Getting help from others as a deaf young person

When we’re in a good place, it’s easier to enjoy spending time with others (or on our own), take on new challenges and enjoy our hobbies. But when we’re struggling, the opposite is true. Asking for help can be the first step in helping you feel better.

How to ask for help

There are lots of different ways to get help. For smaller issues, using tools like personal passports and profiles can be useful. You can also share deaf awareness tips with friends, peers and others to help them make sure you feel included.

In general, though, it’s best to talk to a trusted adult if you’re struggling. This might be a parent, carer, family member, teacher, Teacher of the Deaf or healthcare professional. If you’re feeling nervous about it, try these tips:

• Plan what you want to say in advance.
• Find a quiet, private space to chat in. This will help you open up and be honest.
• If you find it too hard to speak or sign about the problem, try writing it down or drawing a picture. Include a list of what you’re worried about and how long it’s been going on for.
• Think about what would help you. If you’re not sure what you need, that’s OK. You can ask about what options are available.

Your trusted adult can then help you get support from someone like your GP. Sharing how you’ve been feeling and how long it’s been going on with help your GP develop a plan for your care. For example, they might refer you to National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

If you don't feel ready to speak to someone you know or a doctor, you can contact Childline. Their helpful counsellors are available to talk over the phone, via text chat or through email. If you're a BSL user, you can also talk over video chat with the help of an interpreter. You can also contact our Helpline [LINK].

Confidentiality: what it means and how it protects you

Most of the time, what you share with professionals will stay private. (This is also called ‘confidentiality’.) But if they’re really worried about you or someone else, they might need to talk to someone else to help keep you safe. You can learn more about your rights and confidentiality on Mind's website.

Personal profiles and other self-advocacy tools

There are lots of tools that can help you self-advocate. This means you are speaking up for yourself, standing up for your rights and explaining the support you need. 

We’ve developed a set of personal passports and profiles that you can fill in and share with others – such as teachers, activity leaders and sports coaches. If you have multiple conditions or things to be aware of, you might want to use a digital option or create your own.  

You might also be able to access therapy through your school. Talk to a teacher (or your Teacher of the Deaf, if you have one) to find out more.

Our Helpline is here to help and the team are happy to answer your questions. We have information and guidance on lots of different topics and can suggest free support services if you need more help.

You can get lots of advice on looking after your physical health, eating well, exercising and other self-care tasks through some of the organisations listed below, too.

National Deaf CAMHS

If you live in England and are struggling with your mental health, you might be seen by the National Deaf Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (National Deaf CAMHS). National Deaf CAMHS is a specialist service for deaf young people. You can be referred to them by any professional, such as a school teacher, a social worker or your GP. National Deaf CAMHS will assess you and decide what kind of treatment you need.

National Deaf CAMHS doesn't work with all deaf young people. If they can’t help you directly, though, they’ll still be able to advise on the help you need and whether you need to be referred on to other support services, such as your local mainstream CAMHS service. 

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, your GP can refer you to mainstream CAMHS, who might work with Deaf CAMHS to give you the right treatment. Make sure your local CAMHS team knows that you’re deaf. They should make sure any treatment you have is deaf-friendly.

Contacting our Helpline

Our friendly advisors give emotional support, answer questions about deafness and explain different options. You can contact them for free via phone, text, SignVideo, email or live chat.

Our Helpline can provide support on a range of topics related to childhood deafness, including:

• how to work with health professionals (including audiologists)
• education, including early years, special educational needs (SEN), further and higher education
• welfare benefits and other financial support
• communication options and support
• technology and equipment to support deafness
• disability discrimination issues
• options after leaving school
• finding support in your area

If you need specialist advice and guidance, we can refer you to our team of experts, such as our Advice and Guidance Officers or Advice and Guidance Education Appeals Specialist teams.

If English isn't your first language, we can call you back with an interpreter in your preferred language for free. (We typically have fluent Welsh speakers available Monday to Wednesday.)

Contact our Helpline