TW. What do I do next?

[useless1000]

It's a long and worrying one..

DD and I visited gp as she is struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, was given a number for the crisis team who spoke to me (not dd) as it was Easter weekend they said to call back after then, I have, several times, they take a message say they will call but don't

On Wednesday I discovered that she has been conversing online with a boy (man?) who has been grooming her, threatening rape, then telling her he loves her and she has unfortunately sent him pictures, I contacted the police who gave me a crime number and said they'd call back, they didn't, today I called again and the answer service said I would receive a call back but nothing.

I contacted the safeguarding lead at her school today but have heard nothing from them either (maybe because of strike)

I don't know what else to do, I'm so upset for her and furious that this has happened to her - she is 15 and should know better but is so vulnerable mentally that he has been able to target her.

What do I do next? How do I help her?

Can you afford to pay for counselling? If so might be worth trying if you can get a suitable recommendation. Camhs are so woefully underfunded that they are often ill equipped to help.

Ring school back again and again until they respond. They ought to be able to access support for her in terms of online safety (depending on what is available in your area)

Make sure she's safe online. Ask her to let you sit with her and block/report anyone dodgy who has been contacting her. Keep copies of potentially illegal convos for the police. Make sure she understands that it's not her fault, she's not being blamed.

The GP should do more than just hand out the number for the crisis team - the crisis team really have a different remit (suicide attempts, people who need sectioning). She needs to be referred for counselling or to a MH service for young people.

Keep trying the school and the police.

Can you spend some time with her, without distractions of phones etc?

I will look into private counselling for her

@SlippySarah
I blocked him on everything but he still managed to email her and he knows her address too
Since it's been out in the open she's been more responsive to spending time with me downstairs and she knows it's not her fault- although hopefully she also understands that I have always warned dc about not sending images, being careful who you talk to online etc.
We do have a good and open relationship and I don't blame her for what's happening

Sorry about the situation you are in. If your dd is suicidal then your GP is suppose to write a referral to CAMHS. Once they receive a letter from GP someone will definitely call, they might put you on a waiting list but still worth it.
Contact Early help, it is a social service normally run by councils. They will assign a social worker for your dd who will visit her once a week. They usually act quite fast.

Contact school safe guarding again. They will call the police themselves. Police would be more pro active once the school is involved.

If you can afford then look for a private therapist. Some work with charities so might offer sessions at reduced prices. Some schools have their own counselors. A lot of schools in our area work directly with CAMHS and run group counselling at schools.

Also find out if any youth center in your area have mental health councelors. It is a free service provided by charities.

And just continue what you are doing. Keep communicating, don't judge her, and read some teen communication books like how to talk so your teen listen and others as well. I find that at end of the day, your children know that they are safe with you and parental love, support, and understanding keeps them grounded.