Young Bristol are supporting World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of talking, listening and supporting better mental health together.
This year, the theme of World Mental Health Day is ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’, which explores the importance of conversations,especially when we listen to people’s experiences.
At Young Bristol, we are committed to continuing our Mission of providing safe places, and supportive environments, where both young people and our employees can feel listened too, supported and not alone.
Prioritising mental health in the workplace
Our people are central to creating positive outcomes for young people. By listening to, investing in, developing and supporting our staff and volunteers, we can create the most positive and impactful outcomes for our young people.
In recent years, Young Bristol has focused and prioritised the importance of communication, wellbeing and workplace culture across the organisation.
Andy, Head of Operations & HR said,
"One of Young Bristol's key pillars is 'Our People' which relates to the dedicated staff and volunteer teams we have working throughout Young Bristol's operation supporting young people. To ensure young people have an offer they can benefit from it is important our staff and volunteers feel supported. Staff have access to a confidential 24-hour Employee Assistance programme, flexible and hybrid working options, Young Bristol's Right to Disconnect Policy and an extra day annual leave on their Birthday! We are committed to creating a culture where wellbeing matters every day.
By creating a culture where staff and volunteers thrive, we create a culture where young people thrive."
Our Youth Mental Health First Aider!
Our Youth Mental Health First Aiders play a key role in supporting and providing guidance to young people aged 8-18,who may be experiencing poor mental health. They are committed to recognising signs, offering initial assistance and connecting young people to professional help.
Jason, Head of Youth Work is a trained Youth Mental Health First Aider, and is passionate about supporting young people through situations they face around their mental health, and wants to be someone that our young people can trust, talk to and take advice from.
"One moment that made me feel like I made a difference was when I first engaged with someone who was having a panic attack, and helped them through a grounding method. When a young person is in a crisis moment, being there and knowing you've helped is a great feeling!"
Mental Health is important to him as he believes looking after your mental state of mind is just as important as looking after your physical health. Jason understands that this is something that everyone can be affected by, and as a young person himself, knew someone close to him that suffered with their own mental health. He saw how much a small amount of support can transform someone's state of mind, which inspired him to learn more!
One piece of advice Jason would give to anyone struggling with their mental health and well-being would be to reach out and talk to someone - from a friend or family member to a youthworker, teacher or mental health first aider. Let them know how you are feeling and what's going on.
Our Youth Mental Health Champions!
A Youth Mental Health Champion plays a key role in advocating for young people's mental health and wellbeing by raising awareness, starting important conversations and signposting to important resources.
Meet Kat, Senior Youth Leader at BS14 Youth Club. Kat is one of our Youth Mental Health Champions! As a Youth Worker, Kat is passionate about young people's wellbeing and believes in the importance of supporting their mental health, ensuring they receive the help they need.
"We, as a society, are getting really good at recognising mental health needs in adults but I feel in that process, young people have been forgotten. That's where I believe Youth Workers step in."
Youth mental health is important to her as she believes if you give young people the skills they need to manage their mental health now, you are giving them transferrable skills they can take forwards into their adulthood, which in the long run can help ease the strain on adults mental health services. When working at the club, Kat regularly checks in on young people's mental health and allows them to reflect on their own feelings, behaviours and management tools that work best for them.
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.
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