Lots of different services and organisations in Hammersmith and Fulham offer support for young people. This page contains information about all of the different ways to get support.
If you need urgent help, for example because you’re in crisis:
How to use this page
This page has a lot of information about different ways to access mental health support. It is split into different sections:
Accessing NHS mental health support
For information about NHS mental health services in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Other mental health support
For information about non-NHS organisations who offer free mental health support for young people in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Support for specific things
For organisations that are experts at supporting young people in specific things, for example, supporting young people who have experienced bereavement or who are LGBTQ+ or seeking asylum.
Youth groups and other activities
Because we know that spending time with other people doing things you enjoy is good for your mental health.
Accessing NHS mental health support
You can make an appointment with your GP to talk about mental health. GP stands for ‘general practitioner’ – they’re doctors who have done extra training to be able to treat common medical conditions and refer people to other services for more specialist treatment or support. You can find out more about GPs (and how to register with one) on the NHS website.
Your GP can refer you to Hammersmith and Fulham CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
You can also call the SPEAK CAMHS helpline for advice and guidance.
As well as the Core CAMHS Team, you might be able to see people from:
West London NHS Trust Children and Young People’s Eating Disorder Service
This service supports young people with eating disorders and young people who have suspected eating disorders (if a young person or an adult in their life thinks they may have an eating disorder). GPs can refer young people to this service. Young people and families can’t self-refer, but they can call the CAMHS helpline to talk about what do so. You can download a PDF booklet about the West London NHS Trust Children and Young People’s Eating Disorder Service to find out more about it.
The Hammersmith and Fulham Early Intervention Service
This service supports people between the ages of 14 and 65 who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. GPs can refer people to this service. Young people and families can’t self-refer, but if the person they’re worried about is under 18, they can call the CAMHS helpline to talk about what to do.Find out more about the Early Intervention for Psychosis Team.
Other mental health support
Counselling at The Mix (UK wide service)
The Mix offers up to eight sessions of free phone or online counselling to young people living in the UK who are aged 25 and under. You can get in touch yourself using a form on their website. Find out more about counselling at The Mix on their website.
Mentoring at the Julian Campbell Foundation
The Julian Campbell Foundation offers a mentoring programme for young people aged between 11 and 25 who are struggling to manage their mood or need some extra support to deal with emotional or stressful situations. You don’t need a diagnosis to be part of the mentoring programme. You can get in touch yourself by emailing them.
Find out more about the Julian Campbell Foundation on their website.
Creative arts through Arts for Life Project
Arts For Life Project is based on the Harrow and Hillingdon border, but accepts referrals from throughout London and surrounding areas.
Arts for Life Project offer one-to-one, person-centred therapeutic support for young people aged between 6 and 25. Anyone aged 16 and above can refer a young person through an online form.
Creative Crew is a weekly project for young people aged 6 and above who love the arts and are able to engage in a group setting. It allows young people to engage with the therapeutic power of the arts within a group. Through fun, relaxed activities, young people develop emotional intelligence and strengthen mental health. Anyone aged 16 and above can refer a young person through an online form.
Skills For Life is a course-based programme that helps young people aged 6 to 25 develop essential life skills, including technical, physical, wellbeing, and communication skills. Young people are put into suitable groups for the programme. Anyone aged 16 and above can refer a young person through an online form.
Together Thrive uses three different types of support to help young people aged 8 and above with complex challenges (including mental health concerns) progress back into society. It includes support at home, clinical therapeutic support, and mentor support. Young people aged 14 and above can refer themselves through the online form; parents and professionals can also refer through the same form.
The project also has programmes for parents and carers.
Befriending through Family Friends UK
Family Friends UK offer a service called Big Buddies. A volunteer befriender supports a young people aged between 10 and 18 for a few hours each week (or fortnight) for around three to six months.
Young people have an equal voice in deciding how they want to spend this time. Some young people choose to try fun activities (such as sport or museum trips), get help with homework, get help with applications, or try new things.
Family Friends UK also offer family befriending, where a volunteer provides whole family support to a family experiencing multiple hardships. They aim to help families discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties.
One-to-one counselling, family therapy, and groups for teenagers through West London Action for Children
West London Action for Children offers one-to-one talking counselling for young people in Hammersmith and Fulham who are aged under 18 and whose families are on a low income. They use a variety of clinically effective therapies, including CBT, solution-focused, psychodynamic, and integrative. Young people can self-refer or be referred by a professional.
Family therapy is available for families in Hammersmith and Fulham on a low income that have a child (or children) aged 18 or under. It involves family members meeting to understand each other’s points of view to build on strengths and improve relationships and behaviours. Families can self-refer or be referred by a professional.
