Waiting times

We understand that it can be difficult to wait for support from CFHD. We wish no-one had to wait a long time. We are committed to seeing children, young people and their families as soon as possible.

We take steps to reduce waiting times where we can.

These include:

• carefully reviewing all requests for help so that the children and young people who can benefit from our help the most are the ones who have priority in accessing it
• making sure we recruit the right healthcare specialists to provide the support needed

How long will I have to wait? 

It can be difficult to give exact timescales for how long you might wait. It will depend on how many people need help from CFHD, how many staff we have, and how severe or urgent your issue is.

What can I do if I need help whilst I’m waiting? 

Whilst you’re waiting our resources and self-help tools may be useful. These can include CFHD advice and videos, and local and national support organisations. 

If you feel things are getting worse , or if at any time you need to speak to us urgently, we have an on-call clinician available every day between 9am and 5pm on 03300 245 321.  Outside of these hours if you urgently need to speak to us please contact our out of hours number:  0300 555 5000.

Young People: 24/7 support

If you are under 18, you can contact Torbay and Devon Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for mental health support and advice:

03300 245 321 between 8am-5pm

0300 555 5000 out of hours

First response: 24/7 helpline

If you are experiencing mental health distress or worries about someone else’s emotional state, support is available from our First Response Service:

0808 196 8708

Kooth, Digital Support

Online mental wellbeing community. Safe, anonymous support free to people under 18: www.kooth.com

Urgent Help: 24/7 support:

If you are at risk of causing harm to yourself, call 999

Childline 0800 1111

Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123