Best For You has announced the release of three new films aimed at young people and families, marking the launch of a weekly video series backed by YouTube Health.
With research indicating that over 75% of young people engage with YouTube, the platform plays a significant role in providing health-related content, attracting billions of views annually in the UK. Addressing misinformation on commonly searched mental health topics is a key priority, and this collaboration aims to ensure young people have access to safe and accurate information.
Launched in 2021 in response to a growing mental health crisis among young people, Best For You is an NHS-led initiative that integrates specialist NHS facilities, community partnerships, and digital tools to improve access to mental health support. The programme is a partnership between Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, West London NHS Trust, and CW+.
To coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week, Best For You is launching three videos tackling key mental health concerns. The first, “What Does Alcohol Mean to You?”, was released on Saturday 3rd February, followed by “How to Tell Someone About Self-Harm” on Monday 5th February and “How to Manage Anxiety by Understanding Your Brain” on Wednesday 7th February. This marks the beginning of a weekly series funded by YouTube, with future videos covering topics such as eating disorders, social media, cognitive behavioural therapy for depression, and conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Johan Redelinghuys, Child Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for North West London CAMHS Provider Collaborative and Best For You, emphasised the importance of providing young people with credible information: “We have worked collaboratively with young people and clinicians to develop these films, responding to commonly asked questions about mental health to ensure that young people searching online have access to safe, accurate information from a UK-based source.
“Crucially, our content reaches young people wherever they’re at, whether they have initial questions about mental health or concerns about their friends’ wellbeing, or whether they’re waiting for appointments with mental health services or learning to cope following a diagnosis of a serious mental health condition.
“Thanks to the generous support of YouTube, Best For You is able to directly respond to the threat of online misinformation and ensure those starting to struggle with their wellbeing can access timely information, signposting, and early intervention. Simultaneously, our content supports those struggling with complex mental health needs, including through reducing stigma and misinformation among their peers.”
Best For You’s decision to partner with YouTube is influenced by the platform’s verification tools, which highlight videos from credible sources, such as NHS organisations and licensed healthcare professionals. As an NHS-affiliated initiative, Best For You videos qualify for inclusion on YouTube’s “health shelf” – a curated section at the top of search results that promotes medically verified content.
James Porter, director of campaigns and major programmes at CW+, underscored the impact of misinformation on young people’s mental health: “Online misinformation, some of it well-intentioned, contributes to stigma and is one of many factors exacerbating the youth mental health crisis in the UK.
“Our partnership with YouTube allows Best For You to tackle the issue of misinformation head-on. Their financial support has enabled us to make high-quality videos, including an award-winning animation, and the health shelves and ongoing support from the team at YouTube have been instrumental as we establish our channel in response to the questions and needs of young people in our local communities and beyond.”
Vishaal Virani, Head of Health at YouTube UK & Ireland, welcomed the collaboration: “We are delighted to have been able to support Best For You in its journey on YouTube, where it is now creating much-needed content for young people.
“At YouTube Health we want to ensure that experts, like the team behind Best For You, are able to create the best possible content and reach a wide audience with their high-quality, clinically verified information.
“As a partnership between NHS organisations, Best For You is uniquely placed to create content for young people about mental health and well-being, and we look forward to continuing to work together.”
