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Mental health advice for younger people

Information on where to go, confidential support, choices you have, how often to visit, bringing someone with you, missing an appointment, what information is kept about you, medical records, do you have to pay and other useful websites.

Where can I go to speak with someone for confidential support?

If you are aged between 11 and 19 (25 if you have a disability or additional need), live or are educated at a secondary school in East Riding and would like confidential support and advice about any of the following:

  • bullying
  • eating disorders
  • drugs
  • alcohol
  • sexual health
  • bereavement
  • self-esteem
  • smoking
  • and many more.

Please contact the Youth and Family Support service specialist team on 

Tel: (01482) 392824

Email: yfs@eastriding.gov.uk

How can counselling help me?

Counsellors are experienced in working with young people’s issues and have the necessary skills and training to support you. We are not here to judge you, tell you what to do or give you unwelcome advice.

Where do I go for counselling?

We will arrange to meet you somewhere that is convenient for you, for example, a youth centre, children's centre, school, library or community centre.

How oftendo I visit?

We offer you up to an hour a week in a one-to-one situation. We do not limit the number of sessions, but initially, you and your counsellor will usually decide on a certain number and after that, you can agree some more.

Can I bring a family member or friend with me?

Some people feel a bit worried at the thought of being by themselves and therefore we will try to find a comfortable place where someone can sit and wait for you.

Can you keep what I say to yourself?

Once the counselling begins, your counsellor will not pass on anything you say, with the exceptions of:

  • counsellors have supervisors. We might talk about our work with you to that person, without identifying you by name. Supervisors are bound by our confidentiality policy
  • if you are under 18 and tell us that you are being abused, we have to pass on that information to the Children's Safeguarding Team
  • if you are over 18 and tell us about someone under 18 who is being abused or at risk, we will pass that on too
  • if the counsellor had good grounds for believing that serious harm may occur to the client or to others.

We work as part of a multi-agency service, therefore other professionals may overhear names or arrangements made for appointments. These people are also bound by our confidentiality policy. Normally, the decision to break confidentiality will, wherever possible, be with your agreement. We have a full statement of confidentiality in our office. 

One of the counsellors will go through it with you if you wish.

What information do you keep about me?

A few details about you are kept locked up in the office. Individual counsellors keep notes of counselling sessions. You have the right to see them. You can ask the counsellor to view these if you wish. 

Do you keep medical records?

No, we do not keep medical records.

Do I have to pay?

No, this is a free service. 

What other useful websites are there?

Find useful websites listed on the East Riding Health and Wellbeing website. 

There are websites exclusively for young people, children and teenagers to help with all forms of mental and physical health. Search by keyword or choose a category using the Five Ways to Wellbeing, as designed by Mind.

East Riding Health and Wellbeing (external council website)

The Families Information Service holds information on a range of local and national services for families and young people on the Family Service Directory. The directory includes services covering a range of areas including mental health and well-being.

The directory holds information about those services (local authority, health, voluntary, national helplines and websites) that support emotional health and wellbeing:

Family Service Directory (external council website)