Mental Wellbeing

Many young people have suffered with mental health issues through the recent school closures and lockdowns, but this issue goes back much further than that. Exam pressures, reductions in youth services, loneliness, cyber bullying and much more are causing young people to suffer from stress, anxiety and other issues. Recent studies show that 7% of children have attempted suicide by the age of 17 and almost one in four say they have self-harmed in the past. We need systematic change in schools, making them safer spaces in order to tackle this worsening mental health crisis.

For urgent support

NHS Mental Health Services To get urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you’re unable to get help online. Only available in mainland UK. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance — NHS Mental Health Services
To get urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you’re unable to get help online. Only available in mainland UK. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Samaritans You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans either by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org — Samaritans
You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans either by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org

Childline A free, private and confidential service that you can access online and on the phone. They can provide help and support for people up to their 19th birthday. — Childline
A free, private and confidential service that you can access online and on the phone. They can provide help and support for people up to their 19th birthday.

Crisis Textline Free, confidential support, 24/7 via text for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer. — Crisis Textline
Free, confidential support, 24/7 via text for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer.

Are you aged 14-18 and passionate about campaigning for change in the education system?

The Changemakers Lab 2021 training and campaign programme is now underway, but fill in this form if you would like to get involved in Change Collective, Changemakers Lab or other upcoming projects.

Below is a collection of articles and resources from within Changemakers Lab, Change Collective’s activist training programme, and from other organisations - ranging from practical toolkits to videos and podcasts - showcasing the work of young people and other activists fighting for mentally healthy schools. Is there something missing? Fill in the above form to add a resource!

In the UK…

theguardian.com About 7% of UK children have attempted suicide by age of 17 – study About 7% of children have attempted suicide by the age of 17 and almost one in four say they have self-harmed in the past.. — theguardian.com
**About 7% of UK children have attempted suicide by age of 17 – study**
About 7% of children have attempted suicide by the age of 17 and almost one in four say they have self-harmed in the past..

cypnow.co.uk Mental health will be the biggest problem facing young people by 2040, doctors warn The biggest challenge facing children and young people by 2040 will be poor mental health, according to a Royal College of.. — cypnow.co.uk
**Mental health will be the biggest problem facing young people by 2040, doctors war**n
The biggest challenge facing children and young people by 2040 will be poor mental health, according to a Royal College of..

imperial.ac.uk 30% of young people had poor mental health during first UK lockdown - new study The study, called CCopeY, found that young Black people, in particular, faced higher.. — imperial.ac.uk
**30% of young people had poor mental health during first UK lockdown - new study**
The study, called CCopeY, found that young Black people, in particular, faced higher..

tes.com Warning of pupil 'fear of overload’ on school return Students have an 'absolute fear’ of catch-up – but they ‘can’t wait to get back’ to school, say union leaders. Teachers will have to.. — tes.com
**Warning of pupil 'fear of overload’ on school return**
Students have an 'absolute fear’ of catch-up – but they ‘can’t wait to get back’ to school, say union leaders. Teachers will have to..

bigissue.com Student mental health: How young people are coping during the pandemic With young people having their university experience disrupted due to the pandemic and facing isolation and uncertainty about.. — bigissue.com
**Student mental health: How young people are coping during the pandemic**
With young people having their university experience disrupted due to the pandemic and facing isolation and uncertainty about..

standard.co.uk Over 75% of students have experienced stress or anxiety over exam changes, research reveals A survey of 1,400 teenagers found than 85 per cent have been left stressed or anxious.. — standard.co.uk
**Over 75% of students have experienced stress or anxiety over exam changes, research reveals**
A survey of 1,400 teenagers found than 85 per cent have been left stressed or anxious..

Resources for Action

Inspiring activism and resources to help us to fight for schools that prioritise mental wellbeing. Help us to build this collection; send us your suggestions via email, twitter or instagram.

A guide for school or youth club leadership groups to deliver ‘Time to Change’ campaigns which challenge the stigma and discrimination around mental health

Beyond Tomorrow | Calling on the Government to limit the long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on young people’s mental health

Our Minds Our Future Campaign | The mental health system is failing young people. So we’re leading our own movement

Altogether Better is a charter created by young people for person centred mental heath and wellbeing services

OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire

A mental health advocacy toolkit for young people, produced by the Belfast Youth Forum

The pandemic has highlighted major flaws in our education system | Thought-piece by student Molli Tyldesly

Make It Count Campaign | Mental Health Foundation

#FightForAllTheFeels. Youth-led campaign to support youth mental health

Sandy Ibrahim is campaigning for mental health services for young people through the Welsh Youth Parliament

‘Healthy Minds Haven’ is a good practice resource and award system for secondary schools, which provides a list of practical things secondary schools can do to improve mental health support for their students