Getting Help

Neurodiversity Hub Wirral

Getting Help

What to do in a crisis

If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, get support straight away.

A crisis is when you, or the person you are supporting, feels unsafe or at risk — including risk of self‑harm, suicide, or harm to someone else.

You should:

  • Call 999 for an ambulance

  • Go to Accident & Emergency (A&E)

  • Or call your local mental health crisis line

Find your local urgent mental health helpline:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health

If you need to wait for support, Mind has practical tools to help during a crisis:
https://www.mind.org.uk/

If you feel able to stay safe for a short time but still need help urgently, you can ask your GP for an urgent appointment by:

  • Calling your GP surgery

  • Or calling 111

You may see the first available doctor. They can offer information, medication if needed, and referrals for support.

wooden blocks saying ask for help

  • If you need someone to talk to, several free, confidential and anonymous helplines are available. Trained volunteers listen without judgement.

    Samaritans – Call 116 123 (UK wide)
    A safe space to talk, anytime.
    https://www.samaritans.org/

    Shout Crisis Text Line – Text 85258 (UK wide)
    Free, confidential text support for anyone struggling to cope.
    https://giveusashout.org/

  • If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, act straight away.

    Follow your setting’s Child Protection or Safeguarding Policy and speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible.

    The DSL will decide whether a referral is needed.

    If a referral is not required, the school should still offer support (e.g., pastoral or early help) and staff should monitor the situation.

    If a referral is required, the DSL will contact children’s social care, and the police if necessary.

    See Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022) for more guidance.

  • If your child is struggling with anxiety or experiencing difficulties affecting daily life, attendance, learning or relationships, professional support can help.

    You can:

    • Speak to a General Practitioner (GP)

    • Find a counsellor or therapist

    If your child struggles at school without a clear reason, they may have an undiagnosed Special Educational Need (SEN) such as autism, ADHD or dyslexia.

    If you are concerned, speak to:

    • The school’s SENCO

    • Your GP

    They can help you request an assessment.

    While waiting, you can ask the SENCO for referrals to:

    • Educational Psychologist

    • Speech and Language Therapist

    These professionals can recommend support even before a formal diagnosis.

  • If your child is diagnosed with SEN, schools must provide extra help known as SEN support, using their own resources.

    Speak to the SENCO about what support the school will provide.

     

    Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans

    If SEN support is not enough, you or the school can request an EHC needs assessment from the local authority.

    If approved, an EHC plan is created to outline the support your child will receive.

     

    Your Local Offer

    The Local Offer explains services and support available for children and young people with SEN and their families.

    Wirral Local Offer

  • IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) offers free, legally‑based advice on SEN support.

    Their website provides information on:

    • Assessments and diagnoses

    • Getting support from school

    • Working with the local authority

    Find out more

  • Life can be challenging, but you don’t have to wait for things to reach crisis point. Many organisations can help.

    Mental Health Support

    Keeping Children Safe

    Bereavement Support

    Relationships, Families and Abuse

    • Relate

    • Refuge

    • Women’s Aid

    Support for LGBT+ Communities