Emotional health and wellbeing directory

This article is adapted from the Children & Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Directory to provide a comprehensive overview of services and resources available for supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people

This directory brings together services and resources across Westmorland and Furness to support the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people. It is designed to help services, organisations and community partners find the right help, at the right time for children, young people and families.

The article is adapted from:

Children & Young People's Emotional Health and Wellbeing Directory [PDF, 620KB]

Contents

  1. Counselling and therapeutic services
  2. Local community service offers
  3. Support for specific needs
  4. Online resources & self-help tools
  5. Specialist services
  6. Emergency and crisis support

Counselling and therapeutic Services

Early and targeted emotional wellbeing support - often short-term, preventative or school-based.

Barnardo’s Primary Mental Health Worker (PMHW) – South Cumbria

Guidance/consultation to professionals; signposting to local support (no child details/consent needed for consultation).

Telephone: 01539 742 626
Email: pmhw.mytime@barnardos.org.uk.
Link: MyTime South Cumbria – Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s MyTime – South Cumbria

Early intervention for mild–moderate needs (anger, anxiety, low mood, self-harm, depression), up to 8 sessions; counselling, play therapy, Decider Skills; support for parents/carers & professionals.

Referral: via inbox.
Contact: 01539 742 626
Email MyTimeSouthCumbria@barnardos.org.uk.
Link: MyTime South Cumbria – Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) – Morecambe Bay

Early intervention in targeted schools (years 1–13): low mood, anxiety, behaviour/interpersonal issues, sleep, self‑esteem; resilience & coping strategies. Access: via school. Moving Mindsets – MHST (Barnardo’s)

Barnardo’s MyTime – North Cumbria

CAMHS-linked support (ages 5–18) for mild–moderate presentations; person-centred/CBT/creative approaches (6–8 sessions). MyTime North Cumbria – Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s MHST – North Cumbria

Early intervention in targeted North Cumbria schools; supports Senior Mental Health Leads for whole-school approach. North Cumbria Mental Health Support Team

Kooth (Online)

Free, confidential online platform (ages 10+), text-based counselling midday–10pm (weekdays) and 6–10pm (weekends), moderated community, articles & forums. Kooth 

Cumbria Family Support

Practical/emotional in‑home support via trained volunteers; reduces isolation and health inequalities. Cumbria Family Support

Educational Psychology Service (EP)

0–25 learning support; training, consultations, observations/assessments, statutory EHCP advice. Access via school consent & early support referral. Educational Psychology Service – Families Information

Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Officers (BEWO)

SEMH advice/support for primary schools via Early Support; works closely with EP service. Access via school consent & referral. Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Team – Families Information

Sunbeams Music Trust

Community Music Therapy for children & adults with disabilities/complex needs. Sunbeams Music Trust

I Matter Training (Kendal only)

Parenting/professional development for challenging behaviour/mental health; free only to clients of Kendal‑based GPs (self‑referral online). I Matter Training

Drop Zone Youth Project (Barrow)

Extended Education Programme (GCSE/functional skills), youth work drop‑ins/activities, Teen Talk (low‑level mental health resilience).

Contact: 01229 812 888
Link: Drop Zone Youth Projects

Wave Forward (Kendal)

Kendal‑based charity offering counselling (16+), programmes & workshops to improve youth emotional wellbeing. WaveForward

Local community service offers

Community and public‑health services offering early help, development, lifestyle and social inclusion support for families and young people.

Family Help - Westmorland & Furness

Early Help response; collaborate with families/networks/agencies. Complete the Early Help Assessment (EHA)

Contact: 0300 373 2723
Email: family.help.waf@cumbria.gov.uk. 
Link: Early Help – Families Information

Family Hub - Westmorland & Furness

Single access point to integrated support; links to key resources/services.

Link: Westmorland and Furness Family Hubs

Health Visiting Team (0-5)

Mandated checks, clinics, development/school readiness, feeding/weaning, immunisations.

Link: Children’s Health Services 0–19 – HDFT · Download Our App

Public Health 5-19 Team

E‑School Nurse & E‑Emotional Resilience clinics. School drop‑ins, training and broad health support.

Contact: (book via telephone: 03003 049 039 or email: hdft.spoc0-19waf@nhs.net)
Link: Children’s Health Services 0-19 - HDFT · Download Our App

Focus Family Team - Westmorland & Furness

Think Family approach (benefits checks, TAF meetings, employment support, signposting incl. domestic abuse/SEND/hardship, access to food hubs, help with white goods/furniture).

Link: Contact the Family Information Service

Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA)

Capacity‑building for youth organisations (training, funding, strategy) plus targeted programmes.

Link: Cumbria Youth Alliance

Brathay Trust

Residential/community programmes addressing mental health, social isolation, education/employment, and financial/domestic challenges.

