Supporting Mental Health in Scouting
Mental health can sometimes feel like a complex and intimidating subject. However, anyone can experience a mental ill-health, so being able to talk about it’s important to us all. And you don’t need to be an expert on mental health.
Often, small everyday actions can make the biggest difference. Scouting can play an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing, as research has shown that young people who are involved in Scouts or Guides have better mental health in later life (Dibben, Playford & Mitchell, 2016).’
As a Leader at Water Orton, I have found that friendship, being part of a team and helping others has helped me. We all have times when we struggle with the pressures and mental challenges of life. Being involved with Scouting makes a difference to me, and my outlook on life. When I was a young person in Scouting, going through the challenges of school, Scouting was one of the few things that kept me together. So, being able to help others and myself has made a difference in how I see and live life, from ten to now, even in the darkest of times. – Stuart
NSPCC’s Childline
NSPPC’s Childline 1-to-1 chat support and 24-hour helping for young people
Phone 0800 1111
Website childline.org.uk
YoungMinds
YoungMinds: Crisis Messenger textline for free 24/7 support in the UK if a child or young person is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Text: YM to 85258
Website: youngminds.org.ukyoungminds.org.uk
HopeLineUK
HOPELineUK: A specialist telephone service that gives non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to young people.
Phone: 0800 068 4141
Website: papyrus-uk.org
NHS Go
NHS Go: NHS confidential health advice and support for young people under 25. Download the app to your phone.
Website nhsgo.uk
On My Mind
On My Mind: Information for young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing.
Website: annafreud.org/on-my-mind
