Action 5: Encourage other supports cont.
telephone and text helpline. Suggest that they call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. Some organisations also offer email helplines. Support groups Some young people who experience poor mental health find it helpful to meet with other young people who have had similar experiences. There is some evidence that such peer support groups can provide positive outcomes in relation to increased feelings of happiness. Hearing or reading about other people’s experiences can validate the young person’s own experiences, help them make sense of them, and make them feel less isolated and alone. Peer support can also allow the young person to learn from others’ experiences of navigating health systems, managing side effects of medications, or choosing from the range of treatments that may be on offer. Community and voluntary sector organisations “It all depends on the person’s situation. It sometimes might be good to advise for some study support and maybe to someone who knows specifically about dyslexia support.” Teddy, 17 years old In addition to offering professional support such as access to talking therapies, community and voluntary sector organisations can also offer a range of other support services. These may include: – Organising self-help and support groups (including online/ virtual communities) for young people with shared experiences or characteristics e.g., mental health symptoms, gender, sexuality, race
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