Young people aged between 13 and 21 years old are being offered free counselling through an innovative new campaign.

Research released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday (22nd October) reveals that 1 in 6 young people are struggling with their mental health through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

They are facing growing levels of anxiety and depression of worries over money, jobs, relationships, identity, health, exams, bullying, drugs, sexual identity, discrimination, body image, loneliness, eating problems, self-harm, family issues, abuse, phobias, self-esteem, knife crime, bereavement, loss and many more.

The Snow-Camp charity and JHD Counselling aim to break down the barriers that stop young people receiving the mental health support they both need and deserve.
At a time when the waiting time for initial assessments for NHS counselling has risen above seven months, JHD Counselling is pledging to speak to any young person who needs mental health support within 24 hours, with the initial appointment within five days.

JHD Counselling founder Carol Harmston-Dean said: “If you are a youth worker, social worker, parent or teacher of a young person who is struggling with their mental health, you can now refer that young person to get free mental health support by following the link below and filling out a form on their behalf: stopbreathethink.co.uk

“No young person should have to deal with their struggles alone, help them get support today.”

Snow-Camp engages with young people through skiing and snowboarding to provide life-skills training and mental health support, while enabling them to gain qualifications and employment in the snowsports industry and beyond. They were founded in 2003.

The charity works with disadvantaged youngsters in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow who may have dropped out of education, or are in danger of being drawn into crime or knife crime.

Earlier this month they launched their new Stop.Breathe.Think mindfulness campaign using drill music to help tackle knife crime.

They said: “The initiative brings together a drill artist and mental health experts to provide mindfulness techniques to help young people manage their emotions. The campaign will also encourage young people across the UK to sign up for Snow-Camp’s free series of mindfulness tutorials and free 1-1-counselling sessions.

“Although mindfulness doesn’t eliminate factors that may lead to knife crime, such as fear, anger and anxiety, we hope that by providing young people with mindfulness techniques, they can become better equipped to handle their emotions in the moment – with a better chance of reacting calmly.”

Being able to offer free counselling to people aged 13-21 during the pandemic could help many at a time when they need it most.

Carol Harmston-Dean from JHD Counselling said: “Snow-Camp initially approached us about us providing some of our courses.

“A few weeks later they said they want to expand their mental health provision and support for young people, to become UK-wide. They have opened it up to anyone who needs it.

“Any young person between 13 and 21 who needs help and support can contact us for help or visit the website: stopbreathethink.co.uk