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Being a teenager is an exciting and special time. Everything starts changing and family life can feel mixed up.
There's lots to deal with, body changes and body image, exams, peer pressure, sex and relationships.
You might want to know stuff but don't want to ask you parents or your mates.
Maybe you'd like to talk to someone.
Whatever it is - information and advice is out there to help and support you.
Information and advice for teenagers
BBC Article looks at the 5 biggest issues teenagers need support with
Essential support for under 25's
Hub is for young people created by young people
a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything.
Global Youth Charity supporting people aged 12-25 through some of the biggest challenges in their lives. From bullying and mental health to identity and relationships.
Mental Health
NHS Advice for teenagers and young adults
Mental health advice for young people, including tips on preparing for exams
Mental health support for young people
advice, information and guidance to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking
Calm Harm is an award-winning app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4
Anna Freud peer support programme supporting mental health and well being
Drugs and Alcohol
up to date information and advice on drugs
Anonymous, personalised feedback on your drugs use
It is important to be aware of guidelines, facts and the law about alcohol in the UK
Know the score on drinking
National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone who needs support. The service is completely confidential and you can get in touch on 0808 8020 133 or via live chat to speak to a trained professional who can offer advice on how to tackle the problem.
Online Safety
making the internet a safe place for children and young people
advice about staying safe when you're on a phone, tablet or computer
safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online
Sex and Relationships
free confidential sexual health and wellbeing advice service
NHS free contraception advice and support
digital sex ed resource for young people by young people
safeguarding and child sexual exploitation advice
BISH is a guide to sex and relationships for anyone 14 plus
awareness campaign of consent and staying safe
NHS advice on what to do if you think you are pregnant
Information on options for an unplanned pregnancy. This information is for anyone who may get pregnant including women, trans men and non-binary people.
Being a Young Carer
Young carers are young people aged five to 18 who look after a family member who is ill, disabled, is experiencing mental ill health, or is affected by alcohol and/or substance misuse.
The Children and Families Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014 gave young carers improved rights to an assessment of their needs.
If you or your parents request it, a social worker from your local council must visit to carry out a young carer's assessment.
A young carer's assessment can determine whether it's appropriate for you to care for someone else, and takes into account whether you want to be a carer.
The social worker must also look at your education, training, leisure opportunities and views about your future.
As part of the assessment, the social worker must ask about your wishes and involve you, your parents and anyone else you or your parents want to be involved.
Getting an assessment is the best way to find out what's available in your situation.
Contact Sandwell Council on 0121 569 2200 to talk to a social worker.
Sandwell Young Carers provides guidance and support to children and young people (aged 5-18) whose health, education and social lives have been affected as a result of caring for a dependent family member.
Sandwell Advocacy for Young Carers
Sandwell Advocacy provides independent advocacy throughout Sandwell, promoting rights, voice and empowerment. Advocacy works to protect children and young people from harm and abuse and ensures their rights are safeguarded.
emotional support, drop in centres, trips and activities for young carers.
NHS advice on being a young carer, your rights and who can support you.
A benefit available to young carers 16 and over who are working.
If you care for someone, you can have an assessment to see what might help make your life easier.
Know your Rights as a young carer
Young carers and young adult carers in England have the right to information and to an assessment of the support they need from the council.
Other Support Services
Legal Advice
National Youth Advocacy Service supports children and young people with their rights
YJLC provide comprehensive and up-to-date legal knowledge and expertise on children’s rights in the criminal justice system
provides up to date advice on youth justice law
Other Support Services
help and support for vulnerable young people who are homeless or sofa surfing
safe space online to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you.
advice and support for young people leaving care.
safeguarding app for young people to report anything from bullying to a mental health concern
supporting young carers
Youth website for CRUSE Bereavement Care to help young people cope with grief and the loss of a loved one
advice and resources to help young people deal with all forms of bullying
an initiative designed to provide practical help and guidance to the public in order to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
Advice for parents and carers
Teenagers can be challenging even for the calmest parents. It can seem like home becomes a battle ground between you, the adult, and your child who is going through the natural process of becoming an adult.
Your child still needs your love and support. Your relationship will naturally evolve from essential care giver to a more mentoring and enabling role where you can accept they may think and behave differently from you.
RELATE advice on dealing with teenage issues as a parent
Family Lives has lots of advice for parents and carers of teenagers
Advice on discussing body image with your teenager
Advice on coping with teenage behaviour
advice on managing teenager's challenging behaviour
NSPCC support for parents of teenage children
tips on coping with teenage behaviour
tips on talking to teenagers about alcohol and drinking responsibly
Should my child drink alcohol?
NHS advice for parents on under age drinking
Family Lives advice on under age drinking
Online safety advice for parents
Talking about sexual behaviour
Advice for parents on healthy and unhealthy sexual behaviour in children and teenagers, including what to do if you're worried
Advice on talking to children and young people, supporting them and keeping them safe
Advice for parents on teenage pregnancy
The importance of communicating with teenagers
The key to building a positive relationship and sorting out any communication difficulties with your teenager is to keep the channels of communication open
Asking The Awkward helps you to prepare for regular conversations with your teenager about online relationships and related topics