This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the important role of movement and staying active in taking care of our mental and emotional wellbeing. The theme is particularly relevant, given that the latest annual Hertfordshire Young People’s Health & Wellbeing Survey revealed that less than 13% of young people who responded are physically active for 60 minutes or more a day, as recommended by the NHS.
Keeping active is one of the five ways to wellbeing techniques that can improve mood, especially during periods of anxiety or stress. Services for Young People (SfYP) promotes physical activity at our youth work projects, encouraging young people to discover something they enjoy, create healthy habits, and experience the benefits of exercise for their overall wellbeing. From structured sports such as basketball and table tennis to expressive outlets like dance and walks in nature, a wide variety of activities are on offer.
SfYP also offers a range of programmes aimed at supporting young people aged 13 to 17 with their mental, emotional, physical health and wellbeing. Delivered through youth work projects across the county, young people can learn how their physical health affects their wellbeing and develop a positive attitude to making changes in their lives. They will develop their confidence and coping strategies, make new friends and help others in their community.
For more information and details of how to join a mental, emotional, physical health and wellbeing project, visit our Youth work projects in your area page and click on your district for details of the SfYP projects near you.
Professionals who work with young people and parents/carers can refer a young person to one of these projects here: Make a referral
