One in ten young people experience a mental health issue at any one time. Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 5-19.
In an average group of 30 15-year-olds:
- Seven are likely to have been bullied
- Six may be self-harming
- One could have experienced the death of a parent
Record levels of young people are struggling. Academic pressure, social media, bullying, poverty, and the lack of availability of professional mental health support all contribute to this growing crisis of poor mental health.
It’s clear that young people are not getting the support they need. Key figures in a young person’s life – parents, family members, teachers, tutors, carers, and youth workers – can often spot when a young person is struggling but may not know how best to help.
At Somerford Youth and Community Centre, we are trained to deliver Mental Health First Aid to young people aged 8–18. This means we have the skills and confidence to spot the signs of mental health issues, offer first aid, and guide young people towards the support they need. In doing so, we can help speed up their recovery and prevent mental health issues from worsening.
We strive to create an environment where both young people and our staff have the information and tools they need to maintain good mental health. By setting this example, we ensure that our community is a safe and supportive space.
We are also qualified under Mental Health First Aid England to train others in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Our training courses teach key skills such as listening, reassurance, and responding effectively – even in crisis situations – to potentially prevent crises from escalating.
Need Support? If you are a young person in need of mental health support, please get in touch with us. If you know of a young person who is struggling and does not know where to turn, we encourage you to contact us.