Where Can I Get Support Outside of Education?
Even when school isn’t your usual support system, remember you’re not alone.
Being in education can be a real constant in your life. Whether that’s school, college, sixth form or university, you know where you’re heading each day, what you’ll be doing, who you’ll see, and who you can chat with.
But what happens when that routine changes? Whether it’s the holidays rolling around or you’re getting ready to leave education for good, it can feel like a big shift. Here are some options for where you can get support when you’re no longer in education.
What kind of help might you need?
Finding information
Maybe you want to discover cool things to do when you’re off school, like local activities or even chances to learn something new or find a job. You might have questions about your health, wellbeing, relationships, or sexual health. Perhaps you’re going through some big changes in your life, and you need to know more about your rights, money, or finding a place to live.
Getting advice
Are you facing a tricky situation or a decision that’s got you stumped? Maybe you’re worried about a friend and you don’t know how to help them. Or perhaps something just doesn’t feel right, and you’re not even sure what it is. No matter the situation, talking things through with someone can help you make sense of what’s going on.
Having someone advocate for you
Sometimes it can be tough talking to professionals you don’t know very well. Maybe there’s something you need to say, but the words just won’t come out, or you feel like you’re not being heard. Speaking up for yourself or for someone else isn’t always easy – this is called advocacy. But there’s support available if you need it. This could be someone helping you find the right words and the confidence to use them so you can speak up for yourself.
It could also mean finding someone who can formally represent you in a professional setting. Imagine you need to explain a problem to someone, but you’re feeling nervous – an advocate could help you feel more confident and make sure your voice is heard.
Where can you find this support?
Local services
Places like your local council, libraries, youth clubs, community centres, or leisure centres can be fantastic for finding out what’s happening near you. This could be activities you can join, events you might be interested in, local groups you could connect with, or even opportunities for learning or work.
Local health services like your doctor’s surgery, pharmacies, or clinics are there to help with any health and wellbeing concerns you might have.
Local charities can also be a great place to get support if you need help with something specific. Plus, they’re often a good way to learn about the needs of others and how you can get involved, like volunteering or fundraising.
Websites
Websites can be super useful for finding information. Find information about upcoming events, opportunities, or answers to questions you might have about all sorts of things.
Some helpful websites include Careers Wales if you’re thinking about jobs or training, your local council’s website for events and services, NHS Wales for anything health-related, Sexual Health Wales if you have questions about sexual health or need services, Mind Cymru for mental health support, Shelter Cymru for housing advice, and Meic for any issue at all. You can often find exactly what you’re looking for with a quick search.
Family and friends
Don’t forget about the support network you already have around you. Chatting with family or friends can often provide comfort and a listening ear. Sometimes, just talking things through with someone you trust can make a big difference. They might not have all the answers, but they care about you and can offer a different perspective or simply be there for you when you need them.
Helplines
If you want to talk to someone about a situation or if you’re feeling like you need some extra support, helplines are a great option.
- Meic offers support for children and young people in Wales up to age 25 with any issue where information, advice, or advocacy could help.
- Citizen’s Advice can give you information and practical support on things like employment, housing, benefits, or legal matters.
- NHS 111 is there to answer any health-related questions, and there’s the 111 option 2 service specifically for mental health support in Wales.
- Samaritans or Papyrus offer support to anyone experiencing emotional challenges, mental health concerns, or even thoughts of suicide.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to listen, these services are there for you.
You’re not alone
Even when school isn’t your usual support system, remember you’re not alone. Whether you prefer chatting with family, friends, a trusted adult, or reaching out to any of the services mentioned, help is available.
When deciding how to get support, think about what feels right for you. Some things are easier in person, while others can be done through a call, text, or website. You’ve got options, so choose what works best for your situation.
Don’t forget you can always talk to Meic. We’re here every day from 8 am to midnight.
