It’s OK not to feel OK and there is help out there for apprentices who are struggling to cope
Life can seem overwhelming at the moment and starting a new apprenticeship can be harder to cope with because of the pandemic and the events of 2020 and 2021.
Whether you’re feeling sad or hopeless, have problems with your friends or family, feel anxious about the future, have trouble sleeping or are struggling to concentrate or control your behaviour, remember, you’re not alone.
Understanding mental health can be tricky, but there is plenty of help available for teenagers and young people and finding the right support is important. We have put together a list of resources available and details of how to get in touch if things are getting too much for you.
Childline
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 years old in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Call Childline free on 0800 1111. For more information, visit www.childline.org.uk.
Kooth
Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community, offering free, safe and anonymous support. You can join a discussion board, chat or message a member of a team. For more information, visit www.kooth.com.
Mental Health UK
The charity has developed a young people’s programme to help equip 14 to 18 year olds with the tools and knowledge to maintain their mental health through life’s transitions. For more information, visit www.mentalhealth-uk.org.
NHS Better Health: Every Mind Matters
With a focus on the impact of Covid-19, it looks at anxiety, job worries and how to sleep better. For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters.
NHS Children and young people’s mental health services (CYPMHS)
Most CYPMHS have their own website, with information about access, referrals, helpful resources and more. For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/mental-health.
PAPYRUS
PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, giving support and advice to struggling young people through their helpline, HopelineUK. For more information, visit www.papyrus-uk.org or call HopelineUK on 08000684141.
Remploy
Remploy supports individuals with mental health issues and provides confidential work or apprenticeship-focused mental health support tailored to an individual’s needs. For more information, visit at www.remploy.co.uk, call 0300 4568114 or email a2wmhss@remploy.co.uk.
Samaritans
If you’re having a difficult time, you can get in touch with the Samaritans about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. They are here to listen, with no judgment and no pressure, only to help you work through what’s on your mind. Call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Shout 85258
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. For more information, visit www.giveusashout.org.
stem4
stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them through a range of apps. For more information, visit www.stem4.org.uk.
The Mix
The Mix have everything you need to know about mental health, from anxiety and depression to self care and counselling. Call the free helpline on 0808 808 4994. For more information, visit www.themix.org.uk.
YoungMinds
The charity’s purpose is to stop young people’s mental health reaching crisis point by making sure young people get the support they need, when they need it, no matter what. For more information, visit www.youngminds.org.uk. If you need urgent help, text YM to 85258.
