Family & Life Events

Children & Young People

23 Jul 2025 3 min read

Growing up today brings challenges that many adults never had to face. Alongside school, exams and friendships, children and young people are navigating social media, online pressures, cost of living worries and an ever changing world, and it’s no surprise that many are finding it hard to cope.

Mental health problems are now more common among children and young people than ever before, and issues such as bullying, drugs and alcohol, grief, relationships and difficulties at home can all have a lasting impact. Getting the right support early can make a real difference, both now and later in life.

In this support hub, we look at some of the challenges young people face and bring together trusted charities and services that offer help in a way children and young people can relate to. Whether you are a young person looking for support yourself, or a parent or carer looking for ways to help your child, you’ll find links to support for mental health, bullying, drugs and alcohol, bereavement and more.

Poor mental health isn’t something that’s only adults will experience. 1 in 5 children and young people have a probable mental health condition and many will continue to experience these problems into adulthood.

Place2B are a children’s mental health charity who provide mental health support, training and counselling in UK schools. Children should not have to face mental health problems alone and they have been working with pupils, families, and staff for over 30 years.

In the last school year 33,327 pupils booked they’re own appointment to speak to a mental health professional. These statistics are based only on information from Place2B. There are many other support services available to children and young people, so the number currently being supported will be much higher.

It isn’t just mental health though, there are many other factors in life which can also affect children and young people they include:

Drugs and alcohol
Bullying including cyber bullying
Crime
Factors in their home life
School, college and work
Friends, relationships and sex
Grief and loss

If you are on this page as a parent looking for support or ways to help your child or you are looking for support for yourself, we have put together a list of resources and charities who offer help specifically in a way children and young people can relate too.

Support Links for Children & Young People

Links for Specific Support:

Bullying (including Cyberbullying)

Support for Drugs

Support for Children of Alcoholics

Prevention of Young Suicide

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are worried about a young person, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or call Childline free on 0800 1111. In an emergency, call 999.