Due to the nature of my work, I am not able to provide emergency or crisis support.
Crisis/Emergency Services Disclaimer:
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others, or require urgent medical assistance, please take immediate action:
- Call 999 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
- Go to your nearest A&E (Accident and Emergency) department.
- Contact the NHS 111 service by calling 111 or using NHS 111 Online for urgent but non-life-threatening mental health support.
If you need someone to talk to right now:
You can reach out to these free, confidential support services available 24/7 in the UK:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit the Samaritans Website.
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit the Shout Crisis Text Line.
If you are looking for other non-urgent support prior to starting therapy or in between sessions, the links below may be of use.
The organisations below offer information, advice, specialist help and, in some cases, direct support for children, young people, adults and families.
These organisations are independent of Lena Carter: Learn and Create. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Please visit each organisation’s website (by clicking the link at the top of each section) for the most up-to-date information about its services, eligibility and opening times.
Children, Young People & Families
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
The Charlie Waller Trust provides mental health information, education and resources to help people understand and look after their mental health.
Their resources can be particularly helpful for young people, parents, carers, schools and professionals.
YoungMinds provides information and support for young people and for parents and carers who are concerned about a child’s mental health. Their website includes practical information about anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, school and accessing mental health support.
Understanding Children, Learning & Neurodiversity
EPIC – Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People
EPIC is a research programme from the University of Edinburgh that takes an individualised, strengths-based approach to understanding children’s development.
It has developed free resources for parents and teachers, including booklets exploring children’s strengths and difficulties and strategies to support thinking, learning and wellbeing. The resources may be particularly relevant to children with ADHD, autism, developmental coordination difficulties/dyspraxia and children born prematurely.
Trauma, Attachment & Adversity
Beacon House is a specialist therapeutic service working with children, young people, families and adults affected by trauma, loss and adversity.
Their website also provides a valuable collection of free resources exploring developmental trauma, regulation, attachment, sensory processing and supporting children and families.
Eating Disorders & Difficulties Around Food
Beat provides information, support and resources for people experiencing eating disorders, as well as parents, families, friends and carers.
You can find:
- information about eating disorders;
- helpline support;
- online support;
- resources for families and carers;
- guidance for young people; and
- HelpFinder, a directory of eating-disorder support services.