Girls just wanna have fun (and a little support)
Last year, supporters responded generously to our ‘Talk it Out’ campaign to set up friendly groups able to step in and support young people as soon as they feel their mental health is suffering. Here, in their own words, members of one such group describe how they support one another.
Our group is made up of Minerva, Sienna, Maria
and Katie Ann and we meet regularly with our mentors Tia and Alex. Sometimes we meet in school and other times we go out and about in London.
We like going to Oasis Farm and cuddling the guinea pigs – they’re so calming!
How small support groups help
“You don’t want half the school knowing your problems.”
“The group has been a very supportive safe space for me, whether it’s to generally get out and socialise or just to talk to experienced adults who understand the way that I am feeling.”
“It’s helped me to bond and make relationships
with adults.”“The group helped me feel more comfortable to open up to people.”
Record numbers struggling with mental health
“A record 8,552 children and young people were referred for urgent or emergency crisis care
between April and June
2021, up 80% on the
same period last year.Young people’s mental
health needs to be a
top priority.”