The Young Person’s Year of Wellbeing was launched on World Mental Health Day 2023 by Telford & Wrekin’s Young People’s Forum with the aim to inspire and empower the young people of Telford to make small lifestyle changes for big improvements to their wellbeing.
The campaign is built around the Five Ways to Wellbeing – five proven ways that you can improve the way you feel. These are:
- Connecting with others
- Being active
- Learning something new
- Being creative
- And taking notice of the world around you.
Research has found that people who take the time to do these five things often feel better about themselves and more positive than those who do not.
How does it work?
Once you’ve made your pledge by signing up, you will receive a series of emails over a 12-week period, full of simple, helpful tips that anyone can put into practice.
Each email features hand-picked, informative articles and research-based ideas that you can try immediately. Because there’s no need to make big, sweeping changes to your life – feeling happier and healthier can be achieved by making small adjustments like limiting the amount of time you spend on social media, getting out for a walk more regularly, and talking with friends or family about what’s on your mind.
“I’ve learnt all the different ways to cope with mental health and stuff and how you can help yourself.”
What if I need help right now?
Remember, if you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to speak to someone about how you’re feeling. You should reach out and speak to someone if you think you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or if you are in a crisis.
If you don’t feel you can talk to a friend or family member, there are people you can call:
BeeU provides emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people (ages 0 to 25) in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Shout if you feel like you’re in a crisis and don’t know what to do, text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained crisis volunteer. Every texter is connected with a real-life human being who will listen to what you have to say and will help problem-solve with you.
Challenging Perceptions is a registered charity that provides services for young people with mental health issues, learning disabilities and autism. They will empower you to explore and address your mental health.
Papyrus is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
And for urgent help:
You can also talk to the 24/7 urgent NHS Mental Health Service who will provide support and advice over the phone. For residents of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin the number to call is: 0808 196 4501.
About the Young People’s Forum
The Young People’s Forum is a consultation action group for 11- to 19-year-olds from across Telford & Wrekin. The group works on behalf of the Council and its members come together to share ideas and discuss issues of importance to young people.
Rae Anyidoho, a representative from the Young People’s Forum and the elected Member of Youth Parliament for Telford & Wrekin, says about the Young Person’s Year of Wellbeing:
“Over the span of a year, the Young People’s Forum has been holding discussions around what young people in our borough believe to be the biggest issue, and what areas needed the most support.
After lengthy conversations and a national ballot taking place, mental health was what came out on top.
So we created the local “Our Future In Mind” Mental Health summit, which aims to increase awareness around the services that young people could access in Telford.
“As part of this, the Young People’s Forum have had the chance to work closely with the council in order to shape the “Young Person’s Year of Wellbeing” campaign which we are launching as part of the summit.”
Make your wellbeing pledge
Whether you decide to join the 600+ young people who have already made a pledge to the Young Person’s Year of Wellbeing or not, keep looking out for yourself and your friends, and remember to prioritize your wellbeing. It’s one of the most important things you can do.