Free Talk is a group for teenagers aged between 13 and 15, providing a facilitated safe space where they can speak out and be heard. Young people can self-refer or be referred by a professional.
Find out more about West London Action for Children and referrals on their website.
Support for specific topics
ADHD and autism
Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS) – monthly online forum for autistic young people aged 14 to 19 without a co-occurring learning disability
The Centre for ADHD and Autism Support is a Harrow-based organisation, mainly offering services for residents of Harrow and Hillingdon. They offer a monthly online forum that is open to autistic young people aged between 14 and 19 who live in Hammersmith and Fulham (and other north-west London boroughs). Young people are involved in choosing the topics featured in the forum.
Register your interest on the Centre for ADHD and Autism Support website.
Bereavement
Grief Encounter (bereavement)
Grief Encounter offer up to 30 one to one weekly counselling sessions. The sessions can be at school, online, or at their centre in North London (NW7). They do not accept referrals for grandparent-related bereavement(s) unless the grandparent who died was a primary caregiver. You can get in touch about counselling yourself through an online form.
They also offer workshops, a residential retreat, fun days, and a choir. You can contact them about these by email.
Grief Encounter have a confidential phone helpline and online chat that is open from 9am to 9pm on weekdays.
Winston’s Wish (bereavement – UK wide service)
Winston’s Wish offer one-off or ongoing advice, guidance, and bereavement support for young people up to the age of 25 (and their families). They have a helpline, which is open between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
They also have online peer support groups (for young people aged between 7 and 12, for young people aged between 13 and 17, and for young people aged between 18 and 25, as well as for parents and carers), which are overseen by Bereavement Support Practitioners. They’re informal; young people can just go to one or keep going every month. You can get in touch and book a space on these yourself through the Winston’s Wish website.
Winston’s Wish also run drop-in sessions that give families and professionals the chance to to find out more about their services. These were suspended due to COVID but are beginning to restart. You can find details on the Winston’s Wish website.
Bullying
Zap through Kidscape (for young people aged 9 to 16 who have experienced bullying)
Criminal exploitation and county lines
St Giles Trust (for young people who are criminally exploited; have families in need of support with poverty, housing, gang involvement, or substance misuse; or have a parent in prison – UK wide service)
St Giles Trust offer community-based support for young people who are involved in gangs, serious violence, and offending. They also have services for children who have a parent in prison, for families affected by gangs, and for families experiencing poverty.
You can get in touch yourself by filling out a form on the St Giles Trust website.
Rescue and Response (for young people involved in or affected by county line activity)
Rescue and Response is delivered in partnership between four organisations and is funded across London by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.
It involves one to one support, specialist support for young women, and family and housing support. The service includes a structured programme around topics like healthy relationships, violence against women and girls, identity and equality, trama, and safety planning. Professionals can refer through an online form.
Find out more about Rescue and Response on the Abianda website.
Young Women’s Service at Womens and Girls Network (for young women* who have experienced or are at risk of gendered violence)
This service is for young women aged between 11 and 18 (up to 21 for care leavers) who have experienced (or are at risk of) any form of gendered violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, child sexual exploitation, gang associated violence, forced marriage, and so on.
The service welcomes trans and intersex young women. It also welcomes non-binary young people who feel the service would best meet their needs and experiences.
They offer advocacy, group work, and counselling.
Only Connect (for people who have been released from prison)
Only Connect offer keyword support to people who are released from prison to help make the transition of leaving prison as smooth as possible. They support people with things like employment, housing, and opportunities to help them remain crime-free.
London Gang Exit (for young people who are affected, associated, or affiliated with gang related issues or serious youth violence)
This service is designed to complement existing local services and fill gaps in provision. It provides traditional one-to-one, confidential support to young people aged between 16 and 24 who are associated with or involved in gangs and are at significant risk of harm from gang activity, or pose risk to themselves or others. They consider referrals outside the age range on a case-by-case basis.
LGE empowers young people to move away from gang lifestyles. Young people must be motivated to end their gang involvement and willing to work with the service.
Young people can refer themselves. Family members, carers, friends, and other organisations can also refer young people.
Education and employment
Spear Programme (for 16 to 24 year olds not in education, employment, or training)
The Spear Programme is for young people aged 16 to 24 who need help to start their career and find long-term employment. This includes young people struggling with low confidence or mental health difficulties, as well as young people with criminal records or no qualifications.
The six-week-long programme involves coaching to overcome challenging attitudes and behaviours, practical training (such as CV writing and pretend interviews), and ongoing support for a year.
You can find out more about the Spear Programme and register your interest on their website.
