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Resources for Young People
Growing2gether Young People have gathered some resources that can help you when you are struggling, or need some good advice.
All websites and apps reviewed here are free to use. Please remember to stay safe online, keep your personal information private, and never meet with anyone in person whom you’ve only met online.
General mental health
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YoungMinds is full of advice on mental health issues and offers support and empowerment for young people who are struggling. “There is so much information and it’s all well explained. It’s also not a dull site – it’s brightly coloured and easy to use.”
Highland Mental Wellbeing is a list of services, information and training around the subject of mental health and wellbeing. It can be confusing to know where to start with online information, so it aims to help by highlighting some of the best websites and sources of help.
Eating disorders & self-harm
Beat is the UK’s leading charity addressing eating disorders. They offer advice whether you are suffering from an eating disorder or wish to help someone who is.
“It’s laid out so well and gives you lots of different kinds of information, such as how to help, what an eating disorder is, their help services etc.”
Cuts, learning to cope is a publication compiled and written by a Growing2gether Youth Social Action group. Please click on the link for personal stories, poetry and illustrations dealing with self-harm and the healing power of creativity and sharing.
See also the Calm Harm app below.
Bullying & cyber-bullying
respectme is Scotland’s anti-bullying service, working towards a respecting, just, equal and inclusive society, with easy-to-access information and informative videos.
“Has very clear definitions of what is and isn’t bullying between friends/relationships, which is refreshing to see.”
Apart from lots of information, Bullies Out also offers e-mentoring. “The site gives support for young people in general, and for older people such as parents and teachers. It also tells you how you can get help through school if you are in school.”
LGBTQ+
Switchboard is the UK’s main helpline for LGBTQ+ people of all ages looking for support and advice.
“Very simple and straight to the point.”
Sexual health & relationships
Highland-based Wave is all about getting young people thinking and talking about their sexual health and relationships. Wave also has a service finder and freely distributes contraception.
“So helpful! Gives you such detailed infomation on how to stay safe, being you, and how to keep yourself from getting STIs.”
Brook supports young people by providing lots of information on sexual health and wellbeing. They also publish brave real-life stories to help you know you are not alone.
“Good variety of topics covered, great detail and amount of information. Everything is simplistic, which makes for an easy user interface.”
Alcohol & drugs
Frank gives honest advice about drugs and alcohol, and they also have a confidential helpline and text service.
“So full of important information that could help you or a friend in need with a drug problem or even someone who takes it now and then. It shows you the risks, how it feels.”
Bereavement
Hope Again is a safe place where you can learn from other young people how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.
“A good small site for any person going through bereavement; plenty of contact material.”
Self care, including mindfulnesss
Childline’s Calm Zone offers lots of activities and tools to help you feel calmer.
“Has everything a young person would need if they’re suffering from anxiety, depression or just going through a hard time.”
Anna Freud has lots of strategies to help if you’re feeling low or anxious. “Self care section is perfect for any young person needing suggestions on how to do self care; contact is available as well which is a plus.”
Self-care apps
Mindshift
Based on your specific kind of anxiety, MindShift offers tools to help you learn to relax and be mindful.
“Love this app! You can learn why you’re feeling the way you do and also do activities, male and female activities, checkups and much more!”
Calm Harm
Calm Harm provides a variety of activities and creative ideas to fight the urge to self-harm.
“A very nice way of distracting oneself and extremely accessible due to no use of emails and passwords.”
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is all about mindfulness.
“Lovely for those who want to practise meditation.”
Clear Fear
Clear Fear offers a range of ways to help young people manage anxiety.
“Very much like Calm Harm but more aligned to fears. I recommend this app just as much.”
Young carers
Reach is a Scottish advice service for young people needing additional support for learning. They have a specific section for young carers.
“Very good for young carers who need the right information.”
Leaving school, employment and rights
hi-hope lists what’s out there for young people leaving school in the Scottish Highlands.
“Very useful for young people seeking employment and work experience. The active work experience search is perfect.”
Acas gives UK employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.
“An amazing website for any young person who feels like they’re being mistreated at work... essential even if it is only an information bulletin.”
Citizens Advice Scotland helps you know your rights as a Scottish person.
“Similar to Acas but more focused on the overall spectrum of discrimination and knowing the law. Just as essential.”
Shelter Scotland provides housing advice for everyone, including advice on homelessness.
“Really important information that teens should have available to them.”