Children and young people’s mental health is a vital component of their overall development, influencing their ability to form relationships, handle emotions, and succeed in daily life. Providing the right tools, activities, and support systems early on can help them navigate challenges and thrive. Below are services, resources, and activities to support children and young people’s mental health in Leeds and nationally.
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, please reach out to emergency services (999) or visit your nearest A&E.
Local Services
MindMate Single Point of Access (SPA)
If you’re not sure what to look for, a good place to start is the MindMate website. MindMate is specifically aimed at young people in Leeds and can help you understand the way you are feeling and find the right advice and support. It also offers advice for parents.
Night OWLS
Overnight listening and advice service (8 PM–8 AM) for young people and families in West Yorkshire.
Contact: 0800 1488 244 | Text 07984 376 950
West Yorkshire Healthier Together
A West Yorkshire health and care partnership website with health resources for babies, children and young people. This includes information on mental health support and guidance.
The Market Place
Drop in support for 11 to 25 years olds in Leeds. The Market Place also offer a counselling service for 11-17 year olds.
The Drop In service is open every Wednesday and Thursday 3pm – 6pm.
Location: The Market Place, 18A New Market St, LS1 6DG
Telephone: 0113 246 1659
Time for Young People, Leeds
The time for Young People hub offers drop in sessions which last 30 to 40 minutes, and where appropriate the young person may be offers more structured support which can last up to 10 sessions. Community drop sessions are held in Pudsey, Harehills and Seacroft, please check their website for up to date timetables.
Hub opening times:
- Monday – 2pm to 7pm
- Tuesday – 2pm to 7pm
- Saturday – 10am to 2pm
Hub Location: The Children’s Society, 21 Wharf Street, Leeds, LS2 7EQ
Telephone: 0113 517 8000
National Services
The Mix
Offers essential support for young people under 25 on topics like mental health, relationships, and work.
HappyMaps
Provides professional advice and self-help pages for common mental health challenges in children.
Child Mind Institute
Dedicated to transforming lives through mental health resources and support for families.
Young Minds
Advice and information to give young people the tools to look after their mental health.
The Children’s Society
Advice and information for young people. The Children’s Society are the charity who run the Time for Young People hub.
Resources
Words for Life
Words for Life (by the National Literacy Agency) has a list of books and activities to help children and young people manage emotions and wellbeing.
Reading Well
Reading Well recommends reading to help people deal with worries, feel better, boost their mood or confidence.
The books on the Reading Well list have been specially chosen to help children and young people understand feelings and cope with tough times. You can find the books in your library.
MindMate Resources
Mindmate has many resources for you or your child under the “Self-Help and Wellbeing” tab.
The starting conversations page has guidance on who and how to talk about feelings to someone, with worksheets and checklists that could help the young person plan what they would like to say to a parent or the doctor. Starting conversations – MindMate
The mindfulness page has tips, relaxation recordings, and an interactive game to help understand what’s causing stress and how to de-stress – Mindfulness – MindMate
Chill Panda
This is an app to help reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing in children through a game.
Combined Minds
This is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, to help families and friends support young people with their mental health.
Additional Websites
Kidscape – Help with Bullying
Support for children experiencing bullying, and advice for parents/carers. There are free workshops, a helpline for adults concerned about a child being bullied or bullying, and a resource hub with guides and activities.
Child Bereavement UK
Support for Bereaved children, young people and guidance for parents/carers. There is also an activities page which offers ideas for parents and carers, to support a bereaved child to talk about their feelings, explore strategies to manage their grief, and find ways to remember someone special to them who has died.
ADHD Foundation
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity supports parents and carers so they can understand and meet the needs of their child. They have a range of webinars, courses and resources, which can help families to know which interventions and adaptations are right for them.
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society has a wealth of information and guidance ion subjects such as diagnosis, education & transition, mental health & wellbeing, identity. There is an Autism services directory, which can help you find UK wide or local organisation specifically for, or have adopted their services to meet the needs of autistic people and their families. They also have an online community for autistic people and their families to meet like minded people and share experiences.