There is lots of support in Calderdale for children and young people who aren’t in school, and their families.
Family Connect is a simple way for families, children and young people in Calderdale to find the right help at the right time. Whether you’re looking for information, advice or support from a specific service, Family Connect links you to the most appropriate support without having to navigate multiple systems or repeat your story.
You can contact Family Connect online by clicking below or by calling 01422 393 387 Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and a multi‑professional team will review your request and guide you to the right support.
Young people can contact ChatHealth confidential text messaging service at: 07480 635 297 and parents/carers can text: 07507 332 157 to start a conversation.
Kooth offer free, safe, anonymous online counselling and support for children and young people aged 10-25.
Open Minds offer emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people - referral is available online, or by calling 01422 300 001 Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5pm. Open Minds is not an emergency service and may not always be able to respond immediately. Therefore, if you have concerns regarding safety or need urgent crisis support & advice the following services are available:
Please also find further guidance on support on following website: https://northpoint.org.uk/urgent-help/
Safeguarding concerns can be shared with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Team (MAST) by calling 01422 393 336 or emailing MASTadmin@calderdale.gov.uk Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5pm. Out of hours contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01422 288 000.
Essential immunisations are available to all school-aged children and young people, even if they don’t attend school. Information is available on the local immunisation website: or by calling 01484 368 500.
yOUTh is a local LGBTQ+ young people’s servicesproviding support to LGBTQ+ young people, their parents and carers. Find out more online or by calling 01422 341 764.
Calderdale Branching Out supports young people aged 10-21 in Calderdale to make informed choices about drug, alcohol and tobacco use.The service is available to young people worried about their own or someone else's drug and/or alcohol use. Find out more online or by calling 01422 415 550 Monday to Friday, 5am– to 4pm.
Calderdale Sexual Health Service provide Information for young people in Calderdale about sexual health, pregnancy and more. Sexual health clinics offer free confidential advice and support around:
If you are worried about your sexual health or just have some questions visit: visiting a sexual health clinic or call 01422 261 370.
Unique Ways is a local parent-carer led charity, offering support, guidance and a range of services to families with disabled children aged 0-25. Find out more online or by calling 01422 343 090.
Edshift support children and young people affected by domestic abuse. They provide a safe space for young people to explore emotions, make sense of their experiences and rebuild connections through various age-appropriate programmes and services. Visit the website or call 01422 773 174.
This service advise on a range of attendance and welfare issues to improve school attendance. They work with all schools in Calderdale and recommend actions on a range of issues that impact attendance. They can offer advice and guidance to support parents to improve their child's attendance and remove any barriers that affect regular school attendance. You can find out more online or by emailing educationwelfareofficer@Calderdale.gov.uk
This service provides legally based, impartial, confidential and accessible information, advice and support for parents of children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities about education, health and social care. Get in touch by calling 07771 977 384 or emailing info@calderdalesendiass.org.uk.
This team supports children and young people aged 0 to 19 to access a curriculum appropriate to their needs. This includes:
Get in touch by calling 01422 394 114 or emailing SpecialistInclusion@calderdale.gov.uk. Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Not available on Bank Holidays.
C&K Careers: My Directions provides careers information for young people, including about:
Contact the team by calling 01484 213 856 Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm, by email: chat@ckcareers.org.uk, or on Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/CKCareers/
In school holidays, children and young people who are eligible can access free holiday clubs to develop a greater knowledge of food, nutrition and other issues about health; and have the chance to take part in fun and activities. Find out if your child is eligible online healthyholidays.calderdale.gov.uk
Bikeability cycle training courses for children and young people from 3 to 17 are available in school holidays. Visit the website or email bikeability@calderdale.gov.uk.
The Youth Works drop-in is at the Orangebox (Halifax town centre). It supports young people who have difficulties through a range of issues. These include substance/alcohol abuse, antisocial/criminal behaviour, homelessness, lack of education, training/employment chances and family/personal problems.
The drop-in is:
A place to 'chill out', listen to music, access the Internet or have a brew.
