Help & Support
If you are worried about a young person, or you think they may benefit from extra support, UTurn is here to help.
We support children and young people aged 9–18, and up to 25 where additional needs apply. Our support may include mentoring, safe spaces, activities, targeted projects and signposting.
We work alongside families, carers, schools, Essex County Council, Essex Police and other partners where appropriate to help keep young people safe and supported.
If you are a young person reading this yourself, you can visit The UTurn Hub page to see what the Hub is like and what happens there.
Referring a Young Person to UTurn
Parents, carers, schools, professionals and other organisations can refer a young person to UTurn.
If you are unsure whether UTurn is the right service, you are welcome to contact us for an informal conversation before making a referral.
What Happens After You Refer?
Once we receive a referral, we will:
- Acknowledge the referral and check we have the information we need.
- Consider whether UTurn is the right service, or whether another agency may be more appropriate.
- Contact the young person and/or their parent or carer to explain what support may be available.
- Agree next steps, which may include mentoring, hub sessions, activities, groups or signposting to other services.
We aim to keep the young person at the centre of decisions and work alongside other professionals where need.
If a young person is in immediate danger
UTurn is not an emergency service.
- If you believe a young person is in immediate danger, call 999.
- For urgent safeguarding concerns, contact Essex Children’s Social Care or the relevant out-of-hours service.
- If you are a young person and need to speak to someone urgently, you can contact Childline, Samaritans or SHOUT.
Helpful contacts:
Childline: 0800 1111
Samaritans: 116 123
SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258
What Would You Like to Do Next?
Choose the option that best fits the support or information you need today.
Other Helpful Support Services
These organisations may also be useful if you or a young person needs additional advice, emotional support or safeguarding information.
