The Youth MHFAider role cont.
Inappropriate relationships The Youth MHFAider role is a position of trust. Pursuing a personal or sexual relationship with the young person breaks that position of trust. It’s against the law for someone in all official positions of trust to engage in sexual activity with a child in their care, even if that child is over the age of consent (16 or over). Regardless of the Youth MHFAider role not being a position of trust recognised by the government, pursuing a relationship with a young person of any age is outside of the role’s boundaries on moral grounds and is completely unacceptable. Even in a close emotional relationship, it isn’t always possible to see a situation objectively and you risk being judgemental. A young person seeking support may be vulnerable, which could compromise their mental health. Wellbeing Consider and communicate your availability and time commitments to the role in relation to other work or community responsibilities and your own wellbeing. Recognising when you are struggling is key. When you are experiencing poor mental health yourself, or are having a tough day, you will bring these emotions to the role and will find it harder to be empathic, which puts the person being supported at risk. You also put your own wellbeing at risk by adding to your Stress Container. If you can’t support the young person in that moment, make sure there is another trusted adult available, such as another Youth MHFAider or education professional (mental health lead, pastoral team member), if you are in an education setting.
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