Youth support workers bringing a voice of hope to people aged 10-25 during and after attending A&E because of self-harm, a suicide attempt or an emotional crisis.

Youth support workers bringing a voice of hope to people aged 10-25 during and after attending A&E because of self-harm, a suicide attempt or an emotional crisis.

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Emerge support

Our youth workers support 10-25s during and after attending A&E.

Our impact

We reliably see a marked reduction in young people’s levels of distress.

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As a Consultant Psychiatrist I have had the pleasure of working closely with Emerge Charity and have consistently been impressed by the outstanding support they provide to young people presenting with mental health difficulties.
Their service has been an invaluable addition to the care available for children and adolescents in crisis, offering compassionate, timely, and person-centred support at moments when young people and their families need it most.
Emerge has played a significant role in supporting Mindworks / CAMHS by helping to reduce readmissions and easing pressure on acute services. Their ability to engage young people therapeutically, provide continuity of care, and offer practical emotional support has made a real and measurable difference to outcomes for many of the young people we see. Families frequently speak positively about the reassurance and guidance they receive from the Emerge team during incredibly challenging times.
What stands out most is the professionalism, dedication, and genuine compassion shown by every member of the team. They work collaboratively alongside NHS services and are deeply committed to improving the experiences of vulnerable young people attending hospital in crisis.
We are extremely fortunate to have Emerge working alongside us. Their contribution to the wellbeing and recovery of young people has been exceptional, and I would strongly commend the service and the positive impact they continue to make within our community
– Consultant Psychiatrist, Frimley Park Hospital

I am writing in my capacity as Mental Health and Learning Disability Lead at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) to recommend Emerge Advocacy without reservation.

Emerge Advocacy provides an outstanding service to children, young people, and young adults aged 10 to 25 who present to our Emergency Departments and inpatient services in a mental health crisis at both Wexham Park Hospital and Frimley Park Hospital. Their contribution to the wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable patients has been both significant and enduring with positive feedback from the young people.

The young people supported by Emerge Advocacy arrive at our hospitals at moments of profound distress. Many are experiencing acute mental health crises, self-harm episodes, or suicidal ideation. For this cohort, particularly those from marginalised communities, those with complex trauma histories, or those without robust family support, an independent, non-clinical advocate can make a decisive difference. Emerge Advocacy fulfils this role with skill, compassion, and professionalism.
 
The advocates from Emerge are consistently described by clinical teams as approachable, knowledgeable, and effective. Their ability to build rapid therapeutic rapport with young people who are often frightened or disengaged from services is a particular strength that our staff deeply value. At a system level, the involvement of Emerge Advocacy actively supports FHFT’s compliance with NHS England’s Core24 standards and the NHS Long Term Plan commitments on children and young people’s mental health. Their presence reduces distress, supports meaningful consent and capacity processes, and contributes to safer and more equitable discharge planning.
 
Of particular significance is the role Emerge Advocacy has developed in providing follow-up support to young people after discharge from our Emergency Departments and inpatient wards. It is well documented that young people who present in mental health crisis frequently face extended waits following referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This period, often weeks or months, represents a window of considerable clinical and safeguarding risk, during which young people may have no structured professional contact. Emerge Advocacy has stepped into this gap with proactive, relationship-based follow-up that bridges the transition from acute hospital care to community mental health support. Their advocates maintain contact with young people during this vulnerable interval, providing continuity, emotional containment, and practical navigation of systems that can otherwise feel inaccessible or overwhelming.
 
This post-discharge function is not duplicative of clinical care, it is complementary to it, and in many cases, it is the only consistent supportive relationship a young person has whilst awaiting their CAMHS appointment. The clinical and safeguarding value of this work cannot be overstated.
 
I commend Emerge Advocacy to any commissioning body, funding panel, or partner organisation considering their work. Their service is not only valued by young people and their families, but also by the NHS staff who work alongside them every day. I would be very happy to discuss the Trust’s experience of working with Emerge Advocacy further.
 
– Mental Health Lead, Wexham Park Hospital

If you are aged 10 – 25 and are in hospital because you’ve self-harmed, taken an overdose or if you are feeling suicidal; our specially trained staff and volunteers can come and support you.

Emerge are here to support you following a crisis admission to hospital, however WE ARE NOT A CRISIS LINE.

If you need immediate support in a crisis moment, please call 999 or go to your nearest hospital.

EMERGE

verb:

Latin ‘emergere’ – to bring to light.

To move out of, or away from, something and become visible.

To recover from or survive a difficult situation.

ADVOCACY

noun:

Latin ‘advocare’ – to call to one’s aid.

Responding as one called alongside.

Bringing peace, speaking truth.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted, I have a new lease of life. I just want to get focused on the positive things. I’m thankful for what you guys do.”

“It was nice to have someone to chat to about everything to keep me distracted whilst I waited. They helped me to keep calm and the use of colouring was also a nice addition as another distraction.”

“Thank you so much for all your hard work, our ward has benefitted so much from having your service at the hospital. You do an amazing job and make a huge difference.”