Support for Parents and Carers

At KCLMS we recognize the importance of the community around each and every young person. We encourage parents and carers to have open and honest conversations with their young person about their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Please take a look through this resource from Reconnect London for guidance for parents and carers on mental health and emotional wellbeing, including approaches to positive support.

For specific support, please look to the following resources:

YoungMinds

A mental health charity committed to improving the mental health of babies, children and young people, including support for parents and carers on the following:

• A child’s feelings and behaviour
• Getting help for one's child
• Talking to one's child
• Parents' helpline and webchat
• Not sure where to start

The charity has a special support service for young persons struggling to cope. They can text YM to 85258 for free, 24/7 support.

Young Mind's mental health guide for parents during exam time

Mind

This mental health charity's Infoline provides an information and signposting service. They are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).

0300 123 3393 - Open Mon-Fri from 9am–6pm.

Mind's useful information page for parents and carers

The Mix

Support and advice for under 25s, including a helpline, crisis messenger service and webchat.

Their crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. 85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX). Their helpline is for persons aged 25 who need help but don’t know where to turn. The number is free and can be reached on 0808 808 4994. Their phones are open 7 days a week from 4pm to 11pm. People can also webchat to them 7 days a week from 4pm to 11pm.

Other services which you might find useful:

Advice to parents and carers on keeping children safe from abuse and harm - This government guidance brings together sources of information about the main risks children may be particularly vulnerable to and signposts you to help and support available. It also includes information on the support providers who can help you have effective conversations with a young person.

Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life - a parenting organisation working to make the online world a safer, more positive place for families and children.

Turn2us – a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.

Working Families – A charity that helps working parents and carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work.

The Trussell Trust – find a local food bank: Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust

Citizen’s Advice – an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and other problems.

UK Safety Internet Centre Parents and Carers Information - this page provides tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your child safe online.

Think U Know Advice for Parents and Carers on Internet Safety - Access information and resources for parents and carers on keeping your child safer online including conversation starters and video guides.

Guide for parents of trans children - Free2B Alliance is a London-based community organisation, supporting LGBTQ+ young people and their parents. They have created this guide with members of their monthly parent group. The guide is a basic introduction with links to more detailed information and further reading for those who feel ready.

See further support in the students section for an array of different specific needs.

Please do get in touch with your child’s tutor if you would like to discuss anything further.