Information for Parents & Carers

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Talking to your child about mental health

Mental Health is about how we think, feel and behave and we all have mental health. Despite this there is a lot of misunderstanding which leads to stigma and people not wanting to talk about mental health.​

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For tips on talking to your child about what is bothering them visit:

Helplines and online support

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Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988

Parents guide to support A-Z

For advice and guidance on how to help your child with a specific mental health problem or life events which might affect their mental health such as bereavement, anxiety, self-harm and more  visit:

Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988

Common issues and problems

For further information on common issues and problems such as: anger, aggression, sleep difficulties, flash back, trauma, bullying and more visit:

Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988
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Building Confidence and resilience

For info and advice on how to build confidence and increase resilience in your child, helping them to deal with difficult times visit

Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988
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Should I be concerned?

Concerned about your child’s behavior or emotional wellbeing? For guidance visit

Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988
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Mental Health Diagnosis: benefits and limits

If you are worried about your child being diagnosed with a mental health problem you might want to take a look at the benefits and limits of mental health diagnosis: MindEd: Benefits And Limits -Diagnosis and Your Child

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Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988

Looking after your own wellbeing

Mental wellbeing tips

Your mental health matters—for you and your children. When you feel well, you're more present, patient, and resilient. Looking after your wellbeing helps you handle life’s challenges and be the best parent you can be.

Helplines and online support

Support if you live in Halton

Supporting your child with exams

For advice on how to support your child during exams and information on where you can get help visit: 

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Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988

Help Available

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health there are a variety of services you can speak to for advice. Before you seek help you might want to think about whether your child is getting everything they need to be healthy such as; a healthy balanced diet including plenty of water, enough sleep, plenty of physical activity and play, a home they feel safe in, friends, hobbies and interests. Is there something in particular that is bothering them that they need help resolving?

Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988
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Ways to support children and young people’s mental health

Worried about your child’s mental health?

Start with the basics:

  • Balanced diet – Encourage healthy eating and plenty of water.
  • Enough sleep – Ensure they get the rest they need to recharge.
  • Physical activity – Include regular play, active games, and sports.
  • Safe and loving home – Provide a nurturing, supportive environment.
  • Social connections – Support friendships, hobbies, and interests.
  • Limited screen time – Reduce excessive screen use, as it can affect emotional regulation.
  • Help with big emotions – Offer guidance through emotion coaching: accepting their feelings, teaching coping strategies, and helping them understand and manage emotions effectively.

These foundations help children feel secure, understood, and ready to thrive. If you're still concerned, there are services available to support you and your child.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a simple, evidence-based approach to help children feel happier and more resilient:

  • Connect – Build strong relationships through time with friends and family.
  • Be Active – Encourage movement to boost mood and energy.
  • Take Notice – Help children tune into their feelings and the world around them.
  • Keep Learning – Support curiosity and new experiences to build confidence.
  • Give – Acts of kindness foster empathy and purpose.

Supporting your child’s interests and hobbies helps them thrive emotionally. Across Halton, there are plenty of family-friendly events and activities to explore together.

  • Events There are many events across Halton suitable for children, young people and their families to attend that are arranged and hosted by a variety of different services and organisations.
  • Visit What you can do to help look after your Mental Health? For more info on the 5 ways to wellbeing and info on what’s available locally in Halton.

Supporting your child to regulate their emotions

Helping children understand and manage their emotions is vital for their mental health and overall wellbeing. By supporting them to develop emotional resilience, you can give them the tools they need to cope with life’s challenges. 

Helplines and online support

Need to speak to someone in person?

  • ​Health Visitor and early years setting- If your child hasn’t started school yet you can discuss your concerns with the early years setting they attend or your health visitor
  • School or College- Your child spends a lot of their time at school or college so chances are if something is worrying them staff members may have noticed a change in their mood or behaviour. Talk to your child’s school or college to discuss your concerns and what support they can offer

Support if you live in Halton

  • HeadzUp Halton mental health drop in-If you have any concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing and they are under 18 you can get advice from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services weekly drop in sessions where you can speak to a mental health professional Headz Up Halton Drop in

Speak to a School Nurse or Health Visitor via Chat Health text service. The number will operate between 9am and 5pm and messages will receive a response within 24 hours

  • If your child is 5 and under you can text a health visitor on 07507 327025
  • If your child is 19 and under you can text a school nurse on 07480 635988
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