Free online mental health resources for children and young people

Remote mental health support can be beneficial for many children and young people, as it is often more accessible, more immediate and more anonymous.

We’ve collected some of the best sites, apps and services available to help support children and young people with anything from a bad day to a mental health crisis.

Ollee

Ollee is a digital friend, funded by Parent Zone and BBC Children in Need’s A Million and Me initiative. It is a fantastic tool for helping children talk about their mental health and wellbeing, as well as helping them start conversations about how they are feeling with a parent or trusted adult. 

Age: 8 – 11

Kooth

Kooth is a great resource from XenZone for helping young people manage their mental health. 

Once they sign up, your child will have access to articles and stories written by other young people, discussion boards, their own journal and goal-setting tool, as well as a supportive chat service. 

Age: 11 – 24

The Mix

A great service for young people under 25, The Mix covers everything from managing unhealthy relationships to advice for what to do if you’re struggling with money or at risk of becoming homeless. 

There are lots of themed groups and discussion boards your child or teenager can submit to, as well as free email, text or phone support services.

Age: 25 and under

Shout: Crisis Text Line

Shout is a free, anonymous text messaging service offering short-term or crisis support. It is available 24/7 and connects those texting in with a trained volunteer.

It’s great for someone in crisis or just looking to air their feelings to another person without any commitment. 

Age: All ages

MeToo

MeToo is an app designed for young people to anonymously discuss their mental health with their peers. All posts are moderated and if someone brings up a particularly serious problem, one of MeToo’s trained counsellors will reach out to them.

It also has a curated directory of external services and access to a 24/7 crisis line. 

Age: 11 – 25

Aluminia

Previously known as SelfharmUk, Alumina is a new service for young people struggling with self-harm or self-injury behaviour. 

Alumina offers an online course, with groups made up of 8 young people and 2 trained group leaders.  Although it’s designed to last seven weeks, your child can choose to leave at any point. 

Age: 14 – 19

Papyrus

Papyrus is a charity dedicated to preventing young suicide. 

Alongside offering training in suicide prevention for councils, schools and families, Papyrus has a great selection of work-book style resources. Several of these are designed to help young children who are having suicidal thoughts.

It also has a crisis line, available between 9am and 12pm. 

Age: 35 and under