent support

If a child or young person feels unsafe or overwhelmed and needs urgent support, help is available.

A mental health crisis can include:

  • suicidal thoughts
  • self-harm
  • panic attacks
  • flashbacks
  • feeling out of control (such as hypomania or mania)
  • hearing or seeing things others don't (psychosis)

What to do in a crisis

  • Call NHS 111 and choose option 2 for urgent mental health support
  • Go to your nearest A&E
  • Call 999 if there is immediate danger

Find more support and help in a crisis.

You're not alone, and it’s always okay to ask for help.

Talk to someone you trust

If a child or young person is feeling low, anxious or struggling emotionally, sharing how they feel can help. Talking to a trusted adult, family member, friend, teacher, or someone at school or college can make a real difference.

Support in school and college

Schools play an important role in helping children and young people feel safe and supported. Many schools offer:

  • school nurses with regular drop-in sessions
  • pastoral teams, mentors, or a mental health lead
  • trained staff who can listen and offer support when it’s needed

Free and confidential support outside of school

Children and young people can also access free, confidential help at any time:

  • ChatHealth is an NHS text messaging service for 11–19 year-olds in Walsall. Get confidential advice from school nurses on issues such as anxiety, anger, bullying, family concerns and friendships. Text: 07480 635363
  • Kooth supports issues such as low mood, anxiety, exam stress, sleep problems and low self‑esteem. It's a free, anonymous online service for 11–19 year-olds, available 24/7. Young people can:
    • chat with qualified counsellors
    • read helpful articles
    • connect with others their age
  • Wysa is a free mental health app offering a private, judgement‑free space to talk. You can download Wysa via the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust website. It includes:
    • support whenever you need it
    • over 150 self‑help tools, including breathing and mindfulness exercises
  • Reflexions work with schools and colleges to support children and young people who may need more specialist mental health support. They: 
    • work closely with school mental health leads (you can ask them for a referral)
    • provide personalised support plans 
    • have specialist education mental health practitioners trained to support more complex needs 

Further support

Walsall Talking Therapies provides support for low mood, anxiety, depression and stress. You can self-refer by contacting the service directly if you are 17 or over and registered with a GP in Walsall. Or you can ask your GP to refer you.  Depending on your needs, they can provide many kinds of treatments. They may include CBT, EMDR, guided self‑help, online therapy, and wellbeing courses.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provide support for moderate to severe mental health needs. They support young people up to age 18 who are registered with a GP in Walsall.

National support and information