General support — young people

This script provides information on a variety of support options for young people. Please note that freephone numbers may be charged for by some mobile phone services.

It's not unusual for young people to feel confused about a situation or to have times when some support would be helpful. If you feel you can't talk things over with someone in your family, or an adult in your life, there are organisations you can contact in confidence.

If you're a young person ChildLine provides free and confidential counselling for anyone up to the age of 18. The free helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0800 11 11. If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222. ChildLine phone lines can be very busy but do keep trying and you will get through. There's more information including how to deal with bullying, on the website www.childline.org.uk. You can also write to ChildLine, Freepost NATN 1111, London E1 6BR.

A National Voice (ANV) is the only organisation run for and by care experienced young people. If you're concerned about the care you're experiencing, whether in a children's home or foster care, call 0161 237 5577 (Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm. Email info@anationalvoice.org or go the website www.anationalvoice.org.

Get Connected is a free helpline and email service helping all young people find the best support whatever their problem. It's especially good for anyone thinking of running away or leaving home, or for anyone who has left home already. Call 0808 808 4994, this number is offered free by the main mobile phone operators (every day 1pm-11pm). Their email address is help@getconnected.org.uk or check out their website at www.getconnected.org.uk.

If you're under 18 and you've runaway from home or care, or perhaps you've been forced to leave home, you can call the free confidential Runaway Helpline 0808 800 70 70. It's open 24 hours every day and they cannot trace where you're calling from, but they can help you decide what's best for you. There's a website you can check out at at www.missingpeople.org.uk/runaways.

There's a useful website with an extensive directory of advice and counselling services for young people in your own area at www.youthaccess.org.uk. You can also phone Youth Access on 0208 772 9900 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm).

There's a website with loads of information to help anyone dealing with a bullying problem, including those doing the bullying, at www.bullying.co.uk or email at any time to help@bullying.co.uk.

If you think you might be pregnant, and need to talk to someone about what to do next, contact Brook Young Peoples Information Service. They offer counselling to anyone under the age of 25 to help them make the choice that's right for them. Brook also offer free confidential information about sexual health and contraception. Call 0800 0185 023 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm). Brook also run a text help service, just text 'brook help' to 81222. If you visit their website at www.brook.org.uk you can ask a confidential question by email.

Young Minds offers information and support to young people and their parents on a range of mental health issues. They have some helpful booklets especially for young people on subjects such as self-injury, depression, sexual abuse, bullying and eating disorders. You can find these leaflets and other information on their website at www.youngminds.org.uk or write to them for free copies with a stamped self-addressed envelope stating the subject you require to: YoungMinds, 48 - 50 St John's Street, London EC1M 4DG or email enquiries@youngminds.org.uk.

The Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) operates a free confidential telephone counselling and e-mail enquiries service for young people. The helpline number 0808 808 2008 (Monday - Friday 6pm - midnight, Saturdays & Sundays 12.00 - midnight). Young people can contact the Muslim Youth Helpline on a wide-range of social issues, particularly those that are regarded as taboo within their community, such as homosexuality and mental health problems. You can also email help@myh.org.uk or go to their website at www.myh.org.uk.

The Princess Royal Trust for Young Carers has a website for young people under 18 who are caring for someone else who is sick or disabled. There's lots of information as well as opportunities to contact other young carers at www.youngcarers.net.

The Sibs Encounter website at www.sibs.org.uk is an online support group for brothers and sisters of people with disabilities. The website offers the opportunity for you to communicate and share your feelings with others in a similar position.

The 4Health website has lots of information about health, relationships, sex and contraception at www.channel4.com/health.

This message has been prepared and updated regularly by New Media at Channel 4.

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