Contact: community@brathay.org.uk
Link: Brathay Trust

 

Health and Wellbeing Coach (HAWC) Team - Westmorland & Furness

Coaching for 16+ across mental/physical health, social issues, addictions; drop‑ins; resilience and behaviour change.

Link: Health and wellbeing service - Council

Women’s Community Matters

Trauma‑informed, gender‑responsive programmes; community wellbeing.

Link: Women’s Community Matters

Active Cumbria

Support for schools to embed physical activity & active travel; CPD and inclusive School Games.

Link: Children & Young People - Active Cumbria

Child Centred Policing Team - Cumbria Constabulary

Early intervention to divert from offending and reduce risk of harm. 

CCPT Referral Form
Important: call 101 or 999 in emergencies

Carlisle Youth Zone

Safe space open six nights/week & school holidays; social activities and support.

Link: Carlisle Youth Zone

Social Prescribing - Westmorland & Furness

Community‑based health approach connecting individuals to activities, peer support and advice (social, emotional, financial). 

Access: via GP, Mental Health services or community organisations.

Barnardo’s LINK – Social Prescribing for CYP in Eden

Social prescribing for ages 5–19 with selected PCNs-coordination/onward referrals; up to 12 weeks 1:1 support; green & blue prescribing; wellbeing groups; drop‑ins; community development; presence at events. 

Access: via GPs/health professionals, schools or organisations; must be registered to participating PCNs.

Walney Community Trust

Community hub offering youth activities & emotional resilience programmes.

Link: Walney Community Trust

General Practices (GPs) – Westmorland & Furness

Seek GP support for: persistent emotional struggles, difficulty managing life events, self‑harm/suicidal thoughts, withdrawal or drop in school performance. GPs can provide advice, referrals and resources.

Support for specific needs

Targeted services for SEND, trauma, neurodiversity, carers, eating disorders, substance use, safeguarding, bereavement and identity.

Enhanced Family Support Team

Multi‑disciplinary support for families with greatest need (antenatal/new birth up to 2½-years-old) and assessed public‑health need.

Link: Children’s Health Services 0–19 – HDFT · Download Our App 

Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership (WaFSCP)

Supports inter‑agency collaboration, early identification of threats, learning & information sharing.

Link: Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership

Children with Disabilities (CWD Team)

Children with Disabilities Team – Families Information - social care for 0–18s needing intensive support (severe physical/learning disabilities, multiple/severe disabilities, severe sensory impairment with severe learning disability, complex health needs).

Young Carers – Westmorland & Furness

Contact: 08443 843 230 
Link: Support for young carers & young adult carers – Council

Young Carers - Carer Support Furness

Assessments, care plans, 1:1 support, respite activities, clubs, peer time.

Contact: 01229 822 822 
Link: Carer Support Furness – Young Carers

Education & Inclusion – Specialist Advisory Teachers (SEN Support)

Specialists in EY, Autism/Communication & Interaction, SLD, Physical/Medical, Sensory (hearing/vision), DLD, EAL. Access via school consent & referral.

Link: Listings in Special Educational Needs - Local Offer

Virtual Schools Team

Promotes achievement for children in care and related groups; trauma & attachment training; BUSS interventions.

Link: Virtual school for children in care – Council

Papyrus (Suicide Prevention)

HOPELINE247, safety planning, outreach & training, guidance for parents/professionals.

Contact:  0800 068 4141, Text 88247 
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org. 
Link: Papyrus UK

Every Life Matters

Training, bereavement support, crisis signposting, community awareness.

Contact: 07908 537 541
Email: info@every-life-matters.org.uk
Link: Every Life Matters – Suicide Safer Cumbria - 

SAFA (Self‑Harm Awareness For All)

Free/confidential counselling & therapy (11+), family/carer support, awareness & training, suicide prevention/crisis support.

Contact: 01229 832 269
Email: info@safa-selfharm.com
Link: SAFA

LSCFT Eating Disorder Service

Eating Disorder Service – LSCFT - assessment/diagnosis, personalised plans, MDT approach, outpatient/day/inpatient, family support/therapy, aftercare.

BEAT (UK Eating Disorder Charity)

Online chatrooms/forums, resources & guidance.

Contact: helplines (Adults 0808 801 0677; Under‑18s 0808 801 0711), text support (85258), 
Link: BEAT 

Youth Justice – Westmorland & Furness Youth Justice and Prevention Service

Work with 10–18s to prevent offending/reoffending.

Contact: 01229 407 560
Email: YJS@cumbria.gov.uk.
Link: Youth Justice Service – Council

Substance Use – Westmorland & Furness Youth Substance Misuse Team

Assessment, tailored interventions, harm reduction, education, support to make/maintain change.

Contact: 01229 407 560
Email: youthsubstancemisuse.waf@cumbria.gov.uk
Link: Drugs and alcohol‑related problems – Council

Crisis & Abuse Support – Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service (SARC)

Crisis worker support, forensic exam, contraception, pregnancy testing, STI screening & HIV PEP risk, referrals to ISVA/counselling/other agencies.

