If someone is in danger right now, call 999. That includes a child or adult who has hurt themselves, who is about to, or who cannot be kept safe.
Neurodivergent Minds is not a clinical, crisis or advice service. Our guides, packs and articles are practical tools and different ways of looking at a situation. They are never a substitute for professional help. This page lists places to turn when you need more than a tool.
If you are worried and it is urgent but not an emergency
- NHS 111: call 111 or use 111 online for urgent health advice. Depending on where you live there may be a specific mental health option, so check the NHS website for your area's service.
- Your GP surgery: ask for an urgent appointment and say it is about your child's mental health. You can say you are worried about their safety.
- Your child's school: the designated safeguarding lead or the SENCO can act quickly and can often arrange support within school.
For children and young people
- Childline: free and confidential, on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk, any time of day or night. You can talk about anything that is worrying you.
- Shout: free, confidential text support, 24 hours a day. Text SHOUT to 85258.
- Samaritans: free to call on 116 123 at any time, for anyone.
For parents and carers
- YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544. Free advice for parents and carers worried about a child or young person's mental health (aged 25 or under). It is open on weekdays and not at night, so check youngminds.org.uk for current hours.
- Contact: support for families with disabled children, including advice on benefits and education. 0808 808 3555 on weekdays, or contact.org.uk.
- Samaritans: 116 123, for you as well as for your child. Looking after a child who is struggling is hard, and you are allowed to need support too.
- Carers UK: carersuk.org has advice and a forum for people looking after someone.
Information and organisations
- National Autistic Society: autism.org.uk
- ADHD Foundation: adhdfoundation.org.uk
- Mind: mind.org.uk, for information about mental health
- SENDIASS: free, impartial information and advice about special educational needs and disabilities. Search for your local service through your local authority.
- Education Otherwise: educationotherwise.org, for home education support and legal information. We are not qualified to advise on the legal side of home education.
While you wait for CAMHS or other services
Waiting lists for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are long in many areas. That is not your fault and it is not a sign that your child does not deserve help. Some things that may be worth asking about:
- Ask your GP what support is available locally while you wait, and whether anything else can be tried or arranged in the meantime.
- Ask your child's school about their pastoral team, any school counselling and any mental health support available in school.
- Ask whether your area accepts self-referral to children's mental health services, and whether there is a local charity or support service for neurodivergent families.
- Keep a short note of what you are seeing and when. It can help in any appointment.
- If things get worse while you wait, say so again. Do not assume you have used up your chance.
If a child tells you they want to hurt themselves
Stay calm, listen and take it seriously. Do not promise to keep it secret, and do not leave them alone if you think they may act on it. Get help the same day through your GP or NHS 111, or call 999 if they are in immediate danger. You do not have to work out how serious it is yourself.
Phone numbers and services change. Please check each organisation's own website for the latest details and opening times. We list these as a courtesy and are not responsible for what other organisations provide. We checked the Childline, Shout, YoungMinds and Contact details against their own sites or directory listings on 4 October 2026.
