Celebrated every year on 12th August to recognise the importance of young people and their role in building a better future, International Youth Day is a global day created by the United Nations to raise awareness about the challenges young people face and to celebrate their ideas, talents, and achievements.
Each year, International Youth Day focuses on a different theme, encouraging people, communities, and organisations to support and empower young people. It is also a chance to remind everyone that the youth have the power to create positive change in their schools, workplaces, communities, and beyond.
Whether through volunteering, learning new skills, speaking up for important causes, or helping others, young people make a difference every day, and International Youth Day is a time to celebrate that.
We are proud to have a team of Young Mental Health Ambassadors who use their lived experience to help improve mental health services for children and young people across Essex. By sharing their insights, they help ensure that young people’s voices are heard and that services continue to develop in ways that better meet their needs.
Here is what one of our Young Mental Health Ambassadors said:
“A young person’s mind throughout their development is incredibly impressionable. Their brain can make connections when facing a distressing incident or traumatic event quickly and subconsciously.
This is precisely why it is vital for the services that are available for young people carry out their duty of care adequately. CAMHS, legal services, or support from school carry crucial responsibilities for young people. The way a service reacts to an incident can stay with a young person for life. It can shape the way they would approach help and support throughout their future; the impact is substantial.
It is essential for a young person’s future that they receive sufficient advocacy and guidance; which is fundamental in helping shift any negative connections they may have made following an incident. When a young person is struggling, early intervention can protect their future and transition into adulthood.”
Jemma,
Young Mental Health Ambassador