“We understand that key to developing positive wellbeing is the opportunity for young people to receive appropriate support from a trusted adult, build positive relationships and have a safe place where they feel comfortable. We believe all young people can improve their mental health and well-being and we aim to instil confidence and self-belief in the young people we work with so they are empowered to raise their aspirations and build bright futures.

 

“Our approach puts youth workers at the heart.  This means we work alongside young people to empower them to make positive life choices that they understand and are confident in, with no judgement or predetermined agenda. The respect is mutual – enabling strong, positive relationships to be formed.

 

“We work to inspire and motivate young people whilst also providing practical and therapeutic support – the right support at the right time. Our approach naturally helps to improve mental health, but we do also work specifically to address mental health needs providing therapeutic services for young people such as therapeutic arts, counselling and recently even a therapy dog!

 

“Young Gloucestershire have recently joined forces with national partner UK Youth to celebrate 100 years of the Suffragette movement and tackle positive mental health and wellbeing in young women with the programme EmpowHer.

 

“The twelve-week programme is run in schools with young women and girls who are facing challenges in their lives. Throughout our delivery model, mental health, wellbeing and resilience are embedded into sessions to help young women and girls build a better understanding of themselves and how to support others who may be having difficulties.

 

“Young women and girls’ also build on their learning by leading social action projects on an issue they care about. As part of a recent programme girls chose to champion positive mental health and wellbeing with their social action by giving out hearts and flowers with positive messages to their classmates and running workshops with them where they developed emotional wellbeing toolkits. The toolkits included suggestions to support them when they’re feeling low as well as signposting information on local mental health services.

 

“YG believe that youth work is critical in helping young people improve their social capabilities and well-being. By building positive relationships and providing unique experiences that engage and challenge young people we know we can make a difference.”

 

If you are interested in finding out more about YG’s work or the EmpowHer programme please get in touch.