Ready, Steady, CONNECT! (for 16 to 21 year olds actively seeking employment or opportunities)
Ready, Steady, CONNECT! aims to give young people an insight into the world of work through career mentoring and offer a supportive community to boost young people’s confidence and leadership skills. Young people need to live, study, or work in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Find out more about Ready, Steady, CONNECT!, contact the programme, or register your interest on this Google Form.
Gambling
GamCare Young People’s Service (gambling – UK wide service)
GamCare’s Young People’s Service can support anyone in the UK aged 18 and under. They can support people who are experiencing harm (or at risk of experiencing harm) because of gambling – this includes young people who are gambling themselves and young people who are affected by someone else’s gambling.
They provide information, advice, and guidance; self-help tools; and interventions. You can get in touch yourself by phone, email, or the form on their website.
LGBTQ+
Mosaic LGBT+ young persons’ trust (for people who are LGBTQ+)
Mosaic run a weekly youth club for LGBTQ+ people aged 18 and under. Part of this is a Culture Club, with discounted or free trips that give young people the chance to explore their identity or learn about LGBT+ culture. They also offer retreats.
Young people can talk to mentors: older LGBT+ people with similar lived experiences. Mentoring helps you to better manage practical issues (like relationships, family, or school). You do not have to be part of Youth Club to speak to a mentor, and you do not need permission from a parent or carer.
Mosaic also offer online counselling with counsellors who identify as LGBT+. Counselling helps you understand your emotions and experiences, and teaches you about tools and strategies that can help you manage.
You can get in touch yourself through a form on their website, or you can contact them by email or phone. Mosaic make sure that financial difficulties never block access to their services.
The Proud Trust (for people who are LGBTQ+ – UK wide service)
The Proud Trust is based in Manchester but has an online web chat. You can also use their website to find your nearest LGBT+ Youth Group.
Migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers
Young Roots (for refugees and asylum seekers)
Young Roots supports refugees and asylum seekers in Brent* who are aged between 11 and 25. They have some groups for young women only to provide a safe space for those who feel less comfortable accessing mixed-gender activities.
They run an advice and support hub with youth and sporting activities alongside one to one casework support, access to legal advice, and access to counselling. They also offer support with English language skills and trips for young refugees.
You can get in touch yourself through a form on their website. You can also email or phone them. Find out more about Young Roots on their website.
* and neighbouring boroughs
Freedom From Torture (for survivors of torture – UK wide service)
Freedom From Torture offers trauma-focused therapy to help with the effects of trauma, including complex trauma, depression, and other mental health needs. They also offer further services, including creative group activities, social groups, and physical therapy to help survivors rebuild their lives. They offer practical advice for survivors who are seeking asylum.
You can get in touch yourself by filling out a form on the Freedom from Torture website.
Special educational needs and/or disabilities
Hammersmith and Fulham SEND Information and Advice Support Service (IASS)
This service offers information, advice, and support about special educational needs and disabilities to children and young people aged up to 25 and their parents and carers.
Stephen Wiltshire Centre
The Stephen Wiltshire Centre is a centre for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families. They offer a range of support, including advice and information, sessions for children and young people, and a short breaks programme (including sessions in the school holidays and after school clubs).
Find out more about The Stephen Wiltshire Centre on the Hammersmith and Fulham website.
Sexual health
Resilience at Turning Point (support with sexual health, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and drug and alcohol use)
This service one-to-one and group sessions with specially trained staff. They also have a hub in White City, which offers drop-ins where you can speak to someone without an appointment and get free condoms and other materials to keep you safe.
Find out more about Resilience at Turning Point on their website.
SASH London (Support and Advice with Sexual Health
SASH provide free, non-judgemental and confidential support to improve young people’s sexual health, relationships, and mental health. Everyone is welcome, including people of all genders and sexualities, sex workers, people diagnosed with HIV, and people with learning disabilities.
SASH offer one-to-one support, peer mentoring, and family support. They also offer help for chemsex. They do not have nurses and doctors, but they can signpost to a clinic or online service, make appointments, accompany young people to appointments, and offer support and information.
Substance misuse
St Giles Trust (for young people who are criminally exploited; have families in need of support with poverty, housing, gang involvement, or substance misuse; or have a parent in prison – UK wide service)
St Giles Trust offer community-based support for young people who are involved in gangs, serious violence, and offending. They also have services for children who have a parent in prison, for families affected by gangs, and for families experiencing poverty.
You can get in touch yourself by filling out a form on the St Giles Trust website.
Resilience at Turning Point (support with sexual health, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and drug and alcohol use)
This service one-to-one and group sessions with specially trained staff. They also have a hub in White City, which offers drop-ins where you can speak to someone without an appointment and get free condoms and other materials to keep you safe.
