Foreskin, medical circumcision and other treatments
Seeking support
Although foreskin conditions are perfectly normal and common in boys and men of all ages, as with any health related issue, they may become a source of anxiety or worry. If your child feels worried or anxious then simply talking to them can help. There are also a range of services that can provide emotional and mental health support for young people. Below are some links to agencies that have information and resources to support emotional wellbeing in young people. If a young person’s anxieties or worries are impacting on their day to day functioning they may like to meet with a mental health professional to access therapeutic support and intervention. The hospital where the young person is being treated may have a clinical health psychology team with whom the medical consultant can discuss a referral. There will also be a range of services in the local community to which their GP can make a referral.
We have listed some of the charities who offer this type of support, below.
YoungMinds
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
NSPCC
The children’s charity NSPCC work directly with children and families in their service centres across the UK and Channel Islands and give support to thousands of adults and young people in need through the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 (Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekend) and Childline on 0800 1111 (if you are 18 or under, open 24 hours).
Barnardo’s
Barnardo’s provide a range of services to help and support families across the UK. Find out how to contact one of their regional teams here:
Teenagers and young adults
Men’s Health Forum
Men’s Health Forum’s aim is for all men and boys to have the information, services and treatments they need to live healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives.
They also offer stress support for men and signpost to local services: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/beatstress.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Family Lives
Advice on all aspects of parenting, including dealing with bullying.
Phone: 0808 800 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm)
Relate
The UK’s largest provider of relationship support.
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare
Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum
