Child health

  • Mental health

    While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.

    The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.

    If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS talking therapy guide.

    While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.

    The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.

    If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS talking therapy guide.

    Websites
    Barnardo’s Mental Health Support for children and adolescents
    Mind – Mental Health Charity
    Sane – Mental Health Support
    Rethink Mental Illness
    Kooth (11 – 18 year olds)

    • Rashes in babies and children

      Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.

      The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.

      Website
      NHS: Rashes in babies and children

    • NHS vaccinations and when to have them

      It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.

      Website
      NHS vaccinations and when to have them

    • Start for Life

      Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

      Website
      Start for Life

    • Healthy London Partnership

      Healthy London Partnership have created a toolkit that contains advice and support for parents and carers, schools and health staff. The site contains videos and helpful links to other resources.

      Website
      www.healthylondon.org

    • Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association

      The leading support charity for children with arthritis. It is run by people who have been affected by the disease and are passionate about providing a support network for children with arthritis and their families.

      Phone
      07958 187 600

      Email
      info@ccaa.org.uk

      Website
      www.ccaa.org.uk

    • ChildLine

      Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us about anything, from abuse and bullying through to relationships and exam stress- you don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to.
      Calling childline is free and doesn’t show up on the phone bill.

      Phone
      0800 1111 

      Website
      www.childline.org.uk

    • NSPCC

      The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse.

      Phone
      0808 800 5000

      Website
      www.nspcc.org.uk

    • Children & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

      Hammersmith & Fulham child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) provides mental health assessment and treatment for children, young people (aged 0-18) and their families.They promote emotional wellbeing and offer talking therapies and medication, as well as advice, consultation and support to schools and other organisations that work with young people.

      Phone
      020 8483 1979

      Website
      www.westlondoncamhs.nhs.uk

    • Young Hammersmith & Fulham Foundation

      The Young Hammersmith and Fulham Foundation is a local charity working with youth clubs, other charities, schools, businesses and the local authority. Together they aim to shape opportunities and create the best services for children and young people who live, learn, play or work in Hammersmith & Fulham. Their website lists services and events for children and young people, and gives local families and organizations the chance to get involved.

      Phone
      07535 309 343

      Email
      info@yhff.org.uk

      Website
      www.yhff.org.uk

    • Child Care – Information about entitlement to childcare

      The government is introducing new ways to help parents with childcare costs. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support- the Child Care Choices site explains what is available, who is eligible, and has an easy-to-use assessment tool, whilst the council site provides an overview of local services.

      Website
      www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

    • Child Development & Neurodisability Service: Music Therapy

      Music therapy uses shared music-making to help children cope more effectively with their lives and difficulties, and allows them to show their potential. It is based on the understanding that all human beings are able to respond to music irrespective of ability or disability, and is supported by a growing evidence base and child development psychological theory. In our sessions the therapist and the child make music together—it is shared and spontaneous—through this the two establish a musical relationship in which emotions can be expressed, explored and worked through in a safe environment.

      Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
      020 3315 6472

      Parkview Centre for Health and Wellbeing
      020 3704 6061

      Woodfield Road Surgery
      020 7266 8863

      H&F and RBKC website
      www.chelwest.nhs.uk

      Ealing website
      www.ealingmusictherapy.org

    • Child Protection: Referrals

      Our family services front door service are told about cases of possible abuse or neglect by teachers, doctors, health visitors and members of the public. They also hear from parents needing support, other family members concerned about a child’s welfare and sometimes children themselves. They also help with any queries you may have about support for children in the borough. Anyone can contact us if they are worried that a child may be at risk, and information is always taken seriously.

      Phone
      020 8753 6600
      0208 748 8588 (out of hours)

      Email
      Familyservices@lbhf.gov.uk

      Website
      www.lbhf.gov.uk

    • Action for Change

      Is a service for birth parents who have had their children removed permanently from their care. We aim to prevent recurrent care proceedings by helping birth parents to have a better understanding of the reasons for the previous removal of their child and to help manage the consequences of having a child removed from their care. We are a team of multi-disciplinary practitioners using therapeutic and outreach interventions to engage with parents on a one-to-one basis and as part of a group.

      Phone
      0207 854 5824
      07977124323

      Email
      actionforchange@rbkc.gov.uk
      Baanu.Baghbani-Irvine@rbkc.gov.uk

      Website
      www.lbhf.gov.uk

    • SAFE

      Supportive Action for Families in Ealing (SAFE) is a tea of psychologists, therapists, counsellors, school workers, family workers and other experts. They have links with other support groups and can give you information and advice to help you to access help before a manageable problem becomes bigger and more difficult to resolve.

      Phone
      0208 825 8000

      Email
      ECIRS@ealing.gov.uk

      Website
      www.ealing.gov.uk

    • Young people using alcohol

      The Alcohol Service run by CGL offers advice and support for those with issues around alcohol misuse.
      GPs, family members, carers, friends, or any other agency, such as social services, can refer someone into the service.

      Phone
      0800 014 7440

      Email
      thealcoholservice.info@cgl.org.uk

      Website
      www.changegrowlive.org

    • FRANK

      FRANK was set up specifically to provide advice and support to teenagers and helps you find out everything you might want to know about drugs. For friendly, confidential advice, Talk to FRANK.

      Phone
      0300 123 6600

      SMS
      82111

      Website
      www.talktofrank.com

    • Insight KC

      Insight KC offers a free, friendly and confidential young people’s support service. They provide information, advice and help to young people between the ages of 12-25 who are living with or affected by drug or alcohol issues.

      Website
      Humankind – For fair chances (humankindcharity.org.uk)

    • Child Accident Prevention Trust

      The Child Accident Prevention Trust is the UK’s leading charity working to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents. We make a difference by spreading knowledge, changing behaviour, and supporting staff in local communities.

      Phone
      0207 608 3828

      Website
      www.capt.org.uk

    • Frank Barnes Primary School for Deaf Children

      This is a bilingual school for deaf children. It provides a specialist environment where deaf children have full access to the Early Years Foundation Stage, National Curriculum and Deaf Studies Curriculum and they are encouraged to reach their full potential.

      Phone
      0207 586 4665

      Website
      www.fbarnes.camden.sch.uk

    Community Centres

    Community centres cater for all ages. They are often run by and for community residents and provide opportunities through which local people can be involved in shaping and improving their community. They also run social, recreational and educational classes and events – from martial arts and dance classes through to language classes, Saturday school for children, yoga, healthy eating, weight loss, art and music. Some offer more than 100 different classes and activities every week, including drop-in sessions.