There is a lot of support available focusing on mental health and wellbeing. Often people only know about services that are available within their local school or are linked to NHS services (such as CAMHS) but lots of other supports are available too.
Digital: there are lots of supports available online and through text if you’d prefer not to speak to someone face to face. When we spoke to young people in South Lanarkshire, they suggested that online support played a key role.
Some of these supports are available 24 hours a day, with others being open at key parts of the day.
A list of national and local resources are below.
Click on the topic headings to filter the resources by topic.
Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous website that provides mental health and wellbeing support. It includes helpful articles, discussion boards, a daily journal, and a chat function where individuals can access 1:1 support. All children and young people aged 10-18 can access Kooth for free in South Lanarkshire, and those who are care experienced can get support until the age of 26.
SAM provides a range of self-help techniques organised into several main wellbeing themes, together with tools for recording and monitoring changes in your mood. The social cloud feature allows users to give and receive support from others.
Chill Panda is a gaming app that helps to reduce anxiety by helping children and young people learn to relax, manage their worries and improve their wellbeing. Tasks include simple breathing techniques and light exercises to take an individual’s mind off their worries.
Access via: Apple App Store and Nintendo Switch
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Young Scot has lots of helpful advice on a range of topics including mental health and wellbeing. They have a #maketimeto: mental health and emotional wellbeing initiative.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Breathing Space provides listening, information and advice for people in Scotland over 16 who are feeling low, stressed or anxious.
GoTo provides access to Mental Health support for Young People aged 14-18 living in South Lanarkshire. Experienced Counsellors can support young people experiencing difficulties with their mental health and issues like isolation, anxiety, relationships, family tensions and confidence.
NHS inform has information and advice on a range of mental health and wellbeing topics.
Respect me is Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Service. They have a website with lots of information, resources and supports for children, young people and adults. They also run annual campaigns and have a Youth Action Group.
The National Bullying Helpline provides information and advice about all forms of bullying. The phoneline is available
Mon – Fri: 9am-5pm
And Sat 10am – 12pm
CEOP help children and young people stay safe online. If anybody acts inappropriately towards children or young people (such as sexual chat, or being asked to do something that is not appropriate); it can be reported it online.
Shout is a crisis text service available to young people struggling to cope, Shout can provide 24/7 text support. For help, text SHOUT to 85258.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
The GIVIT provides drug and alcohol support for children and young people aged 13+.
The Beacons provides drug and alcohol support for young people aged 16+ and support for children and young people affected by family members drug use.
Lanarkshire Links are an organisation focused on recovery initiatives. They focus on service user and carer perspective, inspiring hope, optimism and a focus on Recovery.
A community-based integrated alcohol and drug treatment service, designed to support adults (16 +) with their recovery from alcohol or drug dependency problems.
The multi-disciplinary service is made up of Social Workers, Nurses, Substance Misuse Workers and Occupational Therapists, with additional support provided by Addictions Psychology, Addictions Psychiatry and Community Prescribers.
BEAT is the UK’s eating disorder charity, their website offers lots of information, as well as one to one web chat and online support groups.
Worth Warrier is a free app for young people aged 12 and above to support management of low self-worth and body dissatisfaction.
CAMHS in Lanarkshire provide an input for people with an eating disorder. This support is a family based treatment. For more information on what support is available.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Regen:FX offer a range of activities for young people within South Lanarkshire. This includes projects such as The Street, and a range of local youth projects.
The Young People’s Sport Panel provides a national platform to represent the voice of young people across Scotland. The role of the panel is to help influence and shape the future of sport in Scotland and to raise the profile of sport. The programme’s principle is that young people’s views are heard and valued, and they have the opportunity to influence decision making and drive change.
The Scottish Youth Parliament is a way young people can engage and make a different in their local communities.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Locator is an on-line resource for searching the Third Sector services available within South Lanarkshire. The aim of Locator is to help promote the services provided by third sector organisations across the region.
Young Minds is a UK wide charity that has guidance and advice on a range of mental health conditions, strategies how to cope with life and relationships.
