Time to Talk Day: How we support young people with their mental health 

Today is Time to Talk Day, a day that encourages us to create space for conversations about mental health. By being open about our experiences, we can help break the stigma associated with mental health issues and make it easier for others to reach out and get the help they need. 

For young people in our services this is a crucial part of the support we offer. Many of the young people we work with have suffered, abuse, trauma and neglect. They live in unstable housing conditions, often without a steady income or social support, all of which makes it harder to focus on long term goals like education and employment.  

It is no wonder that 37 percent of the young people we support have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and 60 percent report undiagnosed mental health difficulties.  For most this will include anxiety, and according to research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, young people aged 18 to 24 are the age group most likely to feel anxious in the UK.   

We know that good mental health is essential to a young person’s journey out of homelessness, and vital if a young person is to overcome their challenges, achieve their goals and realise their potential. That’s why wellbeing is such an important part of the work we do to help young people get back on their feet. We might be practically supporting their housing needs or helping them to access employment or training opportunities, but we also know their chances of success are reduced if we don’t address their emotional needs too.  

Our trauma-informed approach ensures support is framed by understanding, sensitivity, and non-judgment. It means shifting from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” This allows us to support young people holistically and guide them toward building resilience for the future. We are proud to say that every young person in our services has access to: 

• A dedicated support worker to provide a tailored approach to mental health support to help a young person heal from their trauma. 

• Counselling services for those who need professional support to process their experiences and develop coping mechanisms.  

• Coping strategies and practical tools to navigate the challenges of daily life, from mindfulness techniques to goal-setting exercises. 

We also take our young people very seriously and invite them to actively participate in our work. Last year, a group of young people worked with our staff to identify everyday strategies to help manage their mental health. They wanted to share these with and support others just like them. Here are some of their top tips.  

• Talk about it – Speak to someone trusted about what’s making you anxious can be a relief. Just having someone listen and show they care can make a difference. If opening up to someone close isn’t possible, talking to someone anonymously at Samaritans or Anxiety UK can help.  

• Take care of yourself – Exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can help maintain wellbeing. It’s best to avoid activities that can trigger anxiety such as excessive drinking or doom-scrolling on a phone.  

• Track triggers – Make a note of what happens when you’re feeling anxious or experiencing a panic attack. This can help identify patterns and early warning signs. Tracking positive moments can also help acknowledge good experiences.  

• Use the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) – This tool helps you to identify anxiety triggers, personal responses, and what is needed to feel better, including how others can provide support for you.  

• Practice breathing exercises – Learn simple breathing techniques, which can reduce stress and provide a sense of control. 

Time to Talk Day is a good opportunity to take stock and reflect on our own lives, ask ourselves how we are doing and where we might need some support. If you’re struggling, there are people out there who can help.