25 January 2024

  • Everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest, so if you’re struggling, the NHS is here to help.
  • Great Mental Health Day takes place on 26 January and is an initiative on tacking mental health stigma and encourages people to reach out for support.
  • There are dedicated services for Young people (16-25) who are there to support.

Asking for help can be hard and take courage to admit if they’re struggling.  That’s why CNWL has a range of easily accessible support options which include online, anonymous, self-referral and drop-in for those aged 16-25  living, working or studying in Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea. 

CNWL has a young adult’s (16-25s) mental health and wellbeing space where you can find information about support available:  https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/young-adults-mental-health-wellbeing-space

We also have support available to help professionals working with young adults and in need of advice on getting the right care for a young adult. There is a Young Adult Lead in each borough who can provide support to professionals working with young adults: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/young-adults-mental-health-wellbeing-space/support-professionals 

Get safe online mental health support from a professional

Kooth provides young adults with access to free, safe and anonymous support through an online mental health community.  The team which includes qualified practitioners are available to chat 7 days a week, 365 days of the year from 12pm to 10pm weekdays and from 6pm to 10pm on weekends. 

No waiting lists. No problem too big or too small. Access to this service can be from any internet connected device - no downloads necessary

QR code https://gov.kooth.com/nwlondon

Get help with stress, anxiety or depression

Talking Therapies

This NHS service provides a range of talking therapies for young adults who feel anxious and worried or down and depressed. The service is offered in different ways, including:

  • using a self-help workbook with the support of a therapist
  • as an online course or in a group
  • one-to-one in person, over the phone or through video consultation

Young adults do not need a referral from a GP, they can refer directly by going to their local service and completing an online form:  https://talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/

STRIDES (Support to Recovery in Disordered Eating Service)

This NHS service aims to help young adults understand their problems and provide practical skills to regulate eating and exercise, manage difficult emotions, and improve body image and self-esteem in the long-term. https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/eating-disorders/strides-support-recovery-disordered-eating-service

Get help coping with a crisis or mental health distress

The Cove is a daily drop-in support service for people aged 16 and up who are experiencing mental distress. The service is provided by Hestia in partnership with the NHS and open between 2pm and 10pm, every day of the year.

They offer a friendly, safe and welcoming space for young adults to receive emotional support and discuss coping strategies to help them in the future. They aim to help young adults reduce their immediate worries and provide them with information of local services and resources that will also be able to help them moving forward.

The Cove has sites for residents of Hillingdon, Brent, Harrow, Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster. https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/coves  

Get urgent help with your mental health

The CNWL mental health crisis line is always open, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The trained staff can provide information about where young adults can get help if they are distressed or experiencing a mental health crisis

https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/adult-and-older-adult/single-point-access