Keeping well: a snapshot of young people's physical and emotional wellbeing

In September 2022 Healthwatch Derbyshire engaged with young people at two further education colleges as part of their freshers’ fayres in September. They wanted to find out what young people do to help them thrive and keep physically and emotionally well and see if they needed any further help or support to enable them to do this. Over 200 young people responded. The key issues they raised were:

Desire for information about help and support to stay well. There is a lack of knowledge about trusted sources of accurate and up-to-date information that young people can easily access and understand.

The need for greater availability and access to exercise opportunities.

The cost of accessing activities and gyms. Overall young people have a good knowledge and awareness of the importance to stay physically and emotionally well.

Exercising regularly, eating healthily, and drinking enough water to stay hydrated were the most important things they said they did to stay physically well.

Relaxing (with a hobby; reading, music, nature, helping others, learning new things), eating healthily and regular exercise were the most important things they said they did to stay emotionally and mentally well.

The results show a link between physical and mental wellbeing. The young people who said they are physically well have better emotional and mental wellbeing. In contrast, young people who said their physical health is bad or very bad have poorer emotional and mental wellbeing.