What is this all about?

Many children, young people and their families may sometimes have problems that make them unhappy. Some of these problems are quite normal and are part of growing up, however if they go on for a long time and particularly if they leave children or the people that they are close to feeling unable to cope then support is needed.

What sorts of problems?

There are many problems or worries children, young people and their families may experience ranging from worries about relationships to depressed moods and even suicidal thoughts. Often there are services offering support and advice but people don’t always know that they are available or how to get in touch with them. The sorts of problems listed at ‘Help4kids’ are:

There is a range of different people and organisations that can help with the problems listed above. This web site tells you how to get in touch with them and what they can do to help. They will not tell other people about your problems but there are very special reasons why sometimes they might to such as when you have told them;

1. Something that means you or someone else is in danger.
2. That you or someone else is going to carry out a crime.

Apart from these times they will not tell anyone outside their organisation what you have told them without your permission.

Who is this for?

This web site is for children, young people (aged up to 17 years), their families and the professionals who want to find out about the sorts of services that might be able to deal with their problems. It is split into two different fields. One field is directed towards children and their families and the other is directed at professionals.

How to use the information?

If you are a child, young person or a relative and are looking for help with the sorts of problems or worries included in the list above click on Help 4 Young People. To search for an organisation simply choose the problem area that applies to your situation. If you would prefer to search for details of local GPs simply enter an area. Information that will be provided includes;

• What types of problems the organisation works with;
• The ages of children and young people they deal with;
• What the organisation can do to help;
• How long people will have to wait for help.

It also provides information on how children, young people and their families can recognise common symptoms related with some of the problem areas. This website can also be used by professionals by simply clicking Help 4 Professionals. Information that will be accessed includes;

• Problems dealt with
• Types of intervention used;
• When to seek help;
• Services available;
• Waiting lists times
• Ages dealt with; and
• Expected outcomes.