Welcome to CAMHS Youth Advisor’s Blog!
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service still have plenty of spaces available for their FREE virtual workshops for January 2022 available for those who live in Surrey, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. These are all delivered by a highly skilled team of advisers and offer a wide range of areas, that can support you throughout yourContinue reading “National Careers Service”
World AIDS Day 2021
Trigger Warning: This blog discusses HIV, AIDS, death and goes into detail about symptoms of HIV and AIDS. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus – or HIV, as most people know it – is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and diseases. For example, aContinue reading “World AIDS Day 2021”
The storm doesn’t last forever: a blog on bullying
WARNING: This blog includes sensitive topics that viewers might find triggering or upsetting to read. This includes bullying, mental health, suicidal thoughts, and sexual assault. This is my story… When I started Year 7, I went to a big high school with a lot of students, some of my family went to that school, soContinue reading “The storm doesn’t last forever: a blog on bullying”
BIG Survey – reports
Have a look at the BIG Survey reports from 2021 – thank you so much to everyone who contributed!
Access & Advice
CYA have recently shared the difficulties they face accessing support for their emotional wellbeing and mental health. We wanted to share with you that Mindworks have launched an Access and Advice Service! Access and Advice Access and Advice helps young people and their families in need of support to access the support needed in theContinue reading “Access & Advice”
Introducing Mindworks Surrey!
Mindworks Surrey is the new name for Surrey’s Emotional wellbeing and mental health service for children and young people! The name, and its vibrant branding, has been co-produced with you (children and young people) alongside families, carers, schools, GP’s and others! The Mindworks Surrey team love that the logo feels positive, upbeat, and reflects differentContinue reading “Introducing Mindworks Surrey!”
Phobias and Disorders: Where Surrey young people can get support.
This blog has been written by 20-year-old Sherie Barnett, a UVP Apprentice doing Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship! Hi guys! My name is Sherie Barnett, and I am a UVP Apprentice and the current Lead Apprentice for CYA Staines 😊. My interest has always been in Psychology and Biology. I studied both in college, butContinue reading “Phobias and Disorders: Where Surrey young people can get support.”
LGBTQ+
A care leaver shares their experiences of growing up LGBTQ+ in care… Labels As a child growing up in foster care, I was given so many different labels – Looked After Child, challenging, disruptive, difficult to place and having ‘anger issues’, to name a few. These didn’t say anything about me as a person, aContinue reading “LGBTQ+”
Back To School Pack by Kooth
Kooth have created a ‘Back To School’ booklet with some tips and advice for students for going back to the classroom after lockdown. Here are some examples of tips included in this booklet: Negatives can become positives A positive mindset can move mountains One size doesn’t fit all Check out the PDF below to seeContinue reading “Back To School Pack by Kooth”
Surrey Youth Cabinet are celebrating World Water Week 2021!
World Water Week 2021 will take place 23rd-27th August 2021 under the theme Building Resilience Faster. It will be held entirely online, in a new, digital format designed to ensure that people across the world can work together to find solutions to the world’s greatest water-related challenges. One of our Youth Cabinet members has come up withContinue reading “Surrey Youth Cabinet are celebrating World Water Week 2021!”
What is advocacy?
What is an advocate? An advocate is someone else who can support/help you to express your views and wishes. They can do many things from helping you have your voice heard, to attending meetings/appointments to support you. What can they help me with? Having your voice heard Attending meetings on your behalf Will represent youContinue reading “What is advocacy?”
Surrey Youth Cabinet
Surrey Youth Cabinet are a very busy bunch! They are a democratically elected group representing the 11 boroughs of Surrey. Their aim is to allow young people in Surrey to have a voice in their community and be heard at Council and Parliamentary level about issues that affect them. Go to Youth Cabinet web pagesContinue reading “Surrey Youth Cabinet”
Anxiety and me…
This blog has been written by 16 year old Jola, who is in the Surrey Youth Cabinet. Over the past year, the effects of COVID-19 have not just become part of our external world – with masks and social distancing – but also our internal & personal world; There have been losses of different kindsContinue reading “Anxiety and me…”
New 24/7 Crisis Line
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SABP) have now released a new 24/7 Crisis Line! There is now a new crisis line number to call if you’re worried about yourself, or your family are worried about you. It will be open all day and night, every day of the week. The number is 0800Continue reading “New 24/7 Crisis Line”
What we feel the barriers are to accessing mental health services.
As CAMHS Youth Advisors and ATLAS members, we share what we feel are the barriers to accessing mental health services in Surrey: Stigma “Stigma against different backgrounds or ethnic backgrounds and cultures.” “Maybe self-stigma – I don’t really wanna go and talk about it like being scared to reach out.” “Being scared to open-up emotionsContinue reading “What we feel the barriers are to accessing mental health services.”
New Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service in Surrey
Children’s and young peoples mental health services are transforming in Surrey! A new alliance of organisations (NHS, National and Voluntary) will provide new and broader range of services for children, young people and their families. Surrey has received a significant increase in funding which will improve and increase services. For example, more than 100 newContinue reading “New Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service in Surrey”
What participation means to young people in Surrey
In October to December 2020, the UVP team asked all participation groups what participation means, what the benefits are and why they think participation is important. Check out a few quotes from young people here! Meaning: “You can learn new things from participating, by joining in and having fun!” “It means to be part ofContinue reading “What participation means to young people in Surrey”
Student Space
We know that lots of young people have really struggled over the last year with the challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. We wanted to share the Student Space website and the support they offer, with you. Their purpose is purely for supporting young people during the pandemic. You can explore their website forContinue reading “Student Space”
Back to School – March 2021
The government have announced in England, that all children and young people will be returning to face to face learning at schools and colleges on the 8th March. For university students, those who are studying practical or practice-based subjects including creative arts, will also be returning face to face. For some people this is greatContinue reading “Back to School – March 2021”
Support for students in 6th Form/College
Some of these services are provided nationwide, and others will be limited to Surrey. Any age limits will also be mentioned below. Any underlined text is a link, so please click it if you would like more information about the service listed! We hope that you find these services helpful. If you or somebody elseContinue reading “Support for students in 6th Form/College”
Feeling healthier – a written piece by Joe
UVP Apprentice, Joe, has written an amazing piece on his journey to feeling healthier and better! Check it out by clicking the link below.
Emotional wellbeing & mental health support for schools in Surrey
Did you know that there are a wide range of support and services available for children and young people in Surrey?
Letters from services
The User Voice and Participation Team have heard that when young people receive letters from services, they are not always young person friendly. Megan, an apprentice in the team has created a poster on young people’s top do’s and don’ts to show professionals and services what they would like the letters to look. Check itContinue reading “Letters from services”
Staying safe at University
Last updated: 20th OctoberBy Rowan Foster Key Messages Remember – ‘hands, face, space’. Wash your hands regularly Wear a face covering, where rules apply Keep a 2m distance Socialise only with your household, or a maximum of 6 people Get a test and self-isolate if you develop symptoms Keep an eye on the local alertContinue reading “Staying safe at University”
Kooth’s new Reactive Measure tool
Earlier this year, Kooth visited CYA to collectively gain feedback to help them design their new Reactive Measure tool!
Anna Freud – Going back to school
Since schools are now welcoming back students, there are certain challenges young people face to make sure they are feeling safe and comfortable at school, due to the impact of COVID-19. Anna Freud have put together resources for you to support your mental health and well-being. Find out more by clicking here: https://www.annafreud.org/schools-and-colleges/ Check outContinue reading “Anna Freud – Going back to school”
Back to college safely in Surrey
If you’re over 16 and due to start or continue further education this academic year, it’s important you can get back to college or training safely. Being back supports your progress towards higher education or employment, but it’s also a more fun way to learn and develop, as you get to be face-to-face with tutorsContinue reading “Back to college safely in Surrey”
Surrey Healthy Schools
A wide range of support and services are available for children and young people in Surrey to help maintain their well-being and address their emotional and mental health needs. Staff within key services have created brief introductory films so you can find out more about each of these services and meet some of the teamContinue reading “Surrey Healthy Schools”
Transitioning Back To School
The User Voice and Participation Team have been hearing from children and young people that are feeling apprehensive and anxious about returning to school. Read more about what young peoples anxieties are upon returning to school, including ways schools could help and support young people transition back to education. Don’t forget to also check outContinue reading “Transitioning Back To School”
Results Day!
We understand that young people getting their results are anticipating more anxiety this year. However, no matter what result you achieve, do not underestimate your hard work, you should always be proud of yourself! Wishing you the best of luck, from The UVP team✨ We would like to share useful resources with you from KoothContinue reading “Results Day!”
Mary Frances Trust – Connect Calendar
Mary Frances Trust, who’s services are available to people over 17, have a group for young people in Epsom, called Connect! The group originally runs on Thursday evenings from the Brickfield Centre. However, due to the current COVID-19 situation, at the moment it is operating as an on line group every Thursday. To get involved inContinue reading “Mary Frances Trust – Connect Calendar”
Youth Counselling Service
Youth Counselling Service offers short-term, 1:1 counselling across West Surrey and North East Hampshire for young people aged 12-24. Did you know…
Quick Wins for School
The User Voice and Participation team have heard from Children and Young People that there needs to be “more mental health awareness in schools”. Take a read of some of the “Quick Win” suggestions we heard would make a real difference to young people in schools on our website!
Schools in Mind by Anna Freud
‘As schools and colleges prepare to close for summer, we know that many of you will be concerned about supporting pupils’ mental wellbeing over the coming weeks.’ To help, Anna Freud has created these fantastic useful primary and secondary resources for #SelfcareSummer which offer children and young people some fun self-care activities and signpost to additional support!Continue reading “Schools in Mind by Anna Freud”
CYA: The importance of communication with professionals
We asked young people what their views are on effective communication and participation with professionals. We asked on our social media platforms @ourvoicesurrey if young people would like to receive more virtual face-to-face support, 100% of (18) respondents said ‘Yes’! Head over to the link below and see what young people thought are best methodsContinue reading “CYA: The importance of communication with professionals”
Keeping in touch with your loved ones
“Keeping in touch with the people that matter is important”. With the new guidelines of meeting people during lockdown, we understand it may be pretty difficult to get used to this! However, our UVP Apprentice, Amy, shares with you why it is important to keep in contact with your loved one! Read more to findContinue reading “Keeping in touch with your loved ones”
Loneliness
We have been hearing from children and young people that they have been feel lonely during this difficult time. Gina, a UVP Advocate in the team has created some top tips for being alone during self-isolation without feeling lonely. Check it out!
Online Safety – Myth busters!
It’s important you make sure that you’re staying safe online. Our UVP Participation Officer, Helen, has crated some myth busters around online safety! See if you can get them right!
Reporting Cyber-Bullying
In a recent Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey 76% of young people had been affected by online bullying. 69% of young people who answered our Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey knew how to report online bullying, but if you are unsure how to, read more to find out how! Stay safe!
CYA: Cyber-bullying and the impact on young people’s mental health.
Cyber-bullying is fast becoming one of the biggest issues for young people. In a recent online Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey, young people told us that 76% had been affected by a type of online bullying, with the majority being victims of bullying on group chats or on social media platforms. Read more to find outContinue reading “CYA: Cyber-bullying and the impact on young people’s mental health.”
How to – Strawberry and banana trifle
For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, why not shower your kindness and make an appetising strawberry and banana trifle for your loved ones! Our User Voice and Participation Advocate, Sania, will show you how! Share your recreations with us, we hope you have fun making it, enjoy!
Contacting emergency services during COVID19
We have recently heard from children and young people that they are apprehensive to call emergency services due to the COVID19 outbreak. However, our Apprentice, Amy, from the User Voice and Participation team has created a brilliant blog post on why it is okay to contact emergency services during this pandemic. So, do not worry!Continue reading “Contacting emergency services during COVID19”
Kooth’s Kindness Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week
For Mental Health Awareness Week check out Kooth’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing! Kooth also challenges you to the Kooth Kindness challenge! 1) Offer to do the shopping. 2) Pay a few compliments. 3) Smile more often. 4) Express your gratitude. 5) Send a sad friend a funny video. Click below to see how you canContinue reading “Kooth’s Kindness Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week”
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. Mental health can affect anyone, at any time. This year #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek is all about how much #KindnessMatters If you would like to get involved with #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek 18th – 24th May 2020 get in contact with us! We’d love to shareContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness Week 2020”
Sleep self-care tips
We understand that during this strange time, it is difficult to catch some sleep. Therefore, we created some tips that can help you sleep so you can look after yourself! Let’s talk about good sleep hygiene, we hope this works out for you!
Domestic Abuse guidance – where to get help
If you’re worried about abuse, your safety, or the safety of your friends or loved ones, please take a look at the resource and information pack created for young people by the User Voice and Participation team’ – it’s a bit of a ‘trigger warning’!
Mental Health Support for Looked After Children and Care Leavers
Sherie, an apprentice in The User Voice and Participation Team has created this wonderful newsletter on Mental Health Support for Looked After Children and Care Leavers in Surrey. Make sure to download and check out the support available to you!
Lost your job or struggling with finances?
Due to the recent COVID19 pandemic, we understand many people are in a vulnerable position who are facing financial struggles. Our User Voice and Participation Team’s Apprentice, Amy has put together advice and useful information if you are in hardships! Read more to find out.
Staying safe online at home
Staying safe at home is important. If you feel you’re struggling, be sure to reach out to people who can help you! For more safety advice, read more to find out!
Anger
Have you been feeling angry recently especially since this COVID19 pandemic? Helen, a Participation Officer from the User Voice and Participation team created a post about anger and ways of coping with it!
10 ways to connect with nature without leaving your home this Spring!
Tired of staying at home during quarantine and fear you’re missing out this Spring? Do not worry – find yourself doing different activities and connect with nature this Spring! Spring brings an uplifting and a sense of comfort, so enjoy it while you can!
Students help isolated people during Covid19 through #Task4Help
Since Universities have closed, students are out to help people in self-isolation using the new initiative #Task4Help launched by UniTaskr app. Through this app, people can task students to collect supplies and deliver in their homes! How thoughtful, right?! Read more to find out how this service has been helping so many vulnerable people!
