*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Mental Health Services

Whether you're a child or young person and struggling with how you're feeling or you're a parent or carer worried about a child, you're not alone and there is support available.

What are children and young people's mental health services?

Children and young people's mental health services are a range of support services available to children and young people. They are usually delivered or funded by the NHS.

They will be different depending on where you live but can include:

mental health support teams (MHSTs) in schools and colleges
NHS-funded services from local mental health organisations, such as charities and social enterprises
NHS services - you may hear these called children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)

Services are usually for anyone under 18. You may be able to use some services up to the age of 25.

How do I get help from children and young people's mental health services?

A professional such as a GP, teacher, school nurse or social worker can put you in touch with your local children and young people's mental health services.

You can also refer yourself to some services. Find out if you can do this in your area on your local children and young people's mental health services website. Search online for "children and young people's mental health services" and include the county or town you live in.

Find out more about how to get help from children and young people's mental health services.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.