Help other parents feel less alone

Every parent’s experience of supporting a child through mental health challenges is different.

You might have:

• Reached out for help for your child
• Worked with schools, GPs, or CAMHS
• Faced challenges or found support helpful

Your experience can help others:

• Understand what to expect
• Feel more confident seeking support
• Know they are not alone

What You Might Want to Share

You can share:

• What signs you first noticed
• How you accessed help
• What support your child received
• What helped your family most
• Advice for other parents

A Safe and Respectful Space

We understand this can feel very personal:

• You can share anonymously
• Your experience will be treated with care and respect
• There is no pressure to share

Support for your child starts with being heard — and you are not alone in this

Initial Conversation

• A professional will listen to your concerns
• You’ll be asked about your child’s behaviour and wellbeing

Assessment

• Your child may be assessed by a trained professional
• This helps identify the right type of support

Next Steps

Depending on the situation:

• Advice and guidance may be provided
• Support services may begin
• A referral to specialist care may be made

👉 You will be involved in decisions about your child’s care.

Possible Outcomes

Support may help your child to:

• Feel more understood and supported
• Develop ways to manage emotions
• Build confidence and coping skills
• Improve mental wellbeing over time

For some children, support may be short‑term.
For others, it may involve ongoing care.

1. Your GP

Your GP can:

• Assess your child’s mental health
• Provide advice and reassurance
• Refer to specialist services

2. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

CAMHS provides specialist mental health support for children and young people.

They offer:

• Assessments and treatment
• Therapy and ongoing support
• Crisis care where needed

👉 Usually accessed through a GP, school, or referral pathway.

3. School-Based Support

Schools can:

• Provide initial emotional and wellbeing support
• Offer counselling (in some cases)
• Refer to external services

4. NHS 111 – Mental Health Option

Call 111 for urgent advice.

• Available 24/7
• Can guide you to local London services
• Can connect you with crisis teams

5. Crisis Helplines and Support Services

You can also access:

• Childline (for young people)
• Shout (text support)
• Local London crisis lines

👉 These can support both parents and children during difficult moments.

Children don’t always express how they feel in words, so changes in behaviour can be important.

You might notice:

Emotional Changes

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Increased anxiety, worry, or panic
• Irritability, anger, or frustration

Behavioural Changes

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities
• Sudden changes in behaviour or routines
• Difficulty concentrating or attending school

Physical Signs

• Trouble sleeping or frequent tiredness
• Changes in appetite
• Complaints of headaches or stomach pains

More Urgent Warning Signs

• Talking about wanting to hurt themselves
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness
• Sudden extreme distress or emotional overwhelm

👉 If you notice these signs, especially suddenly or intensely, it’s important to seek support.

When to Act Urgently

If you believe your child may be in crisis

If your child:

• Is at risk of harming themselves
• Is expressing suicidal thoughts
• Is extremely distressed or unsafe

👉 Please seek help immediately

You can:

• Call NHS 111 (mental health option)
• Contact your GP urgently
• Call 999 or go to A&E if there is immediate risk

👉 You will not be wasting anyone’s time — this is exactly what these services are for.

As a parent or carer, you know your child best.

You may have noticed changes in their behaviour, mood, or reactions that don’t feel quite right. It can be difficult to know whether it’s part of growing up, a temporary phase, or something more serious.

At Basch Helps, we want to reassure you:

👉 If you’re concerned, it’s always okay to seek support — even if you’re unsure.

Across London, the NHS offers support for children and young people experiencing mental health challenges, including urgent care where needed.

Supporting Your Child at Home

While waiting for support, small actions can help:

Create a Safe Space

• Let your child know they can talk to you
• Listen without judgement

Keep Communication Open

• Use simple questions like:

  • “How are things feeling today?”
  • “Is there anything you want to talk about?”

Maintain Routine

• Regular sleep, meals, and structure can help children feel more secure

Offer Reassurance

• Let them know they are not in trouble
• Remind them they are supported

How Basch Helps Can Support Families

At Basch Helps, we understand how difficult it can be when your child is struggling.

We can:

• Offer emotional support for parents and families
• Provide a safe space to talk
• Help guide you to appropriate NHS services
• Support you alongside formal care

👉 You don’t have to navigate this alone.