Support services for young people who live, work or study in Bristol.
We have support services for young people who are facing difficulties.
Organisations that can support you
These organisations give free, personalised support.
Education, employment and training
We can help you back into education, employment or training.
There are also a number of options for education and training after 16.
Drugs, alcohol and smoking
The Bristol Drugs Project works with us to:
- support young people across the city
- reduce and prevent alcohol and drug misuse
They can also support you if you're worried about a parent or care. To find out more about how they can help you, visit the Bristol Drugs Project website Go to https://www.bdp.org.uk/ (opens new window).
Talk to Frank Go to https://www.talktofrank.com/ (opens new window) has an A to Z of drugs and information about:
- their effects
- their uses
- how addictive different drugs are
- health risks
- the law
Smokefree Bristol Go to http://www.smokefreebristol.com/ (opens new window) can help you stop smoking. Call them on:
- 0117 922 2255 if you live in Bristol
- 01454 865 502 if you live in South Gloucestershire
Relationships and sexual health
Unity gives a free and confidential service about:
- puberty
- relationships
- sex
To find out more about how they can help you, visit the Unity website. Go to https://www.unitysexualhealth.co.uk/ (opens new window)
Brook has:
- information about relationships and sexual health for young people aged 25 and under
- sexual health services all over the UK
Find out more on Brook's website Go to https://www.brook.org.uk/ (opens new window).
Freedom is Off the record Go to http://www.otrbristol.org.uk/ (opens new window)'s LGBTQ+ group for young people aged 11 to 25. It's open to anyone questioning their sexuality or gender.
To find out more:
- visit the Freedom website Go to https://www.otrbristol.org.uk/what-we-do/freedom/ (opens new window) to sign up for their online sessions
- email lgbtq@otrbristol.org.uk
- call or text 07496 965 262
Mental health support
Off the record is a charity that gives free, confidential mental health support and information.
To find out more about how they can help you, visit the Off the record Go to http://www.otrbristol.org.uk/ (opens new window) website.
The Kooth service is a free online counselling and information service for children and young people.
To find out more about how they can help you, visit the Kooth website Go to https://kooth.com/ (opens new window).
Homelessness support
Bristol Youth MAPS is a joint service by the council and the charity organisation 1625 Independent People.
Bristol Youth MAPS can give you free support if you've been told to leave home or you're homeless.
To find out more about how they can help you, visit the Bristol Youth MAPS Go to http://www.1625ip.co.uk/What-We-Do/Bristol-Youth-MAPS.aspx (opens new window) website.
The Ask Us Go to https://www.bristollawcentre.org.uk/get-help/young-people/ (opens new window) project is run by Bristol Law Centre. It helps young people aged between 16 to 25 with issues like debt, housing and welfare benefits.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Our SEND Local Offer website has information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families.
To find out more about what help is available, visit the SEND Local Offer website.
Support for Young Carers
If you're under 18 years old and look after another person at home, you may be a young carer. There are a number of ways that we can help you and you can find out more information on our Young Carers webpage.