Urgent help

If a child or young person needs urgent mental-health support:

• Call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option (2).
• Call 999 or attend A&E if someone is in immediate danger or cannot be kept safe.
• Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111, 24 hours a day.
• Anyone can contact Samaritans on 116 123, free, 24 hours a day.
• If you are worried that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. In an emergency, call 999.

Support for children and young people

Childline

Childline offers free, confidential support for anyone under 19. Children can call 0800 1111, speak to a counsellor online or use the website’s information and coping tools. The telephone service is available 24 hours a day.

YoungMinds

YoungMinds has clear, accessible information for children and young people about feelings, mental health, friendships, school stress and asking for help.

Kooth

Kooth is a free and anonymous online wellbeing and counselling service. In City and Hackney it is available to young people aged 11–19. Young people can access information, moderated forums and online support without needing a referral.

Growing Minds

Growing Minds provides culturally informed mental-health support for African, Caribbean and mixed-heritage young people aged 11–25 in City and Hackney. Support can include counselling, creative work, practical help and work with families. Young people and parents can self-refer, or a professional can refer with consent.

Information and support for parents and carers

YoungMinds Parents Helpline

The YoungMinds Parents Helpline offers advice to parents and carers who are worried about a child or young person’s mental health. Call 0808 802 5544. Translation support is available.

Parenting Smart

Parenting Smart by Place2Be has short, practical articles and videos about sleep, worries, boundaries, behaviour, friendships and helping children manage strong feelings.

Anna Freud

Anna Freud’s advice for families includes information about children’s mental health, relationships, development and supporting children through difficult experiences.

NHS advice

The NHS children and young people’s mental-health pages explain common difficulties, what families can try at home and when to seek further help.

Local NHS and family support

City and Hackney CAMHS Alliance

The City and Hackney CAMHS Alliance brings together local emotional wellbeing and mental-health services for children, young people and families. The website explains the different services and how to access them.

First Steps Community CAMHS

First Steps offers early mental-health support for children and young people aged 0–18 who are registered with a City and Hackney GP. The service supports mild to moderate emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties. Referrals are made by professionals with parent or carer consent.

Baby Steps

Baby Steps offers early emotional wellbeing support to parents and carers of babies under two. Support can include bonding, confidence, sleep, behaviour, relationships, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. Families can speak to staff at a local Children and Family Hub or email huh-tr.FirstSteps@nhs.net. More information is available through the Woodberry Down Children and Family Hub.

Hackney Children and Family Hubs

Hackney Children and Family Hubs offer free activities, advice and family support from pregnancy through to age 19, or up to 25 for young people with SEND. Families can ask about parenting support, health, benefits, housing, play and activities.

City and Hackney Talking Therapies

City and Hackney Talking Therapies provides free NHS psychological support for adults aged 18 and over who live locally or are registered with a City and Hackney GP. Adults can self-refer.

Local activities, mentoring and community support

Young Hackney

Young Hackney provides youth hubs, activities, advice and targeted support for young people aged 6–19, and up to 25 for young people with SEND. Its services include sports, creative activities, personal development and support from youth workers.

African Community School

African Community School provides educational, mentoring and family support in Hackney. This includes a 12-week mentoring programme for young people aged 8–19, alongside supplementary education and family learning. Families should contact ACS directly for current intake information: office@acschool.org.uk or 07484 356 541.

Huddleston Centre

The Huddleston Centre runs activities and support for disabled children and young people aged approximately 9–25, as well as support for carers. Its programme includes short breaks, sensory activities, social groups and inclusive theatre.

Children’s centres and Children and Family Hubs

Hackney’s children’s centres and Children and Family Hubs run free activities for children aged 0–5 and their parents or carers. These include stay-and-play sessions, singing, stories, messy play and baby groups.

Hackney libraries

Hackney libraries offer free baby rhyme times, storytelling, toy libraries, children’s books and Bookstart packs. Families can check with their nearest library for current sessions.

