Understanding and nurturing mental well-being is as vital as maintaining physical health, particularly for young people navigating the challenges of school, exams, friendships, and future aspirations. In Warwickshire, a range of initiatives is helping young people develop tools to manage stress, build confidence, and make informed decisions for a successful future.
Good mental health enhances a young person’s ability to learn and engage, setting the foundation for academic achievement and long-term success in life and work. When mental well-being is prioritised, young people are more likely to:
- Attend school regularly
- Develop essential social and emotional skills
- Engage actively in learning
- Achieve academic success
- Secure better long-term outcomes, such as future employment
The Warwickshire Youth Council has made mental health a priority, recently releasing a podcast episode to address the challenges young people face and highlight available support. Recorded as part of the Let’s Talk Warwickshire – Voices of Tomorrow series, the episode aims to break stigmas around discussing mental health. It features conversations with mental health professionals who provide advice and share resources to support young people.
Corey, a member of the Warwickshire Youth Council, shared his perspective: “When things feel overwhelming, whether it’s school, exams, or just life in general, it’s easy to bottle things up. But talking about how we feel and knowing where to go for support can really help. We all need to look after our mental health, just like our physical health.”
Johnny Kyriacou, Warwickshire county council’s director of education, emphasised the importance of early intervention: “Good mental well-being doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including stress and anxiety, especially during key moments like exam season or making decisions about the future. However, long-term struggles with mental health can make life harder, which is why it’s important to seek support early.”
He added: “We want young people to know they’re not alone. Support is available in schools, online, and within the community. Taking small steps to look after your mental health – whether that’s talking to someone, taking breaks, or finding healthy ways to cope with stress – can make a big difference.”
Warwickshire offers a variety of support services tailored to young people’s needs, including:
- Warwickshire Rise Service. Provides comprehensive support for children and young people.
- Kooth. Offers free, anonymous online counselling and well-being support at www.kooth.com.
- Childline. A confidential helpline providing advice and support at Childline or by calling 0800 1111.
- YoungMinds. Delivers mental health information and crisis support at Young Minds.
- Support in schools. Many schools provide access to pastoral leads, counsellors, or well-being services.
- Warwickshire County Council. Offers health and well-being information and links to family support.
Young people can explore these resources and hear more about mental health strategies in the Warwickshire Youth Council’s podcast, available at Podbean.
As part of Warwickshire’s commitment to being a child-friendly county, the Set for the Future campaign equips young people with the tools to navigate exams, plan their next steps, and thrive. A core component of this initiative is ensuring access to mental health resources and support services. By fostering open conversations and providing accessible help, Warwickshire is empowering its youth to feel supported, confident, and prepared for the future.
