Pupils & students

OLOL · PUPILS & STUDENTS

You matter. Your feelings matter.

Everyone has times when things feel difficult. You do not have to explain everything perfectly before asking for help.

A first step when things feel too much

Notice

Try a word, drawing or scale to show how you feel. There is no right answer.

Tell someone

Choose a parent, carer, teacher, tutor or another trusted adult. You could say: “I need some help with how I am feeling.”

Keep asking

Agree what happens next. If the first person cannot help, tell another adult. If you feel unsafe, seek help straight away.

STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL

Settling in can take time

Tell your tutor or another trusted adult what is going well and what still feels difficult — even after the first few weeks. You can ask for help with friendships, finding your way around or knowing who to talk to.

For adults supporting you: Anna Freud’s 2026 transition research →

Explore our resource library

Explore articles, videos, posters and practical tools below. Select a resource title below to open it. Resources may appear in more than one audience section where relevant.

This collection includes material published in 2024–25. Dates on recorded sessions, campaigns and reports refer to the original publication; check the provider for current access and guidance. For urgent help, use the current NHS information on this page.

YOUNGER CHILDREN · WITH AN ADULT

Explore feelings together

Try Childline’s toolbox with a trusted adult to find creative activities and ways to express feelings.

Explore the toolbox

OLDER PUPILS & SIXTH FORM

Find what helps you

Anna Freud’s self-care collection offers ideas to explore. Different things help different people.

Explore self-care

SCHOOL & LEARNING

Exam and revision pressure

Find information about exam stress. Talk to a teacher or tutor about the pressures you are experiencing and support that might help.

Read about exam stress

REST & ROUTINE

When sleep is difficult

YoungMinds explains sleep difficulties and where to seek support. Tell an adult if sleep is affecting your day.

Explore sleep support

Supporting a friend

Listen kindly and help your friend speak to a trusted adult. You are not responsible for solving everything. Do not promise to keep a secret about someone being unsafe. If you are worried about harm, tell an adult straight away.

When more help is needed

If worries or low mood are affecting everyday life, speak with a trusted adult, the school pastoral team or a GP. For urgent mental health support in England, call 111 and select the mental health option. If someone’s life is at risk or you cannot keep someone safe, call 999 or go to A&E.

NHS: where to get urgent help →

Browse the existing pupil article collection →

Information and signposting, not diagnosis or treatment. This website is not monitored for requests for help. External organisations set their own age guidance, access arrangements and privacy terms. Links reviewed October 2026.