If you feel you have been affected by any of the issues highlighted within our publications, below is a list of helplines and websites.
We encourage the children and young adults who enter our competitions to write about what matters to them. This sometimes means exploring sensitive or difficult topics, especially in our Teen Poets or secondary school competitions. We believe that poetry should be a place for people to express their thoughts and feelings without censorship, and as long as the subject is handled sensitively and appropriately, we will publish work containing such themes.
If you feel you have been affected by any of the issues highlighted within our publications, below is a list of helplines and websites where you can find support and information.
Beat
National charity for people with eating disorders, offering support and information. Open 365 days a year, 3pm-10pm.
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Adult helpline: 0808 801 0677Adult email: [email protected]Studentline: 0808 801 0811Student email: [email protected]
Youthline (under 18s): 0808 801 0711Youth email: [email protected]
Childline
A free, private and confidential service for anyone under the age of 19 providing counselling, advice and protection. They can help with anything, from abuse and bullying to exam stress and relationships.
Phone: 0800 1111
Frank
Friendly, confidential advice about drugs, including information, advice and help.
Phone: 0300 123 6600Text: 82111Email: via websiteLive chat on website
Kooth
An online counselling and emotional well-being platform. A free, safe and anonymous place for young people to find online support and counselling.
The Mix
Support service for young people offering help with any challenge from mental health to money, homelessness to drugs, break ups to finding a job.
Phone: 0808 808 4994
Papyrus
Providing confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person, working to prevent young suicide.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41Text: 07786 209697Email: [email protected]
Samaritans
Free, confidential listening service for anyone, adults and children, 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123Email: [email protected]
Shout
A free and confidential 24/7 text service offering help to young people in crisis needing immediate help.
Text ‘Shout’ to 85258
Stonewall
Help and advice for LGBT people and their allies.
Phone: 08000 50 20 20
YoungMinds
Fighting to improve mental health services and provisions for young people, and offering advice and support.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
(Last updated 5th May 2023.)