Finding Help from Other Organisations

Extra Support - You’re Not on Your Own

As a young person working with Streets of Growth, you might be dealing with things that fall outside of what we directly offer – like drug or alcohol misuse, trauma, or specialist mental health support.

We’re not here to do everything, but we are here to make sure you’re not left to face it alone.

We work closely with trusted partner organisations who specialise in areas like:

  • Substance misuse

  • Sexual health

  • Housing and homelessness

  • Legal support

  • Mental health and trauma

Your coach can help connect you to the right service – safely and without judgement.

We’ve included a list of useful contacts on this page, and we’ll keep it updated as best we can.

In an Emergency - Get Help Immediately

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent help:

Call 999 - for police, ambulance, fire, or other emergency services.
You can also text 999 if you’ve registered in advance (useful if speaking isn’t safe - ask your intervention coach to help you register).

Examples of emergencies include:

  • You or someone else has been seriously hurt

  • You are at risk of violence or have witnessed a violent incident

  • Someone’s life or safety is at serious risk

  • A crime is happening right now

If It’s Not an Emergency but You Still Need Urgent Help

  • Call 101 - to report something to the police that isn’t an emergency

  • Call 111 - if you need urgent medical help or advice but it’s not life-threatening

  • Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): Call 111, then press option 2

  • YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Text YM to 85258 for free mental health support, 24/7

If you're unsure, it's always OK to ask for help. Better to speak than stay silent. In any case, you can always talk to your intervention coach or a trusted adult to help guide you.

Alcohol and substance abuse

Talk to Frank is a national drugs education service with a live chat and freephone advice line. You can text a quick question to: 82111 and find local support here.

Change Grow Live provides alcohol and drugs services across the UK, including London, Greater Manchester and Sheffield. You can find your local service here. You can find information about alcohol here, and different types of drugs here. Both pages have links to useful resources and other organisations which may be able to help you.

Alateen is an organisation supporting teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics. Drugfam provides support to the families of individuals suffering with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Local services

Tower Hamlets: There is support available across Tower Hamlets. Tower Hamlets Compass Safe East all take phone calls and referrals from young people.

Bullying

Bullying UK offer advice if you or someone you know is being bullied. Details regarding their free, confidential helpline are here.

Compass have published guidance on what to do if you’re being bullied and Childline also have a lot of resources, including 1-2-1 access to a counsellor online as well as other support.

Relationships and abuse

Childline have a lot of resources, including 1-2-1 access to a counsellor online as well as other support.

Disrespectnobody have a page dedicated to listing organisations who can help if you, or someone you know, is being abused by their partner.

Rape Crisis provides support for those who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or any kind of sexual violence.

Sexual health and teenage pregnancy

Brook offer free and confidential help and advice for all matters relating to sexual health and wellbeing for young people. Brook also have a tool to search all sexual health services in England (not just Brook) here.

There are different free and confidential services available to young people across Tower Hamlets. Find your local support using the NHS and trusted partners below.

Safe East – Compass - Under 19 (or up to 25 if in care/SEND) - Contact: 020 3954 0091 / Online referral form

All East Clinics - All ages in East London - Call: 020 7377 7307 or book via SHL.UK

Ambrose King Centre (Royal London) - Young people 16–17 walk-in slots available - Phone: 020 7480 4737

Come Correct (C‑Card Scheme) - Age 13–25 - Register and collect free condoms at local outlets

SHL.UK - Any London-based young person - Order a free home STI test kit online

The Camish Network also provides sexual health clinics for anyone under the age of 25, regardless of where in London you live

Child Sexual Exploitation

If something’s happening in your life that doesn’t feel right, whether it’s pressure, control, sexual harm or exploitation - talk to us. Streets of Growth works directly with young people at risk of exploitation, violence and harm. You won’t be judged, and you won’t be alone.

Streets of Growth - Young people 15–21 at risk of exploitation, harm or unsafe relationships. Speak to your Intervention Coach or any team member of the Frontline Team, we’re trained to support and respond.

Brook - What is CSE? Young people looking for clear info. Read this short article explaining child sexual exploitation, signs to look for, and how to get

Childline - All children and young people. Free, 24/7 support, speak to a trained counsellor online or by phone

Need Help Exiting Gangs, County Lines, or Criminal Exploitation?

If you're caught up in gang pressure, forced to carry items or weapons, or involved in serious youth violence, you’re not alone. Talk to us first, Streets of Growth works directly in this field and can connect you to safe exit routes.

