Helpline to support children and young people in a mental health crisis
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) want to support children and young people during the difficult times we are facing due to the Covid-19 situation. To do this, they have developed a 24 hour, 7 day-a-week telephone advice helpline run by qualified mental health clinicians.
We would encourage all education settings to share this information with their staff, students and families so they are aware of the support that is available.
Children or young people may be frightened at such difficult times or feel that their emotional wellbeing is in crisis. These emotions can lead to a mental health crisis which often means they no longer feel able to cope or be in control of their situation. They may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, unable to cope with day-to-day life, intense sadness and may be thinking about suicide or self-harm, or experiencing thought disorientation that can feel like hallucinations or hearing voices.
The helpline has been set up by Rise, the Children and Young People's Specialist Mental Health Service, to offer support and advice and to work with young people so they are more able to stay in control of their emotions and manage any distress they may be feeling.
Helpline contact details
- Between 8am and 8pm please call Warwickshire & Coventry's Children's Crisis team at Whitestone on 02476 641799
- Between 8pm and 8am please call Warwickshire & Coventry's Crisis team on 02476 938000
What the young person can expect when they call
- The mental health clinician will want to ask some questions to help understand their feelings and emotions so they can make sure they get the right support for that individual.
- Listening to what the young person has to say is important in terms of what they are experiencing, the feelings and the situation.
- They may ask about family and any adults who are able to support the young person or be part of their coping plan. This may mean they need to speak to an adult in their house as well but this will be done with the young person's consent.
- At times they may need to call back to offer ongoing support and advice and they will request a contact number to do this.
Other support available
- CWRise website - provides a wealth of up to date links, advice, guidance and support during coronavirus
- Papyrus - Tel: 0800 068 4142 - opening hours are 9am - 10pm weekdays and 2pm - 10pm weekends and bank holidays