Find out more about Resilience at Turning Point on their website.
Violence and abuse
Young Women’s Service at Womens and Girls Network (for young women* who have experienced or are at risk of gendered violence)
This service is for young women aged between 11 and 18 (up to 21 for care leavers) who have experienced (or are at risk of) any form of gendered violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, child sexual exploitation, gang associated violence, forced marriage, and so on.
The service welcomes trans and intersex young women. It also welcomes non-binary young people who feel the service would best meet their needs and experiences.
They offer advocacy, group work, and counselling.
CouRAGEus Project (for Black and Minoritised young women* who have experienced (or are at risk of) any form of gendered violence)
This project offers specialist advocacy support and counselling for Black and Minoritised young women* who have experienced (or are at risk of) any form of gendered violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, child sexual exploitation, gang associated violence, forced marriage, and so on.
* This is defined as including BME, LGBT+ and Disabled young women. They welcome trans and intersex young women. They also welcome non-binary young people who feel the service would best meet their needs and experiences.
Solace Children’s Creative Therapies (for young people affected by domestic or sexual violence)
This service offers therapy for young people aged 4 and above. Therapists work with young people with art making, play, drama, and talking as appropriate to help the young person better understand their feelings and improve their self-esteem.
Young people must be living in a safe and stable enough environment – the perpetrator can no longer be living with the family (or in a relationship with the mother or carer) and any contact must be deemed to be safe.
There is a waiting list for referrals.
DVIP YUVA (for young people using violence or abuse)
This service offers confidential, one-to-one support for young people aged between 11 and 18 (up to 25 years old for people with additional needs) who use violence or abuse and want to change their behaviour and improve their awareness of healthy communication and relationships.
Parents, carers, and professionals can refer a young person. The organisation prefers referrals from professionals if possible.
DVIP Child Therapy Service (for young people affected by domestic violence)
This service offers therapy to lessen the effect of domestic violence on young people aged between 3 and 17. It is available for young people in Hammersmith and Fulham only if they can travel to Islington for the assessment and sessions.
The therapists are child psychotherapists or play and creative arts therapists with specific training in domestic abuse issues in clinical practice. Therapy is tailored depending on the young person’s age.
The young person must currently be living in a safe and stable environment, and the perpetrator of abuse must not be residing with them.
Young people can refer themselves, or a parent or carer or professional can refer them.
Find out more about DVIP Child Therapy Service on their website.
Young carers
Honeypot (for young carers aged 5 to 12 – UK wide service)
Honeypot offer a range of services to support young carers aged between 5 and 12, including respite breaks for children, social and emotional active learning breaks, online workshops, face-to-face workshops, and financial support through a wellbeing fund.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council Family Support (for young carers)
Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Family Services team can help you with one-to-one support, advice, and information about other support services and activities for young carers.
Young people can contact them themselves, or someone else (like a friend, relative, teacher, or doctor) can contact them instead by email or phone.
Find out more about Family Services and how to contact them on their website.
Other
St Giles Trust (for young people who are criminally exploited; have families in need of support with poverty, housing, gang involvement, or substance misuse; or have a parent in prison – UK wide service)
St Giles Trust offer community-based support for young people who are involved in gangs, serious violence, and offending. They also have services for children who have a parent in prison, for families affected by gangs, and for families experiencing poverty.
You can get in touch yourself by filling out a form on the St Giles Trust website.
Freedom From Torture (for survivors of torture – UK wide service)
Freedom From Torture offers trauma-focused therapy to help with the effects of trauma, including complex trauma, depression, and other mental health needs. They also offer further services, including creative group activities, social groups, and physical therapy to help survivors rebuild their lives. They offer practical advice for survivors who are seeking asylum.
You can get in touch yourself by filling out a form on the Freedom from Torture website.
Youth groups and other activities
Masbro Youth Club
Masbro Youth Club is open to young people aged between 8 and 19 who live in Hammersmith and Fulham. They split into two programmes, one for young people aged between 8 and 11, and another for young people aged 12 to 19.
The club has an exciting programme of activities and workshops in an informal environment. They have sessions after school and in the holidays.
Youth Voice through Family Friends UK
Youth Voice is a monthly session for young people aged between 9 and 18. The sessions give young people the chance to meet with each other and try different activities.
Activities through the Octavia Foundation
The Octavia Foundation’s young people’s programme offers a wide range of activities for young people. They’re based at their community hub, The Reed (W11 1NH). They run weeknight sessions during term time and school holiday programmes.
Activities are free, but spaces are limited and parents and carers need to complete a membership form.
Find out more about activities through the Octavia Foundation on their website.
