External Links & Support Hub
Supporting a young person who is struggling with their mental health can feel difficult, especially if you are unsure what to say or how best to help.
You do not need to have all the answers.
These resources are designed to help parents, carers, friends, family members and professionals supporting young people aged 16–25.
Start a conversation
YoungMinds — How to have a conversation about mental healthPractical advice on how to start a conversation, ask questions and respond when a young person opens up.
SAMH — How to Help a Friend
A simple guide for supporting someone who may be struggling with their mental health.
Anxiety, Panic & Feeling Overwhelmed
Anxiety can affect thoughts, emotions, behaviour and everyday life.
These resources offer practical ways to support
someone experiencing anxiety, panic or overwhelm.
YoungMinds — Mindfulness & Grounding Activities
Simple breathing, grounding and mindfulness exercises
that can help during moments of anxiety or distress.
NHS Inform — Anxiety and Panic
Clear NHS information on anxiety, panic attacks, symptoms and available support.
Low Mood & Depression
Low mood can sometimes be difficult to recognise.
Someone may withdraw, lose motivation,
become more irritable or stop enjoying
things they previously enjoyed.
NHS Inform — Low Mood and Depression
Information on depression, symptoms, self-help and
ways to improve your mood.
It also links to NHS Inform's CBT-based depression
self-help guide.
SAMH — Am I OK?
A guide created for young people to help them think about their mental health and recognise when they may need additional support.
Sleep & Everyday Wellbeing
Sleep, routine, stress, movement and social connection can all affect mental wellbeing.
Small changes can sometimes make difficult periods feel more manageable.
SAMH — Managing Good Sleep
Practical guidance for improving sleep and understanding how sleep affects mental health.
SAMH — Five Ways to Better Wellbeing for Young People
A downloadable young-person-specific guide based around five everyday actions: connect, be active, take notice, learn and give.
Professional & Youth Worker Resources
If you work with young people, these practical resources can support conversations, group work and one-to-one sessions.
YoungMinds — Professional Resource Library
Downloadable worksheets, activities, conversation guides and mental health resources.
YoungMinds — Building Positive Mental Health
Activities designed to help young people explore their mental health and develop practical coping strategies.