Where to go for Mental Health Support Over the Summer Holidays
Categorised in: Insights |
Posted on: 6 July 2026
With thanks to Dan Licence, an Education Mental Health Practitioner, for writing this blog for us.
The school year is finally coming to an end (hurrah!). However, for a lot of young people who are reliant upon their in-school support network, the summer holidays can be a difficult period. But there are many accessible, confidential services who offer support outside of school.
For long-term, professional support one of the most important places to start is the NHS:
GP (Doctor) – speak to your GP, who will listen to your concerns and can refer you to specialist services like Counselling or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). If you’re not comfortable booking an appointment alone, you can ask a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to help.
For more immediate emotional support, charities can be greatly beneficial:
Samaritans – free, 24/7 helpline where you can talk about anything that’s troubling you.
Shout – confidential text service (text “SHOUT” to 85258), which is especially helpful if you find speaking on the phone difficult.
For Young-person-focused organisations, which can often feel more relatable:
Young Minds – provides resources, advice, and a crisis messenger service tailored specifically for under-25s.
The Mix – free support via phone, webchat, and online community forums for people aged 13–25.
If you prefer face-to-face support:
Local Youth Centres – often run wellbeing groups or peer to peer support sessions. Many areas also have drop-in mental health hubs (sometimes called “safe havens” or “youth hubs”), where you can talk to trained staff without needing a referral. You can look these up on Google or Facebook for your local area.
For urgent situations:
A&E or call 999 – if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
NHS 111 – can be called for urgent mental health advice.
Just because school is closed, doesn’t mean you’re on your own! Whether you prefer texting, talking, or meeting in person, support is there if you need it. Taking that first step can make a real difference.
Need support?
For more information, please contact our founder, Lucy Cawkwell, at lucy@octuition.co.uk
