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Where to get help

Crisis support

If you are in an emergency and there is a risk to life (that can be your own or another persons) call 999
If you are a young person in crisis:
  • Call Childline for free to speak to someone about what's happening and how you're feeling (0800 1111) Child bereavement Uk - logo.png
If you are a young adult in crisis:
  • Call the Samaritans free helpline. It's open 24 hours, 365 days a year (116 123) Samaritans Contacts lock up.jpg
Mental health crisis support is also available 24/7 across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

We have fully trained professionals ready to support young people experiencing a mental health crisis. This is available 24 hours a day all year round by calling the following numbers. Anyone can use and access the service.  All numbers are free to call, you won’t be charged:

How does the service help?

The service helps by providing immediate access to advice and guidance to those requiring mental health support.  We can advise and direct you to the most appropriate services.

When should people contact the service?

The service is available 24/7. If you feel as though you’re in a mental health crisis or believe a friend or family member is then make that call.

How does the service help people who don’t speak English?

Don’t worry if English is not your first language. As well as working within a diverse multilingual team we also have access to an interpreting service.

What should people contacting for mental health crisis support expect?

You should firstly expect a friendly voice on the end of the line, someone who will listen to your concerns and will be able to work with you to get the most appropriate outcome. The call will be a two-way process so do expect some questions. The Mental Health Professional (MHP) will carry out an assessment and together you will devise a plan.

A&E Departments
Additionally, we have CAMHS professional available in A&E hospital departments across BLMK every day from 9am – 9pm, seven days a week. Outside of these hours, you can speak to a trained mental health professional. Addresses are below.

Bedford Hospital A&E, South Wing, 1 Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ

Luton & Dunstable Hospital A&E, Lewsey Road, Luton, LU4 0DZ

Milton Keynes University Hospital A&E, Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD

Additional mental health & emotional wellbeing support

                     

Text REFLECT 85258

How does reflect work?

Reflect is specifically for young people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. To start a conversation, anyone can text reflect to 85258. The service is free, anonymous and does not show up on phone bills.

After sending the first message, texters receive four automated text messages before being connected to a trained volunteer. There is an aim to connect young people in greatest need within five minutes all others in 30 mins. At busy times it can take longer.

 Reflect can help with issues such as: Anxiety, Bullying, Depression, Loneliness or isolation, Money worries, Relationship problems, Self-harm,    Stress, Suicidal thoughts or feelings

How You Feel Matters

These are co-produced documents which set out clearly how children and young people can access support across Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes:

How you feel matters…getting help in Milton Keynes

How you feel matters…getting help in Beds Borough

How you feel matters...getting help in Central Beds

Local Offers

Bedford and Luton both have Mental Health/Emotional wellbeing hubs and one is due to be developed on Central Beds Local Offer.

Luton Local Offer

Bedford Borough Local Offer

Central Bedfordshire Local Offer

Milton Keynes - Your Mental Health & Wellbeing

MIND BLMK Young Person's Sancturies

Mind BLMK are delighted to be working collaboratively with CAMHS and East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) across Luton, Central Bedfordshire and Bedford, to provide crisis services for young people in need of mental health support. 

Our Young Person’s Sanctuaries are safe, non-judgemental spaces that you can come to if you find yourself in crisis or mental distress in the evenings. You will be met by a trained youth mental health worker who will listen and help you identify ways to address the problems you are facing.

Who are the Young Person’s Sanctuaries for?
  • Young people (14-17yrs) who are experiencing mental distress or crisis as well as those looking for a safe space to access some support.  No one will ever be turned away.
  • Young people are welcome to bring anyone from their support system.
  • Young people do not need to be known to mental health services to attend. Young people can still attend even if they are currently receiving support from CAMHs.
What can you expect?
  • A safe, non-judgemental, and relaxed space.
  • A confidential one-to-one session with a trained mental health worker.  During your first session, a youth mental health worker will explain the confidentiality policy to you.  In the instance where we may need to share certain information with a third party pertaining to a potential risk, we will have a discussion with you first.
  • Support to identify coping mechanisms and building emotional resilience.
  • A step-by-step tailored guide on how to access support and keep safe.  
Do you need an appointment?

Each Young Person Sanctuary is now operating a drop-in service and an appointment is not required.

Luton Young Person's Sanctury: 89 Castle Street, LU1 3AJ: Monday – Sunday (4pm – 10pm)

Milton Keynes Young Person's Sanctuary:  CAMHS Eaglestone Health Centre, Standing Way, Milton Keynes MK6 5AZ / Wednesday - Friday (5.00pm – 10.00pm) Saturday (4.00pm - 10.00pm)

Bedford Young Person’s Sanctuary:  CAMHS, 5-7 Rush Court, Bedford MK40 3JT: Monday – Friday (5.00pm -10.00pm) / Saturday – Sunday (4pm – 10pm)

Central Bedfordshire Young Person’s Sanctuary:

  • Leighton Buzzard; Meadow Way Community Centre, Leighton Buzzard LU7 3FS: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (4pm – 10pm)
  • Houghton Regis; Houghton Regis Children’s Centre, Tithe Farm Neighbourhood Centre, Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 5JB: Monday and Tuesday (4pm – 10pm)

www.mind-blmk.org.uk

To find out more:  0300 330 0648 /     yps@mind-blmk.org.uk

ChatHealth

ChatHealth, is a text service for young people aged 11-19 (or aged 25 with SEND) to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues or make an appointment with a school nurse. They can also find out how to access other local services including emotional support or sexual health services.

Chat Health Bedfordshire TEXT 07507 331450

https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/Bedfordshire/services/school-nursing/chathealth-bedfordshire

Chat Health Luton TEXT 07520 616070

https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/luton/chathealth

Chat Health Milton Keynes TEXT 07480 635517

https://www.mkchildrenshealth.cnwl.nhs.uk/chathealth/

Parentline is a confidential text messaging advice and support line for parents and carers of children ages 0-19 years

Parentline Bedfordshire TEXT 07507 331456

https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/Bedfordshire/services/health-visiting/parentline

Parentline Luton TEXT 07507 331886

https://www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk/luton/childrens/services/0-19-service—children’s/parentline-luton

 

CAMHS - Mental Health Support Teams (Schools)

The Mental Health Support Teams are a new service designed to help meet the mental health needs of children and young people in education settings. They are made up of senior clinicians and higher-level therapists and Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs). Senior clinicians and higher-level therapists within the team will be responsible for the supervision and management of EMHPs within the team.

North Bedfordshire: 01234 893355

South Bedfordshire: 01582 707635

Luton: Telephone: 01525 638614