The theme of this year’s Youth Mental Health Day, #BuildFutureYou, encourages us to think beyond mental health as solely a healthcare concern and consider the wider factors that help young people build positive futures.
Stable housing can play an important role in supporting young people’s mental health by providing the safety, stability and the mental space needed to focus on future goals, education, training and employment opportunities.
When young people have a safe and secure place to live, they can begin to establish routines, build confidence and think about the future. With the right support, they can explore their interests, identify their strengths and take positive steps towards education, training and employment. This can provide a valuable sense of empowerment, supporting their mental health.
Support can be offered providing help with:
Sometimes, a simple conversation about what a young person enjoys and what they would like their future to look like can open new possibilities for them.
When young people are worried about where they will sleep or how they will meet their basic needs, it can be difficult to think about the future, let alone begin building it. For many young people, having a stable place to live safely is the starting point that opens further opportunities down the line.
Turlough is the Education and Employment Advisor at Devon County Council, and provides regular support to the young people at Esther:
“I see education, training and employment opportunities as much more than pathways into work. They help young people build confidence, resilience and self-belief by giving them opportunities to develop new skills, achieve goals and experience success. Positive engagement in learning or employment can improve wellbeing, provide structure and routine, reduce social isolation, and help young people develop supportive relationships with peers, employers and professionals. Through a relational approach, I support young people to identify their strengths, overcome barriers and make informed choices, enabling them to develop a positive sense of identity and move towards sustainable, fulfilling futures.”
For many young people, the support that makes the biggest difference is feeling valued, understood and knowing that someone believes in their potential. Before they can focus on education or employment, they need to know that they matter and that someone is invested in their future.
At Esther Young People, consistent encouragement, trusted relationships and small achievable goals can help young people build confidence and take positive steps forward. Support is tailored to each individual, helping them identify their strengths, explore their interests and work towards goals at a pace that feels right for them.
Progress often begins with achievements such as:
These steps may seem small, but they can be significant for young people who have experienced instability or trauma.
By recognising and celebrating these successes, young people are supported to build their confidence and develop the belief that they can achieve more.
“We celebrate every achievement. Sometimes that means recognising when a young person has kept their room tidy or acknowledging that they’ve started showering regularly. These can be huge milestones for someone who has previously struggled with motivation, routine or personal hygiene. For many young people, these achievements are the first steps towards building confidence, independence and a brighter future which is life changing.” – Aimee, Manager at Esther Young People
The theme of this year’s Youth Mental Health Day encourages us to think about what young people need to build the future they want for themselves. At Esther, we see every day how stable housing, supportive relationships and access to opportunity can help young people take positive steps forward.
Voices from Esther Young People:
“Before moving in [to Esther Young People], I was living with extended family which was cramped and I didn’t have my own space. My previous experiences and this living environment made me feel anxious and unsettled. Since moving in, I have been supported by the staff here and feel comfortable approaching them if I need to. I love having my own room and I feel settled. I am happy to be back at college and working part time too. Next year I would like to continue studying and begin driving lessons. I now feel confident and comfortable and life is good.”
“I arrived at Esther Young People experiencing severe anxiety after leaving a foster placement for many years. I started studying, and despite not enjoying the course, I am glad to have completed it. I also got a job which improved my independence. I feel good and happy now.”
Nationally, concerns remain about the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities in this area and exploring new ways to support young people.
Supporting young people’s mental health means more than responding to challenges when they arise. It also means creating the conditions that allow young people to thrive.
A safe and stable home, trusted relationships, encouragement, education, training and employment opportunities can all play a role in helping young people build confidence and hope for the future.
This Youth Mental Health Day, we’re reflecting on the importance of giving young people the foundations they need to grow, develop and achieve their goals.
Because building a better future often starts with something simple: having a safe place to live, feeling supported and believing that change is possible.
Written by Laura Rose, Marketing, Communications Officer
