Highland parents urged to use charity Children First’s hotline if they are concerned about their child’s mental health
Scotland’s national children’s charity is urging Highland parents and carers to seek their support if worried about their child’s mental health.
Children First, formerly the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, made the plea as mental health awareness week (May 12 to 18) begins.
Parents and carers in need of assistance for their child can call the charity’s national support line.
A recent survey commissioned by Children First showed a staggering 92 per cent of young people aged 11 to 25 in Scotland were worried about mental health.
The same survey showed less than one in four children believed childhood is better now than when their parents were young.
Last year more than two-thirds of people who contacted Children First’s support line were worried about a child’s emotional wellbeing.
From mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, the charity’s support line offers emotional, practical and financial support to any family in Scotland.
Last year Children First’s support line gave expert, confidential advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
Simon McGowan, assistant director at Children First, said: “Every day our support line team is helping more and more families who are desperately worried about their child’s mental health.
“No family should struggle alone.
“Whatever your concern about your child, we are here to help. Our friendly team can provide expert support and advice that can make all the difference.”
The Children First support line can be called for free on 08000 28 22 33 but contact can also be made by starting a webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk.
One mum who called Children First’s support line in a desperate plea for help, worried sick about the mental health of her daughter, Orla, said: “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without the Children First support line.”
Orla was only 14 when she tried to end her life. Support from a recovery worker at Children First has resulted in Orla feeling less anxious and more positive about the future.
The Children First team is on hand seven days a week: Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm, and Sat-Sun, 9am to noon.
