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The EMB Project

I want to understand

Not sure what happens when you ask for help?

Sometimes the hardest part of asking for help is not knowing what comes next.

You might worry that people will judge you, panic, tell everyone, or not understand.

The truth is that what happens next can depend on who you talk to and what you need — but you don't have to have everything figured out before you reach out.

  1. 1. Tell someone
  2. 2. Talk
  3. 3. Find support
  4. 4. Get support
  5. 5. One step at a time

  1. You tell someone

    You can start with someone you trust — a friend, parent, family member, teacher, GP, counsellor or another trusted adult.

    You don't need the perfect words. You can simply say that you're struggling and need some support.

  2. They listen

    The person may ask you some questions so they can understand what's going on.

    You don't have to explain everything perfectly.

    It's okay to say, ‘I don't know how to explain it.’

  3. They work out what support you need

    Depending on what you're experiencing, they may help you find the right kind of support.

    That could mean talking to someone you trust, speaking with a school or university support service, seeing a GP, or being connected with a mental-health professional.

  4. You don't have to figure it out alone

    Getting help doesn't mean you have failed or that something is wrong with you.

    It means you've recognised that you deserve support.

  5. You can take it one step at a time

    You don't need to solve everything in one conversation.

    Sometimes asking for help is simply the first step.

What if I'm worried?

If you don't trust your parents

You don't need to wait until something feels “serious enough” to ask for help. If you feel scared, controlled, pressured, isolated, constantly watched, unable to say no, or worried about how your parents will react, you can talk to someone you trust.

  1. 1

    Notice how you're feeling

    Your feelings are worth paying attention to, even if you're not sure what's happening counts as abuse.

  2. 2

    Tell someone you trust

    Someone outside your home — a friend, family member, teacher, university staff, a counsellor or another trusted adult.

  3. 3

    Get advice

    You can ask for advice without being certain. You don't have to confront your parents first.

  4. 4

    Make a safety plan if you need one

    If you're worried your parents might see your messages, use a safer device or account where you can, and think about who you contact.

  5. 5

    Get urgent help if you're in immediate danger

    Call your local emergency number.

You don't need to have the perfect words or be completely sure about what's happening before you ask for help.

Find support

You don't have to know exactly what happens next. You just need to know there is a next step.

If you or someone else is in danger right now, use Get Help.

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