Self-care tips during COVID-19
It’s difficult keeping your mental health positive and being distracted from this COVID-19 isolation we are all in. So, one of our amazing CYA Staines member, Tiffany, has kindly shared her experience and thoughts on taking care of your mental health. Thank you, Tiffany! Read more to find out!
CYA Guildford wellbeing workshop – ‘Flower of positivity’
Yesterday, CYA Guildford took part in a virtual workshop with Gareth from the CYP Haven, and collaboratively created this flower of wellbeing with petals of positivity on Zoom! We hope this flower brightens your day 🙂 Thank you CYA Guildford!
Every Mind Matters – Tips for you to look after your wellbeing
Mind Matters have put together expert advice and informative tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing, and how to actively get support now!
Self-care activities
One of our wonderful CYA Guildford member, Hannah, has created an amazing poster on her tips and ideas of activities for self-care! Thank you Hannah. Check it out!
Kooth are still here for you!
We would like to remind you that Kooth are still available online to support your wellbeing! Check out their posters below for more information.
Covid19 & Exams
Are you feeling uneasy about what’s happening with your GCSE or A-Level exam grades this year? Check out our video on CYA Facebook or our Instagram IGTV! Dom explains all! https://www.facebook.com/SurreyCYA
Positive News!
As we near the weekend, we would like to share with you some positive news stories we heard in March 2020! Make sure to check them out! We would love to hear your positive news, get in touch!
World Autism Awareness Week!
We are so proud and privileged to be able to share Emma’s experience with ASD! Emma’s experience highlights Girls with Autism and Wishes for the Future – please take a moment to read and share! Thank-you Emma!
Isolation Tips!
Self-isolating can be really difficult so Georgia in the User Voice and Participation Team has created a guide to self-isolating, including fun activities you can be doing at home! Make sure you check them out! If you do any of the activities we’d love to hear from you and even see what you’ve created!
Virtual Support
The User Voice and Participation Team would like to share what virtual Emotional Well-being and Mental Health support is available to you! Accessing virtual support is so important to keep ourselves emotionally and Mentally supported especially during self isolation! Make sure to check the services out!
How To Keep a Structure During Self Isolation!
During this unsettling time it can be difficult to keep a structure or routine whist self-isolating. Joe, an apprentice in the User Voice and Participation shares some top tips on what we can be doing during self isolation! Check them out here!
How to look after your mental health during Coronavirus
We understand that there is panic within our communities due to COVID-19, and we can only do as much as we can to protect ourselves and others around us, physically and mentally. An advocate within our User Voice and Participation team, Sania, created a blog post on top tips to protect your mental health duringContinue reading “How to look after your mental health during Coronavirus”
Stop Bullying!
Bullying has a huge effect on young people’s mental health which can result in school refusal, high anxiety, depression, low mood and can also have a detrimental impact on young people’s education. Check out what CYA would like Surrey and schools to do to stop bullying! Remember be kind always!
What to do if you're feeling worried or anxious about Coronavirus
If you’re worried or anxious about Coronavirus, you are not alone! Amy an apprentice in the User Voice and Participation Team has shared some top tips. Click here to check them out!
Coping Calendar: Keep Calm, Stay Wise, Be Kind!
Action for Happiness has create a Coping Calendar! Click here to check it out – 30 actions to look after ourselves and each other during this difficult time.
Our Voice Matters Survey
The User Voice and Participation Team would like to know what matters to YOU and to give you a forum to have YOUR voice heard! Make sure you complete our teams Our Voice Survey. You’ll be in with the chance of winning £250 or an iPad! The OUR Voice Survey for Primary -4-11 years https://www.surreysays.co.uk/csf/our-voice-matters-survey-primary/Continue reading “Our Voice Matters Survey”
Virtual CYA!
We are proud to announce Virtual CYA is taking place next week via Facebook Video Chat! Come and join in! Monday 23rd March: Guildford, Tuesday 24th March: Staines, Wednesday 25th March: Redhill, Thursday 26th March: Epsom.
Mental Health Awareness 2020
During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked CAMHS Youth Advisor Freya a few questions on why mental health awareness is so important. Check out what Freya has said. It also includes top useful tips on being brave!
Ideal Mental Health Service
We asked CYA to come up with ideas about what their dream mental health service would look like.They really went creative and came up with brilliant innovative ideas! See our newsletter to see what these were:
Set sail to the Land of Nod… – Written by Emma Heapes
We all know how important it is to get a good night sleep. It lifts your mood, improves concentration during the day and altogether aids us in feeling happier and healthier. But when your thoughts won’t stop whirling around your head, a peaceful sleep can seem as distant as the stars in the night sky…Continue reading “Set sail to the Land of Nod… – Written by Emma Heapes”
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