Enfield’s young people are putting mental health and wellbeing at the top of the agenda with the launch of a new film.
The short film aims to challenge mental health stigma and acknowledges the challenges being faced by young people as everyone adapts to and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As well as offering five tips to wellbeing, the young people in the film ask the important question “How are you?” and advise to “really listen” to the answer. The idea was developed by the Young Mayor of Enfield supported by Enfield Youth Parliament, and in partnership with Enfield Council’s Corporate Strategy Service and the Educational Psychology Service.
Enfield’s Young Mayor for the year 2020-2021, Kayhan Ali, proposed the idea of creating the film and features prominently along with five other young Enfield people. Kayhan has since handed over his duties to Nevaeh West-Lawson who is Enfield’s new Young Mayor until 2022.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rick Jewell said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for so many but I think young people have been hit particularly hard. The simple five steps provide a really effective and simple way of dealing with the everyday stresses and strains of life and will help bring back some mental peace and control after a chaotic year.
“What I think also comes across so well in this film is that no-one should feel embarrassed about needing extra help or support. By taking away the stigma associated with mental health I hope that Enfield’s young people will feel more secure about coming forward for help and advice, when they need it. In addition, Enfield Council will continue to provide advice, signposting and help alongside our schools and healthcare partners.”
In May 2020 Enfield Council and the borough’s schools have championed Kooth, a free online counselling and emotional well-being support service for young people, commissioned by the North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group. Kooth ensures that young people have access to a range of mental health and wellbeing services and also supports schools as part of their wellbeing plan for students.
Elsewhere, the Five steps to mental wellbeing can be found on the NHS website and the Every Mind Matters website has further advice as well as contact details if you require urgent support.