Where to go for help as a young person in North Yorkshire

Not sure who to talk to? Struggling to find the right support? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. At Healthwatch North Yorkshire, we’re here to help you understand your options and find the right care and advice. Your health and wellbeing matter.

We’re Healthwatch North Yorkshire—your local health and social care champions. We’re here to listen, understand, and make sure your feedback reaches the people who make decisions about the services we all use.

We are here for people of all ages, including young people.

If you use GPs (the doctors), dentists, hospitals, pharmacies, are a young carer, or seek mental health support, eye care, or social care, we give you the platform to speak up and shape better services for everyone in your community.

We also help you find advice, information, and support if you live with health conditions, need treatment, or want to know your options to make the best decisions about your health.

Common health and care challenges for young people

Growing up comes with all kinds of pressures—from school, family and social life, to navigating mental health, hormones, and sometimes serious health conditions. Many young people also find it hard to:

• Get quick GP appointments or mental health referrals
• Know who to turn to when they’re worried about something
• Access support for neurodiverse conditions like autism and ADHD
• Understand their rights when it comes to healthcare or social care
• Get help for issues like self-harm, anxiety, or relationship abuse

The good news is, help is out there—and we’ve rounded up some trusted services and friendly support options just for you.

Who can help: National support services

These organisations offer support, advice and guidance to young people across the UK:

General and mental health

• Childline
  Free support for anyone under 19. Call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
• Kooth
  Free, anonymous online mental health support for young people.
  Visit www.kooth.com
• YoungMinds
  Support, advice and a crisis text line for mental health.
  Visit www.youngminds.org.uk
  Text YM to 85258 for urgent help (24/7)
• The Mix
  Support for under-25s on everything from mental health to housing.
  Call 0808 808 4994 or visit www.themix.org.uk
• NHS 111
  Non-emergency medical help 24/7. Call 111 or go to www.111.nhs.uk
• Mind
  Mental health information and local services.
  Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393

Autism and ADHD

• Ambitious about Autism
  Information and advice for autistic children and young people.
  Visit www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
• National Autistic Society
  Support and guidance for autistic people and their families.
  Visit www.autism.org.uk
• ADHD UK
  Information, peer support and awareness.
  Visit www.adhduk.co.uk
• ADDISS
  The national ADHD information service.
  Visit www.addiss.co.uk

Who can help: Local support in North Yorkshire

Where you live can make a big difference to the support available. Here’s what’s on offer in different areas:

Selby and Ryedale

• Inspire Youth
  Youth clubs, workshops, and mentoring for young people.
  Visit www.inspireyouth.uk
• Scarborough, Whitby, Ryedale Mind (MindSpace)
  Mental health support for ages 11–16.
  Visit www.swrmind.org.uk
  Email: info@swrmind.org.uk | Call: 01723 588008
• Selby Wellbeing Space
  Drop-in mental health support and wellbeing activities.
  Visit www.communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk

Scarborough

• Scarborough Young People’s Pathway (Inspire North)
  Support for young people moving towards independent living.
  Visit www.inspirenorth.co.uk
  Call: 01423 852165
• Sidewalk Youth Project
  Outreach and support for young people in Scarborough.
  Visit www.sidewalk-scarborough.org.uk
  Email: admin@sidewalk-scarborough.org.uk

Harrogate

• Mind in Harrogate District
  Mental health support and counselling for young people.
  Visit www.mindinharrogate.org.uk

Hambleton

• Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust – Children's Services
  Support for children and young people with additional needs.
  Visit www.hdft.nhs.uk
  Call: 01423 555780
  Email: hdft.childrensservices@nhs.net

Craven

• Bradford District and Craven Mind
  Support for ages 5–25 with emotional or mental health needs.
  Visit www.mindinbradford.org.uk
  Safe Spaces: 0800 952 1181
  Guide-Line: 08001 884 884
  Email: info@mindinbradford.org.uk

Richmondshire

• Richmondshire Youth Service
  Clubs, advice and support for young people.
  Visit www.richmondshire.gov.uk
• Richmond Borough Mind Youth Zone
  Wellbeing support for ages 12–25.
  Visit www.rbmind.org