Streets of Growth - Young people in Tower Hamlets looking to exit gangs, county lines, or criminal exploitation. Speak to your Intervention Coach or ask to talk with our Frontline Team - we're trained in gang exit and harm reduction.

Safer London - London Gang Exit (pan-London), Ages 16–24 affected by gang harm or exploitation, in any borough including Tower Hamlets. Contact them for a referral into the pan-London exit.

Tower Hamlets Targeted Youth Support - Vulnerable young people (ages 11–18, up to 25 SEND) at risk of offending or violence. Referral via Tower Hamlets Multi-Agency Support Team (MAST).

Fearless (Crimestoppers) - Anyone wanting to report or learn about county lines or gang exploitation safely. Use their anonymous reporting tools.

Children’s Society - Look Closer - Young people or professionals who need to spot or report exploitation. Free resources and referral guidance available online.

Worried About Violence or Weapon Carrying?

If you're carrying weapons or are surrounded by violence, it might feel like protection but often it brings more harm. Reach out to us first - we understand and provide non-judgemental help to reduce risk and make safer choices.

Streets of Growth - Young adults in Tower Hamlets involved in or affected by youth violence or weapon carrying. Talk to your intervention coach or speak to a member of the Frontline Staff - we work with situations like this regularly.

Safer London - Young people affected by violence, gender-based harm or exploitation. Contact Safer London directly to discuss support under their Empower project.

Redthread - Young people seen in A&E due to violence or injury. Access referred by hospital staff in trauma settings.

Lives Not Knives - Young people wanting to exit knife crime or harmful groups. Self-referral or via a support worker or youth service.

Getting Support with Mental Health and Well‑Being

Whether you're struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma or emotional difficulties, there are free services in Tower Hamlets and nationally that can help. You can self‑refer to many of them.

Tower Hamlets CAMHS - Aged 11–18, needing specialist mental health support. You, your parents/carers, teacher or GP can make a referral; you can also self‑refer. Call 020 7 426  2375.

Tower Hamlets Emotional Wellbeing Service / Step Forward - Aged 11–25 with mild to moderate emotional health needs. Self‑refer by calling 0207 739 3082 or emailing info@step-forward.org.

Docklands Outreach (Tower Hamlets) - Aged 12-21 experiencing anxiety, low mood, self-harm or need support around identity or substance use. Self‑refer via online form or email info@dockout.org.uk or call 020 7 538 1601.

Youth Access Network (e.g. Spotlight) - Young people needing advice, advocacy or counselling. Free services via youth projects in Tower Hamlets - self‑refer or drop in spotlight.

ELFT Tower Hamlets Early Detection Service (THEDS) - Aged 16–25 showing early signs of mental ill‑health. Self‑refer online or call 0203 487 1316.

Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Line - Anyone in crisis or at breaking point. Call 111 and choose option 2 for urgent mental health support, 24/7.

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger - Any young person needing immediate mental health support. Text YM to 85258 for free 1‑to‑1 24/7

Volunteering, Careers & Employability Support

Looking for help building experience, exploring careers, or getting ready for work or training? These free services offer tools, mentoring, and guidance to help you take your next step:

WorkPath / Young WorkPath (Tower Hamlets) - Young people (13-19, and up to 25 if with SEND/ EHCP) and residents needing jobs or training support. Drop‑in weekdays or book appointments (face‑to‑face, phone, video). Specialists help with CVs, applications, work experience, apprenticeships, and interviews.

ELBA - Employment Works / London Works (Tower Hamlets & East London) - Young Londoners (particularly Black and minoritised groups aged 16-30) aiming for skilled roles or career change. Email CV and cover letter to access paid placements, mentoring, and career support via ELBA or their social enterprise London Works.

Barclays LifeSkills - Anyone aged 13+ (especially useful for 16-21) Register for free to get access to videos, guides, and interactive tools to build work-ready skills.

The Prince’s Trust - Unemployed or struggling young people aged 11-30. Apply online for free programmes helping you access training, mentoring, or first jobs.

London Youth / Future Talent (London-wide) - 14-18-year-olds in London, especially from low-income or BAME backgrounds. Ask about volunteering, mentoring, or employability pilots in your borough.

Youth Access Network - Young people needing advice, advocacy, or counselling related to career or personal development. Check out local youth projects in Tower Hamlets offering free support.