Poor mental-health in young people was already a significant problem in Gloucestershire even before CV19 struck with levels of self-harm and even suicide higher than regional and national levels. Our experience pre, and during the pandemic, has told us that for a host of reasons, deprived young people are more vulnerable to developing poor mental-health.

This worsening in mental-health in some young people is being brought about by shockingly poor levels of physical activity and limited time spent outdoors. As restrictions ease, this project will aim to work with individuals, or very small groups, to support young people into outdoor activity while we simultaneously address their mental and emotional needs through a combination of specialist counselling and therapeutic intervention.

Gloucestershire is a rural county so we intend utilising what we have on our doorstep and some of the activities we intend to provide are:

Stand-up paddleboarding

Nature / hill walks

Daily Mile / couch-to-5km running groups

Low-impact circuit / personal training

Cycle ride(s)

Many young people we work with do not have the self-confidence or wherewithal to join existing sports clubs so a key element of the project is the signposting and supporting young people into existing local rugby, football, cricket, netball etc. clubs liaising with the fantastic volunteer coaches the County has. Our youth workers will provide the additional support the young person needs and by attending sessions with young people until they gain the necessary confidence to attend on their own. Examples of this include Parkrun, which reopens on 5th June, and that also provides volunteering opportunities to further develop young peoples skills and experience.

£7,040 is the amount needed for an activity youth-worker to work 1-day-a-week for 12 months and who will make a significant impact to the physical, and correspondingly the mental-health, of young people across Gloucestershire.