Children's mental health and trauma

Find support and information available for children's mental health and trauma.
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Even when parents make every effort to protect their children from terrifying, dangerous, or life-threatening situations, it is still possible for these things to occur. Even when children are not in danger physically, they may nevertheless experience mental and emotional trauma, which sometimes persists throughout their entire lives.

The most crucial thing to understand as a parent is that you can provide your child an incredibly important part of the help they need - emotional support and a loving, safe relationship. You can make a huge difference by being there for them and helping find the right professional help if they need it.

Information and Advice and useful self-help resources

Some helpful sources of information, advice and self-help for young people are: 

Some helpful sources of information, advice and self-help for parents, educational staff and professionals are: 

Getting local help with children’s mental health and trauma

If you are concerned about the mental health of a child or young person, or if you are a young person experiencing emotional wellbeing difficulties, the following services can provide information, advice, and guidance:

Chat health; School nursing service:

The Chat Health service can support young people with their emotional well-being and other health issues including self-harm.

You can text a school nurse on 07507 333356, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 09:00 to 16:30.

Suffolk Mind

Suffolk Mind provides resources for adults and children to help them stay well. Anyone who needs support can contact their friendly team by telephoning 0300 111 6000 between Monday and Friday. www.suffolkmind.org.uk

East and West Suffolk:
Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing Hub
Call the Emotional Wellbeing Hub helpline on 0345 600 2090 and press option 3 to make a referral to access specialist mental health support services or if you need an assessment.

Lowestoft and Waveney:
Go to the Just One Norfolk website for mental health information and support services. 

Urgent Mental Health Crisis Support

For urgent mental health support, contact:

  • NHS Mental Health Crisis Support Line call 111 and press option 2.

  • Contact the Samaritans

  • If it's a life-threatening emergency call 999.

Support available in your local area