For parents and carers
Refer your child
You see the whole child, including the hopes and strengths that can be hard to see when life feels difficult. Share only what is relevant and what you are authorised to provide.
Referrals
Every young person deserves to be heard. A referral can help open that door.
You know your child in a way no form ever could. If you are hoping they might benefit from a supportive mentoring relationship, sharing that concern can be a powerful first step. You do not need to have every answer before asking for a review.
The referral form opens on a separate site in a new tab.
Making a referral is an act of care. It asks that a young person’s needs are given time and attention.
Choose the route that fits your role
You do not have to carry the next step alone.
The linked form offers a route for parents and carers, and a separate route for schools. Choose the one that best describes you.
For schools
Refer a young person
You may be looking for another way to support a pupil’s confidence, connection or sense of belonging. The referral form includes a route for schools to share relevant information.
A clear first step
What happens when you make a referral?
A referral starts a review. It does not guarantee that a place is available or that mentoring will be suitable.
- 01
Choose your route
Select whether you are referring as a parent or carer, or on behalf of a school.
- 02
Share what is relevant
The form asks for details that relate to the referral. You should only provide information you are authorised to share.
- 03
The team reviews the referral
The form says the referrals team will review each referral with care. No response time or place is promised on this page.
Your information matters
A young person’s story deserves care and respect.
The referral form is hosted separately from this website. It says that the form includes sensitive information about a child and family, that information is stored for referral assessment, and that access should be limited to authorised SIMS Project referrals staff.
Please read the information shown on the form before submitting anything. Share only details you are authorised to provide, and only what is relevant to the referral. Do not use the form to ask for urgent or emergency help.
If someone needs urgent help
The referral form is not an emergency service.
If someone’s life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, call 999 or go to A&E now. In England, urgent mental-health advice is available through NHS 111’s mental-health option. If you are elsewhere in the UK, contact your local urgent health service.
For an immediate safeguarding concern, contact the professional or local service responsible for the young person’s safety.
NHS guidance on urgent mental-health helpA first step, taken with care
You do not need perfect words. Begin with what you know.
Parents, carers and schools can choose their referral route on the form. The referrals team says each referral will be reviewed with care.