Mental health refers to the way we think, feel and act. Everybody has mental health, the same way everybody has physical health, and we need to look after it. If you go through a period of poor mental health, you might find that the ways you’re frequently thinking, feeling or reacting can become difficult, or even impossible, to cope with. Lots of things can impact mental wellbeing for young people and adults such as a challenging time at work or at school.
1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 young people experience a mental health problem (Mind, 2020).
For more information about how you can support young people and volunteers, please visit The Scouts Mental Health pages.
The five ways to promote good mental health
- Connect …with people around you, your family, friends and neighbours. Put five minutes aside to find out how a member of your group really is. Spend time in meetings strengthening relationships between leaders and young people.
- Be active …by doing something your group can all enjoy together. You don’t have to be Olympic Athletes to be active. Go on a walk or hike, spend some time gardening, or do an activity such as cycling or having a kick about in your local park.
- Take notice …by being more aware of your surroundings and what is happening right now, for example the changing seasons, or the local environment. Ask your members what was good about their day.
- Keep learning …by trying something different. Complete a badge as a unit that stretches the group, find out about scouts around the world, research an issue important to your members.
- Give …to others, to feel good yourself. Start a community impact project or volunteer with a local charity.
Support Links
Please find below a range of really useful links to support you in supporting young people and other volunteers who are struggling with their mental health. We would advise you sign post young people to support via their parent/carer to ensure they access the most appropriate support.
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMHH) have set-up a helpline to support those who feel their mental health is beginning to suffer at this time and need some additional support. The helpline is 24/7 and can be accessed anytime, day or night. The contact number is 01204483071.
- Mental Health Foundation
Advice and Support
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ - NSPCC’s Childline
1-to-1 chat support and 24-hour helpline for young people
0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk - HOPELineUK
A specialist phone service giving non-judgemental support, advice & info to young people
0800 068 4141
www.papyrus-uk.org - Young Minds
Leading mental health charity for young people
https://youngminds.org.uk/ - Samaritans
Charity for support
https://www.samaritans.org/ - Mind
Help, Advice & Support. Find your local Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/ - On My Mind
Information for young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing
www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind - NHS Go
NHS confidential health advice & support for young people under 25. Download app to your phone
https://nhsgo.uk - NHS – Moodzone
Guidance on coping with Stress, Anxiety and Depression – including links to resources
www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/ - NHS help with accessing Mental Health Services
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/ - Hub of Hope
National Mental Health Database with a list of local services.
Website; https://hubofhope.co.uk/
Please remember, if you have any concerns about young people, please follow the steps on the yellow card and escalate this to your GSL or District Commissioner immediately.