Starbucks Ross-on-Wye

Strong Young Minds is a project for young people who are disenfranchised, distressed, unemployed, at risk of social isolation, poor achievement or ill health due to poor mental health and wellbeing. We work with young people to address issues which can have an adverse effect on their mental health & wellbeing such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, bullying, cyberbullying, relationship breakdown, employability, low self-esteem, body image & loss. Young people are offered the opportunity for one-to-one support, employability training, brief intervention therapy, workshops or groups in addition to peer support. The project works with young people, their parents/carers & professionals and is assisted by young SYM project champions who act as peer educators. Our champions raise awareness of both the project and the issues faced by by young people experiencing poor mental health to reduce stigma and discrimination. We work within both primary, high schools, colleges & in youth settings to ensure inclusivity & with a range of multi-agency partners working with young people. The project also works within communities to raise awareness of mental health & devise action plans for change. Young people are at the heart of the project they are consulted about services & the delivery of these and partake in recruitment of staff and campaign work along with hosting countywide events. In 2017 the SYM Champions will be hosting a young people conference in Herefordshire.