Hackney 10x10

The Hackney 10x10 programme helps families find affordable activities for children under ten, including sport, swimming, music, drama, cycling, libraries, museums and outdoor activities.

Hackney Play Association

Hackney Play Association runs free, inclusive play opportunities at Homerton Grove and Pearson Street Adventure Playgrounds. Pearson Street is open to children aged 6–16 and offers active, creative and imaginative play.

Hoxton Hall Youth Arts

Hoxton Hall offers free arts activities for young people aged 7–19, including drama, dance, music and performance. Contact youtharts@hoxtonhall.co.uk or 020 7684 0060.

Day-Mer

Day-Mer is a Turkish and Kurdish community organisation offering community support, advice and activities. Families can contact info@daymer.org to ask about the current children’s, youth and family offer.

Immediate Theatre

Immediate Theatre’s estate-based youth theatres provide free, accessible drama and creative activities for children and young people aged 5–18, and up to 25 for young people with SEND.

The Wickers Charity

The Wickers Charity works with young people aged 8–21 in Hackney. It offers mentoring, positive activities, life-skills support and opportunities intended to reduce isolation and help young people build confidence.

HOPE at Morningside

HOPE at Morningside provides youth-club activities, practical support and a safe space for young people aged 7–25. Contact info@hopeatmorningside.org or 07958 771953 for the current timetable.

Pembury community activities

Term-time activities on and around the Pembury Estate have included youth clubs, football, dance and roller skating. Families can check the Young Hackney website or ask a local youth hub for the latest timetable.

Hackney Quest

Hackney Quest offers youth work for children and young people aged 8–19. Its programme includes weekly activities, holiday programmes, mentoring, workshops, trips and family support.

SkyWay

SkyWay works with children, young people and communities through sports, creative activities, mentoring, practical help and emotional support.

Tropical Isles

Tropical Isles offers carnival arts and creative opportunities for children and young people, alongside activities that support confidence, skills and community involvement. Contact info@tropicalislescarnival.org.

Pedro Youth Club

Pedro Youth Club offers boxing, fitness, sports and community activities for children and young people. Families should check the current timetable or contact info@pedroclub.com.

Chatsworth Youth Club

Chatsworth Youth Club offers activities including homework support, music, dance, drama, cooking and sport. It is based at Clapton Park Methodist Church, 99 Chatsworth Road, E5 8DS. Contact office.nationalparentsforum@gmail.com or 07583 165389 for current sessions.

Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets

The Volunteer Police Cadets programme is for young people aged 13–17. Cadets take part in activities, volunteering and community projects while developing confidence and practical skills.

Opportunities for teenagers and young adults

Hackney 16–19 support

Hackney’s support for young people aged 16–19 who are not currently in education, employment or training includes careers guidance and help finding suitable education, training or work. Families can contact Bryan Taylor at Bryan.Taylor@hackney.gov.uk or 07922 575603, or ask Young Hackney for advice.

Young Urban Arts Foundation

Young Urban Arts Foundation uses music, podcasting and other creative activities to support young people’s wellbeing and development. Its Studio Bus programme works particularly with young people aged 13–19. Contact info@yuaf.org.uk.

Irish Causeway

Irish Causeway offers supported accommodation and practical support to people at risk of homelessness. Its work includes support for unaccompanied young people seeking asylum and LGBTQ+ young people.

Interlink Foundation

Interlink Foundation supports Orthodox Jewish community organisations and helps connect families with culturally appropriate community services.

Urban MBA

Urban MBA offers enterprise, employment and life-skills programmes, mainly for older young people and young adults. Contact the organisation for current programmes and eligibility.

Hackney Empire Creative Futures

Hackney Empire runs creative projects for young people, often aged 14–25. Opportunities can include theatre, music, performance, production and skills development.

Inspire Education Business Partnership

Inspire EBP works with primary and secondary schools to provide mentoring, employability activities, workplace experiences and support with future choices.

Housing-based youth opportunities

Hackney and its housing partners offer activities and support through youth hubs, estates and community organisations. Current opportunities can be found through Young Hackney.