Young people have been encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences on topics relating to mental health via the MindMate blog.
MindMate is a Leeds-based website for young people, their families and the professionals who support them, which helps explore emotional wellbeing and mental health issues. It offers information about where support is available, and provides teaching and other resources.
In a recent radio campaign with media group Global, young people had the opportunity to share personal self-care tips, which were then shared online. This was a chance for young people in Leeds to talk about some of the positive ways they can take care of their mental health, especially during such a challenging time.
Young people have also been encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences on topics relating to mental health via the MindMate blog. A recent example is ‘Being Black and Being Me’, in which Tamirah – a young black woman from Leeds – discusses how racism can affect the mental health of those who experience it, and the ways we can combat the prejudice that exists in society. In another blog, ‘Being South Asian and the Problem of Stigma’, Pratyasha discusses how mental health can often be a taboo topic in South Asian households. Other blogs include ‘Experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Young Female’, ‘Body Image’ and ‘Staying Hopeful During a Pandemic’.
Young people have also been actively involved in informing the Leeds Future in Mind strategy. Their voices have been fundamental in planning how people will work together, across services in the NHS, Leeds City Council and in the community, to improve children and young people’s emotional and mental health.