Contact: 0808 118 6432
Email: info@thebridgeway.org.uk
Link: The Bridgeway – Contact

Birchall Trust

Barrow‑based trauma‑informed counselling for survivors of rape/abuse (ages 4+).

Contact: 01229 820 828
Email: enquiries@birchalltrust.org.uk
Link: Birchall Trust 

SafetyNet

Free support for ages 3-18 affected by rape, exploitation, sexual or domestic abuse; early therapeutic support.

Link: Safety Net

Bereavement & Illness Support – Child Bereavement UK

Support for children/young people up to 25 who are grieving or when a child dies/is dying; training for professionals.

Link: Child Bereavement UK

CancerCare

Free professional support (counselling, art/play therapy, young carer & family support, peer groups, workshops, bereavement counselling).

Contact: 01524 381 820
Email: info@cancercare.org.uk. 
Link: CancerCare

OutREACH Cumbria (LGBT+ Youth Mental Health)

One‑to‑one support & group activities for ages 16–25; safe/supportive environment reducing isolation.

Contact: 01900 602 139
Link: OutREACH Cumbria

Substance Use – CADAS (Cumbria Addictions Advice & Solutions)

Confidential support (1:1, assessment/planning, harm reduction & education, groups, family support).

Contact: 01228 595 900
Email: info@cadas.co.uk 
Link: CADAS Youth Support

Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team

Link: The Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team (Padlet) - emotional/therapeutic support for 0-18s working with a social worker (CP, CIN, CLA); informal advice/consultation/signposting; training/resources/tools.

Online resources & self‑help tools

Digital and national support offering crisis prevention, psychoeducation, self‑help tools, and moderated peer communities.

  • Kooth - online counselling, peer forums, self‑help content (daily until 10pm)
  • Papyrus - HOPELINE247 (phone/text/email), safety planning, training
  • Every Life Matters - Suicide Safer Cumbria training & resources
  • Childline - 24/7 confidential support for under‑19s; phone/webchat/email; Childline app
  • Healthy Young Minds - resources for anxiety, ADHD, autism, self‑harm, gender/sexuality, resilience
  • YoungMinds - support for young people, parents, professionals
  • Shout 85258 - free 24/7 crisis text support (text 85258)
  • R;pple - online interceptive tool for self‑harm/suicide searches
  • 1GiantMind - free meditation app
  • Calm Harm - CBT‑based techniques to manage/resist self‑harm urges
  • Stay Alive App - Grassroots Suicide Prevention
  • SAM App - wellbeing app for anxiety/depression/low mood
  • BlueIce App Info - evidence‑based self‑harm support (mood diary, safety plans, calming tools)
  • Feeling Good Teens - relaxation, self‑esteem, sleep, exam stress audio tracks (10-15)
  • The Mix - support for ages 16-25 (online counselling, helpline, peer community, life advice)

Specialist services

High‑need clinical or specialist support - CAMHS/CYPMH, dedicated eating‑disorder care, anti‑racism support.

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMH) – South Cumbria

Tier‑3 specialist support for complex/persistent/severe difficulties.

Contact: 01225 408 660
Email: CAMHSSouth@lscft.nhs.uk
Link: CYPMH – LSCFT

CAMHS – North Cumbria

Moderate-severe difficulties (depression/anxiety, trauma/abuse, food‑related problems, self‑harm, anger/violence, bipolar & schizophrenia); onward referrals as needed.

Link: CAMHS East Cumbria – CNTW

Lancashire & South Cumbria Eating Disorder Service

Assessment/diagnosis, personalised plans, CBT/family therapy/nutritional support, outpatient/day/inpatient, aftercare & relapse prevention; family education/guidance.

Link: Eating Disorder Service – LSCFT

BEAT – UK’s National Eating Disorder Charity

Chatrooms/forums, family support, recovery tools, awareness campaigning.

Helplines: (Adults 0808 801 0677; Under‑18s 0808 801 0711), text "BEAT" to 85258
Link: BEAT

Anti Racist Cumbria

Training/workshops, racial‑trauma support, school resources, ARC youth club, "Living Whilst Black" sessions; blogs/videos/social media.

Email: hello@antiracistcumbria.org
Link: antiracistcumbria.org

Emergency and crisis support

Immediate response for urgent risk, suicidality and mental health emergencies.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)

Attend A&E if in immediate danger of harming yourself/others, experiencing extreme distress, or needing urgent psychiatric care.

Papyrus – HOPELINE247

Contact: 0800 068 41 41
Link: Papyrus UK

RAIS – Responsive and Intensive Support Team (Westmorland & Furness)

Tailored in‑home crisis support to avoid hospital admission-rapid response, community‑based care, individualised plans. Access: via Initial Response Service (IRS) only.