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 Monday to Friday, 3pm-8pm.
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
England helpline: 0808 801 0677
England email: [email protected]
Scotland helpline: 0808 801 0432
Scotland email:
[email protected]
Wales helpline: 0808 801 0433
Wales email:
[email protected]
Northern Ireland helpline: 0808 801 0434
Northern Ireland email:
[email protected]
Live chat and online support groups available via the website.
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 6600
Text: 82111
Email: via website
Live 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.
Text: 85258 for urgent mental health support
Papyrus
Providing confidential help and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person, working to prevent young suicide.
Phone: 0300 102 2470
Text: HOPE to 88247
Email: [email protected]
Samaritans
Free, confidential listening service for anyone, adults and children, 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123
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 LGBTQ people and their allies.
LGBT Switchboard Helpline provides information, support and referral service.
Phone: 0800 0119 100
LGBT Foundation Helpline, weekdays 9am-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5:30pm.
Phone: 0345 330 3030
Email: [email protected]
YoungMinds
Fighting to improve mental health services and provisions for young people, and offering advice and support.
Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544
Parents email: [email protected]
(Last updated 30th June 2026.)