Advice for professionals supporting a young person

Supporting a child or young person can be challenging and it's not always clear where you can go for help.

We've created advice for professionals supporting young people and guidance on how to refer a child or young person to our services.

Exploring the real issues

Often, you'll come into contact with a young person because of a presenting issue that brings them to your attention, such as a health issue or be getting into trouble with the police.

But of course, the presenting issue is usually just the most visible part of a much wider, connected set of problems. The young person might face a difficult situation at home; struggle with their mental, physical or emotional wellbeing; or be in an unhealthy relationship.

It's important to find out about and offer support for all these issues. Focusing only on the one that's most visible - or that's getting them into trouble - might mean you miss the best opportunity to help. You need to look at the whole person, not just the label they've been given.

Getting them the right treatment and support - and fast - is key. But it's also vital to give the young person the time and space to think and reflect on how they got where they are. It will really help them build their confidence, self-esteem and resilience, and make positive changes in their life.

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How we can help

If you're worried about a young person, and we run a young people's service in their area, you can refer them to Change Grow Live. We can help if they're:

  • using drugs or alcohol
  • impacted by someone else's substance use
  • getting into trouble with the police
  • struggling with their mental and emotional wellbeing
  • in an unhealthy relationship

Next steps