Jo Hunt, Head of Young People – Mental Health and Wellbeing at The Children’s Society said: “Due to the present threat from coronavirus and our commitment to keep children, young people and our staff safe we have made the difficult decision to close Pause until further notice from this weekend. We are busy getting ready to offer an alternative service in the coming days so children and young people will still be able to get support from us over the phone.

“In the meantime we wanted to get the message out so young people wouldn’t turn up to Pause over the weekend and in the coming weeks. It is important we all keep safe during this difficult time and if children and young people need someone to talk to for emotional or mental health support over the weekend we would direct them to other phone services such as Childline or the Samaritans. However if you are experiencing a mental health crisis please contact 999.”

From Tuesday 23rd March, children and young people who would like to speak to someone can email [email protected] and one of The Children’s Society’s trained well-being practitioners will get in touch to discuss what help they need and arrange a time to call them.