Service Shoutout: YoungMinds
As a team, we know how important it is to have access to clear, accessible information when you’re trying to understand mental health and the support available.
That’s why, for this month’s Service Shoutout, we wanted to shine a light on YoungMinds!
YoungMinds is a charity focused on young people's mental health, and their website brings together a wide range of information, advice and resources for young people, parents and carers, and professionals working with young people.
What we particularly value about their service is the range of information available in one place.
Their A-Z Mental Health Guide provides practical advice around mental health, feelings, behaviours and life events, while their guide to mental health services helps people understand different types of support available, including counselling, CAMHS and support through a GP.
They also have resources around talking to young people about mental health, including guidance to help parents and carers support conversations when talking about your own experiences.
Then there is the ‘Real Stories’ section on their website.
This is an area of the YoungMinds website we particularly wanted to highlight.
Their real stories give young people and parents and carers the opportunity to share their own experiences. The stories cover different experiences and topics, helping to show that mental health and other aspects of life doesn't always look the same for everyone.
We think there is something really powerful about that.
Sometimes, reading about someone else's experience can help you understand something you couldn't quite put into words yourself.
It can help you realise that there isn't one “right” way to feel, respond or ask for support.
YoungMinds also has a dedicated Parents Helpline, providing information, advice and support to parental figures who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. The service is available by phone and online chat.
It's important to note that YoungMinds does not provide counselling or therapy for young people. Their role is to provide information and advice, alongside helping families understand what support may be available and where they can turn next.
Whether you're looking to understand more about a particular topic around mental health, find out more about accessing support, hear from other people's experiences, or simply find a starting point, YoungMinds has created a really useful bank of resources online that are free to access.
The team at PEGS would just like to thank YoundMinds for the work you do to improve understanding and support around mental health, and for creating resources and a service that support the whole family.
If you haven't explored their resources before, we'd definitely recommend taking a look.