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-25. They provide information and can signpost local services.
Stonewall Scotland raise awareness and provide LGBT information and links to LGBT+ groups.
Tie address homophobic, biphobic and transphobic prejudice and bullying through education. They create resources for schools, run workshops and assemblies for young people, and deliver professional learning for teachers on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Lanarkshire Association for Mental health is a Mental Health charity based in Lanarkshire and West Lothian. They deliver a wide range of services throughout the community and also have self-help resources.
DBI is a non-clinical intervention which can be a support to ease distress. DBI can be accessed through NHS24, through certain frontline staff (e.g. paramedic, police officer) and this support is also being piloted in a small number of secondary schools.
Move Mood is an app for young people aged 13 and over to help manage low mood and depression.
The Different Minds website is supported by the Scottish Government and provides examples of lived experience from Autistic People living in Scotland
ARCH (Autism Resources Coordination Hub) offers a range of services and can signpost you to a range of local and national services.
Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism educational charity.
Young minds has advice and information for young people, parents and professionals on their website to try and provide young people with the tools to help support.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
An app which supports young people aged 13+ to resist the urge to use self harm as a way to cope.
Alumina offers a 7 week support course for young people aged 10 -17 years old, wishing to move away from using self harm as a means to cope.
The Mental Health Foundation is a national charity that focuses on promoting good mental health for all.
SAMH provide information about a range of topics in resource guides. This is aimed at people who want to understand more about their own mental health or people who want to support others.
CAMHS in Lanarkshire provide an input for people with an eating disorder. This support is a family based treatment. For more information on what support is available.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Self-Harm Network Scotland provide advice and support for young people, those that are worried about young people and staff. This includes access to a peer support service for young people.
Sleep Action provides information, support and training in relation to sleep.
Sleep Action has specific information for teenagers, highlighting how to sleep well, set out in a series of steps.
Sleepio is a six week clinically proven app which helps people to get a better night’s sleep. This is designed to be used on a phone or tablet device. This is recommended for those aged 18+
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
See Me is Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Stigma Free Lanarkshire is a programme that aims to end mental health stigma and discrimination. They provide information and support, as well as awareness raising workshops and guidance for workplaces and education establishments.
South Lanarkshire have a Beating Exam Stress Booklet to support young people with managing their exams.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
The Samaritans provide a range of supports for people who are finding it difficult to cope. Anyone of any age can contact the Samaritans for free.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
This app, developed by staff in Lanarkshire provides practical support for people who are having suicidal thoughts or who may know someone who is.
Locator is an on-line resource for searching the Third Sector services available within South Lanarkshire. The aim of Locator is to help promote the services provided by third sector organisations across the region.
Skills Development Scotland is a Scottish organisation which supports with employability skills.
Childline is a free service for children and young people – here whenever they need support or advice.
This can provide telephone or online chat service 24/7.
This service can be used in a crisis or to find out more information on a range of topics
Skills Exchange run a variety of courses at different levels to support getting ready for the world of work. (Aged 16-17 years)
Covey provide befriending services to children and young people aged 8+
Healthy Valleys is a community-led health initiative that supports communities in rural South Lanarkshire.
Liber8 provide support for those with a caring responsibility. This can be focused on both the child’s mental health difficulties or that of the carer.
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture provides physical activity to support health and wellbeing.
Youth Family and Community Learning Services provide a range of opportunities within communities within Universal Connections centres. Some schools also have YFCL staff.
The Counselling Through Schools service is available to young people aged 10+ in South Lanarkshire. This is accessed through your school – Speak to someone within your school about how to access this support.
The Counselling Through Schools service is available to young people aged 10+ in South Lanarkshire. This is accessed through your school – Speak to someone within your school about how to access this support.
NHS Lanarkshire have some Lanarkshire wide services on a directory.
If you are worried about the safety of a young person or concerned that they are being harmed, the Child Protection website has information about how to report this.
Who Cares? Scotland provides advice, support and advocacy for young people. Advocacy is available to all young people who are care experienced and helps them share views and understand their rights.