General support — under 16s

The following script provides a variety of support options for young people and teenagers.

It’s not unusual for young people to make mistakes. Like everybody, the young sometimes find it hard to organise and manage their lives. It does help if you talk to someone about your problems, a parent or guardian, a teacher or a friend, or you could contact the organisations in this message. There are people who will listen to you in confidence and understand your concerns.

If you are 18 or under and want to speak to someone about anything which is bothering you, phone ChildLine. Calls are free and confidential and you can phone them at any time of the day or night. Call ChildLine free on 0800 11 11. Lines can be busy, so please try again if you don’t get through first time. There's also useful information on their website at www.childline.org.uk.

Many local groups provide information, advice and counselling in very informal settings. If you are between 14 and 25, phone Youth Access on 020 8772 9900 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm) for details of organisations in your area.

The Anti-Bullying Campaign offers help and advice to children who are being bullied. Speak to them in confidence on 020 7378 1446 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm). They will also talk to children who are bullying, and also offer useful factsheets. Their website is at www.bullying.co.uk.

Get Connected is a helpline for children and young people, particularly those who are thinking of, or have, run away from home or care. They will connect young people to services that can help them. Call them free on 0800 096 0096 (any day 1pm-11pm).

The Children’s Legal Centre provides free and confidential information and legal advice for children and young people, or people calling on their behalf. Information covers all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people. The number to call for advice is 01206 873 820 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm). Or visit their website at www.childrenslegalcentre.com.

Careline provides advice for children, young people and adults on many problems, including rape and sexual abuse, addiction and depression. Call them on 020 8514 1177 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm and 7pm-10pm).

If you think you might be pregnant, and need to talk to someone about what to do next, you can talk to your GP in confidence, or contact Brook. Brook provides free advice about contraception, emergency contraception and pregnancy testing. They can also help with any sex and relationship problems. The service is for anyone under the age of 25. Brook provides a free helpline on 0800 0185 023 or visit their website at www.brook.org.uk.

The Channel 4 Health House website contains lots of information about health, relationships, sex and contraception, plus the opportunity to ask confidential questions online in the Just Ask section. Log on to www.channel4.com/health/sex.

This message has been prepared and is updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.