Maintaining good mental health and wellbeing in children and young people

Healthwatch Gloucestershire undertook research on young people’s experiences and views of mental health as it was a workplan priority for them.  They listened to children and young people from primary school, secondary school, further education colleges and universities; young carers, youth group members, young people who had experienced homelessness, and young people who had been involved with the youth justice system.

Children and young people described a wide range of activities and strategies that gave them a sense of wellbeing, and helped them maintain good mental health.

The children and young people Healthwatch listened to described a variety of emotions and concerns. Some of these emotions were responses to life events, such as the transition from primary school to secondary school; for instance.

Younger children were most likely to seek support and reassurance from their parents and families in the first instance. Older children and young people were most likely to say that they found talking to their friends most helpful; with talking to family members the second most common option. A number of children and young people also said they would talk to a teacher.

Children and young people had positive and negative experiences of seeking formal support.

The report contains three recommendations.