Stronger Minds

No. Every service mentioned on this page, including your local GP, the Stronger Minds school workshops, and the Health Spot clinic, is completely free. You’ll never be charged to talk to someone or get support.

Yes, absolutely. If going to see a counsellor, visiting a new group, or talking to an adult feels intimidating, you don’t have to walk in alone.

You can always ask a friend you trust, a sibling, or a youth worker to sit in the waiting room or come into the room with you.

Yes. You don’t have to wait until you are at breaking point to talk to someone. Everyone needs a bit of backup at different times. Getting things off your chest early with a youth worker, teacher or even a good friend can stop small worries from turning into huge ones.

You have lots of options that don’t involve doctors or medical professionals. If you feel comfortable to, you can talk to a parent. If not, you can talk to a youth worker at a local youth centre, chat to your mates or join one of our school workshops if they’re coming to your school. The important thing is just having a chat, sharing what’s on your mind, and finding ways to look after yourself with people who get it.

They’ll sit down and listen to you. They won’t lecture you. They’ll help you understand what you are going through and work out what kind of support feels right for you. You’re in control of the conversation, and you can ask them questions about what happens next at any point.

The adults you talk to will always respect your privacy. However, no youth worker, teacher, or doctor can promise total secrecy if they believe you or someone else is in serious danger. If they think someone isn’t safe, they might have to tell a professional who can help. They should always talk to you first, explain exactly what they are doing, and support you through it.

A GP (your local doctor) will listen to what you’ve been experiencing. They won’t judge you. Together, you can talk through options, like local youth counselling or a community support group. If you’re under 16, you can still see a doctor or a nurse on your own. If they feel you are capable of making your own health decisions, they can give you advice or treatment without telling your parents.

Yes. You can use your usual family GP, or you can use a local service in Tower Hamlets called Health Spot. This is a free medical service built just for young people aged 11 to 19 (and up to 25 if you have extra needs). Instead of a clinical surgery, the doctors work directly out of local youth centres run by Spotlight. Because it’s a confidential medical service, your parents or carers will not be told about your appointment.  A youth worker can help you book a slot and even support you during your appointment if that’s something you want.

You don’t need to fix their problems or have all the answers. Sometimes people just need a listener, not a solution. Listen to them without judgment, let them know you care, and encourage them to speak to an adult they trust. If you are carrying too much of their worry alone, talk to a teacher or youth worker yourself.

Sometimes the people closest to us just don’t know what to say, or they might say the wrong thing by accident. It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean your feelings don’t matter. If a parent or friend doesn’t get it, try someone else. You can talk to a teacher, a youth worker at a local hub, a sports coach, or a faith leader. There’s always someone who will listen.

It’s normal for young people to experience emotional ups and downs as they grow up. A good rule of thumb is to look at how long a change lasts and how much it affects their day-to-day life. If they stop hanging out with their friends, give up on hobbies they love, or pull away completely for more than a few weeks, it’s usually a sign that something’s bothering them beneath the surface.

There isn’t a perfect way to start a conversation about mental health, so try not to worry. You don’t need to have all the answers or give a lecture. What matters most is showing you care, being present, and listening without judgement. Just letting your child know you’re there for them helps ease the pressure and keeps the door open for whenever they’re ready.

When a young person lashes out or goes silent, it’s easy to think they’re just being difficult. Our immediate reaction might be to argue back or tell them to be grateful, but those words can make them feel unheard. Try to listen to them first before jumping in with a solution or a lesson. Saying something simple like, “I can see you’re upset, and I want to understand why,” helps them feel safe. Not every conversation needs an immediate fix; sometimes they just need a listener.

It’s common for young people to find it difficult to talk about how they’re feeling, and it can be hard when they pull away from the family. Try to let them know you’re there to listen without putting pressure on them to open up straight away. Sometimes choosing a quiet moment, listening without judgement, and reminding them they can talk whenever they’re ready can help. If they prefer to talk to another adult they trust, like a youth worker, a sports coach, or a teacher, try not to take it personally. Sometimes it’s just easier for a young person to open up to someone outside the home. If you’re worried about their wellbeing, you can still seek advice yourself.

Not every young person recognises what they’re feeling, and they might reject the idea of getting support. Gentle, ongoing check-ins are often much more helpful than trying to solve everything in one big discussion. Keep communication open and give them time. If you’re still worried about their wellbeing, you can always seek advice and find support for yourself as a parent.

Yes, absolutely. For many families, faith, culture, and tradition are massive sources of strength and comfort. Mental health support doesn’t replace these values; it works right alongside them. The most important goal is making sure young people feel listened to, safe, and able to get help when they need it.

Teachers, youth workers, and doctors always encourage young people to involve their parents or carers, and professionals will work alongside families whenever possible. However, young people can have a legal right to confidential support, including those under 16 in some circumstances.

If they share something in confidence, you won’t automatically be told unless there’s a serious safety risk. If a professional believes your child or someone else is in immediate danger, they have a legal duty to step in to keep everyone safe, but they’ll always try to talk through this process with the young person first.

You don’t have to manage things on your own, and you can seek advice even if your child isn’t ready to talk. You can speak to your GP, your child’s school, a local youth worker, or another community partner. They can help you understand what support is out there and discuss the next steps. If your child’s facing more complex difficulties, the GP or school can make a referral to Tower Hamlets CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for a specialist clinical assessment. You can also explore the specific resource cards below to find free services for parents.