The Youth Commission & Mental Health

Over the past few years, we have collected young people’s opinions and views about mental health through our Big Conversation workshops. We’ve shared these findings with key decision-makers to improve young people’s experiences of mental health.

Recently, we participated in a Mental Health Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG ) session with North Yorkshire Police. During this session, we learned about the challenges police face when responding to mental health incidents. We also explored the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) programme, launched in 2023, that ensures people experiencing a mental health crisis can access support from the most appropriate professionals, rather than the police.

From our work with the Youth Commission and our own personal experiences, we know that life can be overwhelming at times, and it can be difficult to access mental health support.

Here are our tips and thoughts below to help support young people’s mental wellbeing.

Self-Help Activities

As young people ourselves, we wanted to share some of the activities we do to make us feel better when we’re feeling low:

“Watching TV and spending time with my family.”

“I find it helpful, when I’m having a rough day, I go for a run whilst listening to my favourite music. Then I take a cold shower and eat something healthy.”

“Doing art.”

“Listen to music.”

“I use the app called Insight Timer to do a meditation and practice mindfulness.”

“Go for a bike ride and stop to listen to bird song!”

“To boost my mental health, I like to play the piano.”

“Blast music as loud as you want, sing the lyrics, scream the lyrics, relate to the lyrics.”

“I love doing a diamond painting whilst listening to my favourite music or an audiobook. I also try to think of 3 things I am grateful for each day.”

Everyone is unique – take some time to prioritise yourself and find what works for you.

Messages from us to you…

The North Yorkshire Youth Commission Members want you to know:

“You don’t have to feel perfect to be perfect.”

“You are good enough!”

“Don’t be scared to speak up and know you’re not alone.”

“Stay positive! Good days are on their way!”

“Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help.”

“You’ve got this.”

“Keeping going! We’re rooting for all of you!”

“Trust in yourself.”

“Someone is always there to help you!”

“The world is brighter with you in it.”

Access Support:

• Samaritans:

Call 116 123 (open 24hrs)
https://www. samaritans.org/

• Shout:

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (open 24hrs)
https://giveusashout.org/

• Compass Phoenix

Call 0800 008 7452

https://www.compass-uk.org/services/compass-phoenix/

• Papyrus Suicide Prevention:

Call 0800 068 41 41

Text 88247 or 0778209697 (open 24hrs)
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)