A group of proactive young volunteers noticed a gap in resources on how to have conversations with friends who are struggling with their mental health, and so have created and released a new project aiming to help their peers do just that.
With the rates more than doubling in 6 years of young people suffering with a mental health challenge rising from 12.5% in 2017 to 20.3% in 2023 (NHS) a group of volunteers from Youthwatch Hampshire wanted to produce a resource that young people could use to help a “Friend in Need”.
Youthwatch, a branch of local health champion Healthwatch Hampshire has launched the “Friend in Need” project this week, giving people advice and information on how to help a friend struggling with their mental health.
A survey they completed last year found most respondents did not know what to say or do to help when a friend was experiencing poor mental health.
With their effort and the support of Healthwatch Hampshire staff they have a created a resource that can be used in multiple ways across several platforms and help to start conversations with those who might be struggling and point them towards organisations who can help.
Commenting, Tim Crowhurst, Volunteer Lead from Healthwatch Hampshire, said:
“These amazing young people have worked tirelessly to build this project and the resource from the ground up. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved in producing a resource that is both accessible and professional.”
Want to find out more: check out the project here and the Youthwatch page here.
