This week, Young Bristol are supporting Children's Mental Health Week, giving a voice to all young people and raising awareness of children's mental health, between Monday 9th February - Sunday 15th February.
This year, Places2Be is exploring the theme 'This is My Place', which aims to support the systems around children and young people to help them feel they belong.
At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission by providing safe places, a supportive environment, and activities and opportunities where young people can feel empowered, included and not alone.
How we have supported our young people: Kyah's story
Young people across the country continue to face mounting pressures, largely impacting their mental and physical health, with many being denied access to critical activities. At Young Bristol, young people are at the forefront of everything we do, and we understand the importance of always being there for young people when they need us most.
Meet Kyah, a young person attending Hartcliffe Club for Young People. When Kyah first joined the club over two years ago, she was navigating daily challenges with her mental health and wellbeing, alongside ongoing health conditions. When she first joined the club, she was a quiet, reserved individual, taking her time to settle in.
Since joining her local youth club, the team at Hartcliffe Club for Young People have seen Kyah consistently attend sessions, participate in every opportunity available to her, and face her challenges with determination, positivity, and a smile on her face! Over the last two years, the team have seen her grow in confidence, build strong relationships with staff and peers, and push herself out of her comfort zone.
Kyah has now become someone who inspires others, and is seen as a role model to everyone at the club. She was recently recognised as 'Highly Commended' for Young Bristol's 'Young Person of the Year Award', for her inspiring journey, where she has shown incredible resilience and strength of character.
Providing safe places for Bristol's young people
Our work provides young people with safe, welcoming, inclusive places where they can be themselves, build friendships, and access support when they need it most.
Our Youth Clubs and services continue be at the core of communities, giving young people the safety and support that they cannot find on the streets, acting as the bridge between home and school life.
- We had 27,215 contacts with 1,832 young people, who were supported through our sessions throughout 2024 – 25.
- Our 9 community venues in North, East and South Bristol continued to open their doors up to 4 nights per week.
- During 2024 – 25, 20 communities were positively impacted by our work.
- Since the launch of our strategy in 2022, we’ve invested £753,280 into capital improvements at a number of our community venues; making improvements that would help to create environments that young people can thrive in.
Where you can find support and advice
Did you know one in five children face mental health issues? Whether you want to access helpful resources, start a conversation about mental health or are seeking professional advice and guidance, there are many ways you can begin to make a difference to a young person's mental health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs support, check out the links below for some recommended local and national services.
Young people
- Mind - A mental health charity, whose aim is to ensure no one faces mental health alone. Offering online support and guidance that young people that can access on their website 24/7.
- Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
- Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
- Kooth - an online wellbeing community where you can get free, safe and anonymous support. The forum is a judgement-free, safe place for anyone to get advice, help others and share their stories.
Parents
- Young Minds Parent Helpline - Offering tailored advice to parents, guardians and other family members who are concerned about a child's mental health. Advice for all young people who are under 25 over the phone or through their online chat.
- Shout - A free, confidential24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling with their mental health. To start a conversation, text 'SHOUT' to 85258. Shout's team of trained volunteers are trained to listen at any time, day or night.
- Samaritans - Aims to provide support through phone, letter, email or in person. Whatever problem you are facing, Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year!
- MindEd for Families - A free e-learning portal, offering information and support about mental health and well-being. Available 24/7 on their website!
To find out more about our work with young people and the opportunities we provide click here.
