Children, young people and families
This page offers a list of support and information services for children, young people and families
BBC Bitesize health and wellbeing information
BBC Bitesize have a health and wellbeing information and support section of their website with tips and advice to guide through life’s challenges. Whether you are looking to boost your mental health, worried about cyber-bullying or have questions about puberty, BBC Bitesize can help.
The Benjamin Foundation
The Benjamin Foundation is a charity which helps children, young people and families in Norfolk to deal with challenges in their lives.
Their work covers :
Housing and Homelessness (providing a safe home and support for up to 180 vulnerable young adults every night)
Emotional Wellbeing Support (delivering services to children, young people and families facing a wide range of challenges)
Childcare (we provide care suitable for those aged a few months old up to 13 in safe, supportive environments)
Address:
The Benjamin Foundation
23-27 St Andrews Street
Norwich
Norfolk NR2 4TP
Birth Reflections Service
The Birth Reflections Service at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital is a confidential service run by midwives. The service gives you support and the opportunity to discuss and understand what happened during the birth of your baby.
One-to-one sessions run on a Saturday. For an appointment, please call Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital on 01603 287334.
ChatHealth
ChatHealth is a text messaging service for young people aged 11-19 years old. They have experienced clinicians online waiting to answer and deal with any messages they get.
Simply text 07840 635 060
ChildLine
Childline is here to help anyone under the age of 19 in the UK with any issue they are going through. The counsellors are trained staff and volunteers. You can reach Childline via telephone, online anonymous message boards, or use the Ask Sam service on its website. Childline is a service provided by the NSPCC, and offers counselling and support on a range of topics for children and young people.
It also has dedicated advice for parents, covering issues and topics like:
- Children’s mental health
- Keeping children safe at home and away from home
- Online safety
- Reporting abuse
- Talking about drugs and alcohol
Just One Norfolk
Just One Norfolk delivers a range of community-based children and young people’s services across Norfolk
Kooth
Kooth is an online platform that offers online counselling and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people. It is accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.
Once registered, you can:
- Access the Kooth magazine
- Join and contribute in discussion boards
- Set smart personal goals and track your progress
- Keep a Kooth journal
- Access Kooth chat and messenger, for confidential conversation
Watch the quick useful video on their website to find out more about what Kooth can offer.
Leeway
Leeway provide fre and confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
750,000 child incidents of domestic abuse are reported in the UK every year.
Maternity Voices
Maternity Voices is a national group of Maternity Voices Partnerships (MVPs) who work to review maternity services.
In Norfolk, there are MVP groups linked to the Queen Elizabeth, Norfolk and Norwich, and James Paget Hospitals, including community midwifery support in those areas.
The Matthew Project
Offers support to children and young people affected by someone else’s substance misuse. They offer one-to-one support via text, phone or email.
MAP
MAP are advisers, counsellors, youth workers and other professionals working together to provide the best support they can to young people aged 11-25, in a way that works for them.
All of their services are free and confidential.
Nelson's Journey
Providing local bereavement support to children and young people up to the age of 18, Nelson’s Journey offer a Support Line service on 01603 431788. You can call a Child Bereavement Support Worker for guidance and information.
Norfolk LGBT+ Project
Norfolk LGBT+ Project is a registered charity, providing support, information and advice to all age groups that is relevant to the health and wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Norfolk and Waveney since 2007.
They offer family support, and one-on-one support for those who can’t rely on their family for support.
NSFT Parent Workshops
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) are running free online workshops. The workshops are designed to help parents and carers support the mental health of the children they care for.
PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK, and PAPYRUS believes that suicide is preventable.
Its suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers who work with young people – and anyone concerned for a young person- to help them keep them safe from suicide. HOPELINE 247 is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year (weekends and Bank Holidays included)
Start For Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Topics covered include:
- Feeding your baby
- Breastfeeding challenges
- Learning to talk
- Weaning recipes
- Pregnancy week-by-week
- Safe weaning
The Harbour Centre
The Harbour Centre offers free confidential healthcare and compassionate support to children, young people and adults who have experienced sexual assault or rape in Norfolk.
Its confidential healthcare and support services are available by appointment only from 9am to 9pm 365 days a year.
If you are aged 13-17 and have been sexually assaulted or forced to engage in sexual activity without your consent, you can either report it to the police who will arrange an appointment, or you can call the helpline number below and speak to a specially trained nurse who will book one.
