This week in February puts the spotlight on the need for every young person to have a sense of belonging. The importance of connection and being part of a community was highlighted during the COVID-19 lockdowns and many young people still need support in developing their social skills due to the impact of this.
This year’s campaign aims to give young people that strong foundation that they need to thrive and is entitled “This is My Place”. Knowing where we come from is an essential part of developing an identity and a sense of purpose that are key parts of the healthy development of children. To do this we need a strong connection to place, community and culture. One of the most important parts of adolescent development is finding our tribe and all adults can play an integral role in this. Showing that we are willing to invest in our local area and community is one way that we as adults (with or without children of our own) can communicate that our place really matters and help us develop a sense of pride in where we live.
The Anna Freud mental health charity recently published research that highlights what protects children’s resilience when facing an adverse childhood event. One of the main findings highlights that having two supportive adults who aren’t parents is a protective factor. Sadly many children find that their real world is small and whilst their online/virtual world may be large that doesn’t translate into meaningful, supportive relationships.
When I look back on my generation (as a child of the 1970s) I had no online world but my real world was filled with school friends, neighbours and a religious community. The Anna Freud mental health charity coins a phrase of ‘social thinning’ as a major factor in the mental health decline of young people. One in three young people say that they don’t feel part of their local community and 70% of 18 to 24 year olds report feeling lonely at least some of the time. https://www.annafreud.org/
We can play a part in the life of the young people around us. That might mean saying ‘hi’ to our neighbour’s children when we see them or waving as we drive past them on their way to school. Offering to volunteer to help neighbours or joining a local group such as a community allotment models the behaviour of investing in our local area and creating ‘our place’. Have a look at what family activities are on offer in your local area eg is there a children’s reading group at your local library or a mixed age group crafting session. For older adolescents who are they looking to develop life skills to help them in their chosen career may be offer to do volunteering activity together. There are opportunities that will offer families the chance to volunteer together. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4bnPmz1QX6ZmQfg3hmq2vrv/volunteering-with-children
It might be a beach or park clean, logging the number of birds you see in your area for the RSPB, volunteering for the Girl Guides or Scouts or joining a community allotment to grow vegetables for a local homeless service.
If we have responsibility for a child or young person, we may be anxious about how to safeguard them in the community. By having open discussions about what’s happening in their lives every day, we can develop a greater sense of trust with them that we are a safe space to explore dilemmas in say friendships or online groups. Doing regular things together at home – watching a particular TV show, cooking their favourite meal, spending time with a family pet all fosters a sense of connection with adolescents.
Rachel Wesley, Trauma Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor (working with young people from age 11)
Tel: 07759 516241
Help and support:
If you are interested in talking about your difficulties and feel the need for change in your life, The Wellness Consultancy can help. We have rooms in Bolton, Chorley and Anglesey and we work online. Andrea, John and Rachel are dedicated therapists who offer a safe space to explore your struggles.
Please reach out today email: wellness-consultancy@outlook.com
For further information:
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/
https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/schools/bafta-this-is-my-place-series/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4bnPmz1QX6ZmQfg3hmq2vrv/volunteering-with-children