Youthwatch Hampshire produce "Friend in Need" resource for young people
A group of proactive volunteer students noticed a decline in their peers’ mental health and have created and released a new project aimed at tackling some of the common forms of anxiety and depression that affect so many young people.
With the rates more than doubling in 6 years of young people suffering with a mental health challenge rising from 12.5% in 2017 to 20.3% in 2023 (NHS) a group of volunteers from Youthwatch Hampshire wanted to produce a resource that young people could use to help a "Friend in Need".
A survey last year they completed found most respondents did not know what to say or do to help when a friend was experiencing poor mental health.
With their effort and the support of Healthwatch Hampshire staff they have a created a resource that can be used in multiple ways across several platforms and help to start conversations with those who might be struggling and point them towards organisations who can help.
Commenting, Tim Crowhurst, Volunteer Lead from Healthwatch Hampshire, said:
"These amazing young people have worked tirelessly to build this project and the resource from the ground up. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved in producing a resource that is both accessible and professional."
Want to find out more about Youthwatch? Go to our Youthwatch page.
Resources:
Check out our resources here:
A useful resource related to our project is Life Cards from Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. They signpost to key organisations offering help to people experiencing suicidal thoughts, or people who are worried someone they know is having suicidal thoughts.
Download the Stay Alive app
Complete suicide prevention training with Zero Suicide Alliance
Visit www.hubofhope.co.uk
When you need urgent help:
Call NHS 111
Call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Text HANTS to 85258 for an immediate call back
Visit Papyrus for young people papyrus-uk.org
In an emergency, always call 999.
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