Topic: Health

Health, wellbeing and disabilities support

It can be tough to know where to turn when the child you care for needs extra support. Get direct links to online and offline support organisations and tools recommended by children, guardians and professionals. Our support team is also here to offer advice and answer questions.

Noelle explains how the team can support the mental and physical health of you and the child you care for

Mental health

  • CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) ↗

    The Buckinghamshire NHS mental health team for children and young people (run by Oxford Health NHS). It provides access to professional therapeutic support and online guides and advice, including dedicated services for ‘looked after and children previously in care’. Our team can help you refer to the service.

  • Healthy Minds Bucks ↗

    An online NHS service offering a range of free, tried and tested psychological therapies that help with low mood, anxiety, worry and stress. Includes a set of ‘coping with coronavirus’ videos and written guides.

  • Young Minds ↗

    A website and support service offering information to young people, parents and carers about improving their mental health and emotional wellbeing. It includes links to direct help and advice as well as connections to longer-term support.

  • Kooth ↗

    A free, confidential online mental health community for 11–20-year-olds. Kooth includes discussion boards, articles, live chat with support workers, and a daily journal feature. You can sign up online with no referral or waiting lists.

  • Samaritans ↗

    Samaritans offer judgement-free listening and support in times of need. You can also use a self-help app to keep track of how you're feeling and get recommendations for things you can do to cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis.

  • Shout 85258 ↗

    A free, confidential, 24/7 text-messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Your message will not appear on your phone bill.

Wellbeing

  • The Mix ↗

    Essential support for under 25s. Get help with almost any challenge, including mental health, money, homelessness, finding a job, break-ups, drugs, relationships and sleep. It includes expert guides and an online community, as well as a free, confidential helpline and counselling service.

  • Youth Concern ↗

    A charity supporting young people aged 13–25 in Aylesbury Vale and beyond. It provides a team of support workers and the Uptown Coffee Bar in Aylesbury to create a safe, pressure-free place for young people to be and feel supported. Services include drop-ins, appointments and a range of counselling, employment, education and training support. No referral is needed.

  • Youthspace ↗

    A local website for parent/carers and young people that provides information, support and things to do for 11–19 year olds, including youth projects, education and learning, and mental health support. Run by Buckinghamshire Council, it is free to access online.

  • FRANK Drug Support ↗

    Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law. FRANK includes A–Z guides abut drugs, drug treatment and supporting people with addiction. You can text, access live chat support or call the helpline.

  • We are with you ↗

    Get free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs, addiction and mental health issues. It provides clear online guidance and links to local support services for people experiencing challenges or those who care about them.

  • Hope Again bereavement support ↗

    Support for young people when someone dies. Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Support. Learn from other young people and professionals how to cope with grief and feel less alone.

  • YES Wycombe (Youth Enquiry Service) ↗

    A local charity based in High Wycombe that provides free counselling and a sexual health clinic for 13-25 year olds. Open for drop-ins and booking appointments.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

  • The Local Offer SEND service directory ↗

    A website listing local and national advice and services for children, young people aged 0–25 with SEND. Includes specialist support agencies, local clubs, facilities and activities. The Local Offer is run by Buckinghamshire Council’s Family Information Service (FIS).

  • List of UK disability charities ↗

    The Charities Choice website provides a comprehensive directory of all UK charities. You can search and filter results by keywords or location. This can be a useful starting point to find the organisations that provide specialised support for different disabilities and special needs.

  • The Pace Centre ↗

    An Aylesbury-based charity that supports children and young people with neurodisabilities. It offers information, therapies, assessments, support and training.

  • Virtual school education team ↗

    A team run by Buckinghamshire Council to support all currently or previously looked after children and their parent or carers. Any special guardian can call for advice and support about issues that relate to the child’s education and support, entitlements and rights.

  • FACT Bucks Parent Carers Forum ↗

    Families and Carers Together (FACT) in Buckinghamshire is a group of parents and professionals who meet to discuss issues that affect children and young people with additional needs and disabilities. FACT runs local meetings, social media communities, provide signposting to specialist support and updates information on local events and issues.