For Parents and Carers
How to Get Support for Your Child
If you would like your child to take part in our 10‑week programme, here’s how you can get a referral:
- Referrals must be made by professionals such as your child’s school, GP, social worker, or other support services.
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You cannot refer yourself, but we can help:
- With your permission, we can email your child’s school to ask them to make a referral for you. please use this form
Tip: Ask someone you trust (family member, friend, or professional) to help you complete the form if needed.
You’re not alone
If you’re worried about a child’s wellbeing, it can feel frightening and isolating. This page offers gentle guidance on what to look for and what support might involve.
Signs a child may be struggling
- Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- More worry, anger or tearfulness than usual
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Physical complaints (tummy aches, headaches) with no clear cause
- School avoidance or sudden drop in confidence
Know What to Look For. Know When to Act.
Recognising the signs of emotional distress early can help save a life. While not all young people show clear or obvious signs, many do show warning signals that something isn’t right.
Key Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
If a child or young person is:
Talking or Writing About:
- Wanting to die or kill themselves
- Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Saying they have no purpose
- Mentioning suicide, even casually
"Everyone would be better off without me.”
“I can’t do this anymore.”
“I wish I could just disappear.”
Emotional Signs:
- Ongoing sadness or low mood
- Sudden mood swings (calm after extreme distress may indicate a decision has been made)
- Extreme anxiety, agitation, or rage
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies or school
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Expressing shame or humiliation
Behavioural Signs:
- Giving away personal belongings or writing “goodbye” notes
- Putting affairs in order (e.g., deleting social accounts, unusual goodbyes)
- Risk-taking behaviour (reckless driving, unsafe sex, substance misuse)
- Increased isolation
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Self-harming (cutting, burning, hitting) — a strong risk factor for suicide
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in eating habits (overeating or refusing food)
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Tiredness, low energy, or frequent headaches or stomach-aches
Who Might Be at Higher Risk?
Suicidal thoughts can affect any child or teen, but they may be more common in those who:
- Have a history of self-harm or suicide attempts
- Have experienced trauma, abuse, or bullying
- Identify as LGBTQ+ and lack support
- Are dealing with family breakdown or bereavement
- Have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety
- Feel isolated or socially excluded
- Are under academic or social pressure
What You Can Do as a Parent or Carer
- Take all signs seriously — never assume they’re “just being dramatic”
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” (It will not put the idea in their head)
- Listen without judgement and stay calm
- Don’t dismiss their feelings, even if they don’t seem logical
- Seek help immediately if you're worried about their safety
If You’re Concerned Right Now
- Emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E
- Papyrus HOPELINE247: 0800 068 41 41 | Text 07860 039967
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
- Childline: 0800 1111
- YoungMinds Crisis Text Line: Text YM to 85258
When to Seek Professional Help
- If suicidal thoughts are mentioned (even once)
- If your child is self-harming or showing depressive behaviours
- If their behaviour changes drastically
- If they have a suicide plan or have made an attempt
Speak to your GP, school mental health lead, or a specialist service such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
Final Note for Parents
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, please know this:
You are not failing as a parent. You are doing your best and your child can get better.
We’re here to help you navigate this with compassion, clarity, and support.
Refer a child via their school
Please complete the form below. We will email the details to the charity and to your child’s school (email only) for consideration.
How the programme helps
Children can learn to name feelings, build coping tools, and feel more in control. Families often receive practical strategies to support calm routines and connection at home.