Help for children and young adults

If your mum and dad are separating or getting a divorce, you may be feeling very sad. You may also be feeling:

 

  • angry
  • confused
  • worried
Whatever you are feeling, that’s OK. Everyone feels different and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

 

You may be wondering what will happen in the future:

 

  • Where will I live?
  • Will I still see mum and dad?
  • Why can’t they still love each other?

You will probably have lots of questions but might not be sure if it's okay to talk about your worries to your mum and dad. If you'd prefer to someone different, why not contact ChildLine?

 

ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine about anything - no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.

 

A ChildLine counsellor is someone:

  • Who will believe you and knows it takes courage to contact them
  • Who you can trust
  • Who won't judge you or put you down
  • Who is not easily shocked
  • Who understands the sorts of problems you might be worried about
  • Who is trained to help

 

You don't have to give your name or any details about yourself if you don't want to.

 

You can contact ChildLine about anything, so think about how you feel and tell them about it. The more you tell them about what is happening and how it makes you feel, the more they can understand and help you. They might ask you some questions to try and understand how you are feeling or to help you talk about it. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to. You can get back in touch at anytime, even if you didn't tell them anything the first time you contacted them.

 

You can call ChildLine at any time on 0800 1111 to speak to a counsellor. Calls are free and confidential.

 

You can chat to a ChildLine counsellor online in a 1-2-1 session any time you want.

 

You can receive text messages provided by ChildLine for information and advice on certain issues.

 

Click here for more information about contacting ChildLine >>

 

Click here to visit the ChildLine Divorce and Separation page >>




This link will take you to the CBBC Newsround site where you can watch children talk about family separation. Click here

 


Family separation brings a lot of changes. Here are a list of websites that will help you to understand what may happen and how to cope.

 

It’s not your fault

This website has lots of useful information that will help you cope. Including what you might be feeling, how to feel better and how your mum and dad can help you. Click here

 

  

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support)

If your parents are going to court because they can’t agree on who will look after you, this website will help you to understand how things will work. Cafcass looks after the interests of children in family courts. Click here

 

CyberMentors

CyberMentors is all about young people helping and supporting each other online. If you're being bullied, or are feeling a bit low, or are maybe troubled by something and you're not sure what to do or who to talk to, then CyberMentors is where you can go for help.  It doesn't matter how big or small you think the problem is, or whether you're being targeted online or offline, CyberMentors are here to listen and support you. Click here

  

CBBC Newsround

"My parents split up last year, it started when I was four, I was really scared but now I am fine with it because I know it wasn't my fault and that both my parents love me." Views about splitting up from children themselves. Click here  

 

Other useful sites

Lawstuff

On this fantastic new website you will find information on lots of topics that affect your life, such as education, health care and working. If you need legal advice on any topic, you can call the Child Law Advice Line (freephone) on 08088 020 008. Click here 

 

[back]