The summer holidays can be a time to relax and have fun. But for some young people, especially those out of school, struggling with their mental health, or already receiving support, summer can feel lonely or unsafe.

If this sounds like you or someone you care about, support is available throughout Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. This guide lists services offering practical help, safe spaces, and someone to talk to.

In an Emergency

  • Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
  • Call 101 to speak to the police about a concern.
  • Call 111 for urgent medical help.
  • Contact your local safeguarding team:
    • Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) – 0345 050 7666
    • Buckinghamshire Safeguarding  Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0800 999 7677
    • West Berkshire Council (Emergency Referals) 01635503090

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Support for children and young people with emotional or mental health difficulties. Available in all three counties.

CMHA Thames Valley – Youth Addiction and Mental Health

For ages 12+ needing help with substance use, self-harm, or mental health. Offers in-person counselling and group sessions.

Visit :noxfordhealth.nhs.uk/camhs/

CMHA Youth Services

 

Addaction (Buckinghamshire)

Advice and support for young people and families around drug and alcohol use.

Call: 01296 331933

 

Brighter Futures Together – Youth Projects

Free drop-in groups focused on mental wellbeing, creativity, and peer support.
Includes Marlow Youth Hub, Saturday Space (neurodivergent-friendly), and LGBTQ+ Q Hub in Slough and Bucks.

Visit: Brighter Futures Together

 

Oxfordshire Youth – Oxford Hub and Family Centres

Support for ages 16–25 including volunteering, wellbeing workshops, and youth drop-ins across Barton, Rose Hill, and Blackbird Leys.

Visit: Oxfordshire Youth

 

TVCC Youth Discovery Service (Oxfordshire)

Help with life planning, wellbeing, and one-to-one coaching for young people aged 12–21.

Visit: TVCC Services

 

Buckinghamshire

  • Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

Free holiday clubs for children and teens on free school meals. Sessions include sports, crafts and meals.

Visit: Buckinghamshire HAF Info

 

  • JR Group SEND Holiday Camp – Haddenham

Free summer camp for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), running 28 July – 15 August.

Visit: Family Info Directory

 

  • Summer Mental Wellbeing Camp (Family Hubs)

Free sessions for ages 11–18 on mental health topics like anxiety, body image and social media.

Visit: Buckinghamshire Family Hubs

 

  • Family Resilience Service

Support for families to prevent problems from becoming crises. Referrals made by professionals (e.g. teachers, youth workers).

More info: Buckinghamshire Council

 

Oxfordshire

  • Oxford Youth Ambition

Free weekday activities for 11–16-year-olds (28 July – 20 August), including sports, arts and lunch.

Visit: Oxford City Council Youth Ambition

 

  • OPA Play and Activity Days

Inclusive outdoor play days across the county – all welcome.

Visit: Oxfordshire FISD

 

  • Inclusive Cricket Training – Horspath

Weekly accessible sessions for disabled young people of all ages.

Visit: FISD Listing

 

  • Path Hill Adventures – Goring Heath

Outdoor learning and adventure for ages 6–11. Ideal for those who benefit from nature and small groups.

Visit: Path Hill Info

  • South Oxfordshire and Vale Summer Activities

Free and low-cost summer sessions including dance, football, skateboarding and family days (19 July – 31 August).

Visit: South Oxfordshire Activities

 

Berkshire

  • Berkshire Youth Hub (Reading)

Free confidential counselling and support for 11–25-year-olds. Includes Emotional Health Academy for West Berkshire.

Visit: Berkshire Youth

 

  • CAMHS Berkshire Link Team

Support for young people in complex or high-risk situations. Referral usually via school, GP or social worker.

Visit: CAMHS Berkshire

 

  • Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs)

Work with schools to provide counselling and workshops for pupils and parents. Available across East and West Berkshire.

Visit: MHST Berkshire

 

  • Green Health Thames Valley – Reading

Use of gardening and nature to support wellbeing. Sessions run through summer.

Visit: Green Health

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National Helplines and Online Support

  • Childline – Call 0800 1111 or chat online: www.childline.org.uk
  • The Mix (under 25s) – Call 0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX to 85258
    themix.org.uk
  • Young Minds Crisis Messenger – Text YM to 85258
    youngminds.org.uk
  • Papyrus (Suicidal thoughts) – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
    papyrus-uk.org
  • Samaritans – Call 116 123, 24/7
    samaritans.org
  • Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, confidential, 24/7)
  • Thinkuknow – Learn about online safety: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
  • CEOP (Online abuse reporting) – www.ceop.police.uk

If you’re a parent, carer or teacher, you play a vital role in helping young people feel safe, supported and connected over the summer holidays. This time of year can be particularly difficult for those facing mental health challenges, family stress, or who are already known to support services.

By sharing information, encouraging access to local activities, or simply being available to listen, you can make a meaningful difference. Please use and share these support organisations to ensure no young person feels forgotten or alone this summer.

Help is out there, and together, we can make sure it reaches those who need it most.

If you would like to make a difference to Young People in our community – we would love to hear from you. Find out more about our volunteering opportunities