Young people have told us that they mostly talk to their friends about the things that worry them, but they don’t feel equipped or empowered to help their friends at times of need. The ‘Help! My friend has asked me…’ project is looking for schools to run an activity session to find out what children and young people need in order to support their friends.

Mental health and wellbeing will impact almost every one of us at some point in our lives, with up to half of lifetime mental health problems starting by the age of 14 years and almost half of adult mental health problems identified as being preventable with appropriate early help in childhood and adolescence. From surveys and forums we have been told by young people that they will talk to their friends about things that are worrying them rather than to a trusted adult or service. But, often they don’t know what the best advice or support is.

The ‘Help! My friend has asked me…’ project aims to give young people safe opportunities to support their friends, let them know what support is available and improve access to emotional mental health and wellbeing tips, information and signposting.

In order to do this we need to find out why they ask their friends for help, what sort of topics that young people ask their friends for help with, and what they think are the best ways to get help and support.

Every school or organisation that runs a session will be sent £150 for taking part, as well as a session plan with activities and questions that can be used during the session. All sessions must be completed, with evidence returned to the Somerset Council Engagement and Participation team by 1st November 2024.

If you would like to get involved and run a session please email us at participationmailbox@somerset.gov.uk.