InformationSupporting mental wellbeing
Mental health is a human right and is crucial to our personal, community and socio-economic development. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health, and it is as important as our physical health. Our mental health is how we’re feeling inside, or how we are emotionally. It strongly affects our daily lives, as well as our ability do the things we need and want to, including work, study, getting on with people and looking after ourselves and others.
This page is not intended to cover specific mental illnesses and conditions. It is simply intended to signpost just some of the many local and national services offering advice and support:
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provide help for children and young people in Devon (excluding Plymouth) who may be experiencing problems with emotional or psychological wellbeing or mental health. CAMHS accept self-referrals from children, young people, parents and carers. Contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Childline is a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. You can speak to a counsellor every day 24/7.
Children's Society offers information, tips and activities for young people to help improve wellbeing.
Devon Mental Health Alliance is a partnership of VCSE organisations supporting people across Devon with mental health problems.
Devon Partnership Trust provides NHS services to people with mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity needs in Devon, the wider South West region and nationally.
Esteem Team work with children and young people who have additional needs and/or struggle with their mental health. Esteem Team also support those children’s and young people’s parents/carers.
HeadsUP support children, young people and their families in East Devon with their wellbeing by developing their confidence and resilience to thrive in today’s world.
KOOTH is an online mental wellbeing community for young people – offering free, safe and anonymous support.
Libraries promote healthy living and provide self-management support for everyone through information and signposting, such as Reading Well. They also offer a range of creative and social activities which connect people, combat loneliness and improve wellbeing. See Devon’s Libraries website or visit your nearest library to find out what’s on offer.
The Mental Health Foundation provides mental health information and advice, and has a podcast “Let’s Talk: Mental Health”.
Mind offers advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, including content for children and young people. There are mindfulness exercises and tips, including links to mobile apps that can help you practise mindfulness. There are podcasts and free resources to help support staff mental wellbeing in the workplace.
NHS: Every Mind Matters offers advice and practical tips to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing. Includes a section for young people.
NHS Mental health gives information and support for your mental health; common feelings and symptoms, specific conditions, advice and self-help.
Parental Minds gives support to East Devon families who are struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, believing that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues.
PAPYRUS is dedicated to preventing young suicide. Call 0800 068 4141/ Text 07860 039967 for any young person experiencing thoughts of suicide or for anyone with concerns for a young person in distress.
Pete’s Dragons reach those impacted by suicide and provide support that is timely, appropriate and carried out by professionals.
Qwell offers free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK.
Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your mental health using helpful reading. There are Reading Well schemes for Adult mental health, Teens, Children. All books are recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience.
Samaritans whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call free 116 123.
TALKWORKS provides free and confidential NHS mental health support that doesn’t require a GP referral. They can help with a range of mild to moderate common mental health problems including low mood, worry, stress and problems with sleep. You can self-refer on their website or by calling 0300 555 3344.
Young Minds supports children and young people on their mental health including practical tips and advice from young people, as well as information on getting support.
Warning: please call 999 in a medical emergency.