Whatever you are going through, we are here to help.
Struggling with your mental health? Worried about where you are going to sleep? Not sure where to start with applications and forms? This page is for you. Read it, use it, and come and talk to us.
“We are here to help any young person.”
You are not the only one going through this
A lot of young people in Newham are dealing with heavy stuff right now. Problems at home, nowhere safe to stay, feeling low or anxious, not knowing who to turn to. If that sounds like you, you are not alone. And the fact that so many young people are in this situation is not your fault.
1 in 5
young people in England are struggling with their mental health right now
130,000+
young people aged 16 to 24 in England are homeless or at serious risk
12 months+
is how long many young people wait for NHS mental health support in London
These numbers are about real people in Stratford, West Ham, Plaistow and Forest Gate. People your age, who like you, just needed someone to show up for them. That is what Youth Active is here to be.
We don't just point you somewhere else. We help you get there.
A lot of services will give you a phone number and wish you luck. We do things differently. If you come to Youth Active, our team will actually sit with you. Whether that means helping you fill in a housing application, making a call on your behalf, or just being in the room with you so you do not have to face it on your own.
We help you complete applications
Housing forms, benefit claims, referral letters. They can be confusing and long. We will sit with you, go through them line by line, and make sure you get them right. No charge, no judgement.
We support your mental health
You do not need an appointment or a diagnosis. If you are struggling with anxiety, feeling low, problems at home, or anything else, you can talk to one of our workers. We listen and we do not judge.
We help with home problems too
Difficult situations at home, conflict with family, feeling unsafe, not knowing your rights as a tenant. These are things we deal with regularly. We can help you understand your options and take the next step.
We stay with you throughout
We do not just help you start a process and then leave you. We check in, we follow up, and we make sure you know there is always someone in your corner. You will never be reassured once and then forgotten.
A space that is yours. To be yourself, to breathe, to talk.
We have a dedicated space at Youth Active where you can come and just be. Not perform, not explain yourself, not pretend everything is fine. If you need to sit quietly, you can. If you need to talk, someone is there. If you need to get something out through writing, drawing, music or just conversation, this is a place where that is welcome.
You are always reassured here.
No matter why you walk through the door, you will be met with respect. There is no wrong reason to come. You do not need to have it together. You do not need to have the right words. You just need to show up. Our team are trained to support young people through difficult situations and they will never make you feel like a burden for needing help.
Every weekday evening, no booking needed. 129 Leytonstone High Road, Stratford, London E15 1LQ.
Not feeling okay? That is allowed. Here is what you can do right now.
Feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed or like you just cannot cope. That is real and it is not a sign that something is wrong with you. It usually means you are carrying too much with too little support around you. The first step is telling someone. Everything after that gets a bit easier.
What to do if you are struggling
- 1
Tell someone you trust. It does not have to be a big conversation. You can just say you are not doing great. That is enough.
- 2
Use one of the free support lines below. They will not judge you. They will not put pressure on you. They just listen.
- 3
See your GP and ask for a mental health referral. If the wait is long, ask about self-referral services too.
- 4
Come to Youth Active. You do not need an appointment. Our team knows how to listen and can help you find the right support.
Free support lines you can contact right now
Samaritans
Call them any time, day or night. You don't need a reason. You can just talk.
116 123
Free, 24 hours, 7 days a week
Young Minds Crisis Messenger
Not ready to talk on the phone? Text them instead. Completely free.
Text YM to 85258
Free, 24 hours, 7 days a week
Mind Newham
Local mental health support based right here in Newham. Counselling, advice and someone to talk to.
0300 123 3393
Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm
NHS Mental Health Crisis Line
If things feel really serious, call 111 and choose option 2. They will help you straight away.
111 (press option 2)
Free, 24 hours, 7 days a week
Things do not get better by ignoring them. But you also do not have to fix everything at once. Just take one step today, whether that is calling a line, coming to see us or telling one person how you actually feel.
Nowhere to sleep? Do not wait. Here is what to do step by step.
Emergency housing fills up fast from October onwards. If you are already worried about where you are going to stay, start the process now while there are still more options available. Do not wait until you have nowhere to go.
Step by step — here is what to do
- 1
Call Newham Council's housing team today
If you are 16 or 17, Newham Children's Services legally has to find you somewhere to stay. If you are 18 to 25, the Housing Needs team has to carry out a homelessness assessment. That means they have to take your situation seriously and work through options with you. Do not wait. Call them now.
- 2
Call Centrepoint — they specialise in young people
Centrepoint is a charity that only works with young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless. They know the system inside out and can get you into emergency accommodation, point you to local services, and talk you through what to do next.
- 3
Call Shelter for free advice on your rights
Shelter's advisers know housing law and can tell you exactly what the council is supposed to do for you. If you feel like you're being ignored or turned away, Shelter can help you push back. It's completely free.
- 4
Come to Youth Active and we will help you with the paperwork
Housing applications can feel impossible if you have never done them before. We will sit with you, go through the forms together, help you write what needs to be written and make calls with you. You do not have to figure it out on your own.
- 5
Register with supported housing providers early
Organisations like St Mungo's and Nacro have supported housing for young people in East London. The sooner you register, the better your chances of getting a place before winter. We can help you find the right ones and apply.
Who to call — all free
Centrepoint
The UK's main charity for young homeless people aged 16 to 25. Call them first.
0808 800 0661
Visit websiteShelter England
Free housing advice and legal support. If you don't know your rights, they'll explain them.
0808 800 4444
Visit websiteNewham Council Housing Needs
Your local council has a legal duty to assess your situation and help you find housing.
020 3373 4000
Visit websiteSt Mungo's East London
Supported accommodation for young people across East London with support around you.
020 7481 3633
Visit websiteCrisis
National homelessness charity. Good for advice, referrals and understanding what help is out there.
0808 800 2222
Visit websiteKnow your rights, plain and simple
The housing system has rules that are supposed to protect you but nobody explains them clearly. These questions cover the main ones. Read them so you know what you are entitled to before you make any calls.
Support and guides for young mothers. Because you deserve it too.
Being a young mum can feel isolating, especially if you're trying to figure out housing, money, childcare and your own wellbeing all at the same time. You are not expected to know how to do all of this on your own. Youth Active provides practical support, guides and a space where young mothers are welcomed, not judged.
Housing as a young mum
If you are pregnant or have a child and have nowhere to stay, you are in priority need under housing law. The council must find you somewhere to live. Come to us and we'll help you make that application and explain what to say.
Benefits and financial support
You may be entitled to Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Sure Start Maternity Grant and more. It can feel overwhelming. We can sit with you and go through what you are entitled to and help you apply.
Mental health support for mums
Being a young mum is hard, especially if you're doing it without a lot of support around you. You are allowed to struggle and you are allowed to ask for help. We have a safe space where you can talk honestly without being judged.
Childcare and getting back on your feet
We can help you find free or subsidised childcare in Newham, look into education or training options, and connect you with other young mums in the area who understand what you're going through.
You do not have to have it all together to come here.
A lot of young mums who come to us feel like they are supposed to be coping better than they are. Being a young mum is genuinely hard and the system does not make it easier. We are here to help you navigate it, step by step, for as long as you need. Come in and speak to one of our workers. No appointment needed.
Useful questions for young mums in Newham
“We are here to help any young person.”
Come and talk to us.
Sessions run every weekday evening at 129 Leytonstone High Road, Stratford. No booking, no forms, no judgement. Just show up. We are here.