Resources to support young people
Sidekick is a confidential helpline for young carers in the UK, aged 13 to 18 - and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You can message us any time, about anything that's bothering you as a young carer.
When is Sidekick open? Monday - 9.30 am to 7.30 pm, Tuesday - 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Wednesday - 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Thursday - 12.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Friday - 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Text 07888 868 059, Email: sidekick@actionforchildren.org.uk
A collection of inspiring stories from carers who successfully applied to further/higher education and were successful despite the challenges and adversity caring can bring.
Free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258. A trained volunteer will then make contact in less than 5 minutes. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Childline has launched an app that is the first to provide counselling to young people in need of help directly through their mobile devices. Available as a free download so young people can easily access Childline's online services (currently only available on Apple phones - Android version in development). App includes access to:
XenZone is a provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults. Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use. Available Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm, Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm
Free, safe social learning platform for schools to publish blogs, videos, pictures, and audio online, where they can be shared with a like-minded network of schools around the world. Includes the Young Carers in Focus national project.
