If you’re a young person in Gloucestershire and are struggling to cope with your emotions or situations in your life, you are not alone. There is lots of information and advice available which can help.

On Your Mind is a new website (www.onyourmindglos.nhs.uk) for young people aged 12 – 18 developed specifically to help them cope with life’s ups and downs.

It includes information on local sources of support for young people about any issues they may be facing, such as anxiety, eating issues, anger and bullying as well as links to useful websites and national helplines.

The website was developed with input from young people in the county, some of whom have personal experience of mental health problems. They helped develop the artwork and explained what kind of information they would find helpful.

Dr Jeremy Welch, Clinical Lead for Children and Young at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said:

“Young people in Gloucestershire told us they often find it difficult to talk about their mental health; they worry that people will judge them and treat them differently.

We found that children and young people want to know what help and support is available to them locally and nationally. They want to know how they can help themselves and which websites they can trust. That is why we have created the On Your Mind  website.

We are looking at new and innovative ways to encourage young people to talk about how they are feeling, and hope the On Your Mind website and video will help them feel able to do this.

There are always things young people can do to make themselves stronger and happier when things don’t go according to plan so they are more able to cope.”

Mandy Pugh, Designated Safeguarding Lead at Gloucester Academy said:

“At Gloucester Academy, we are proactively promoting the On Your Mind website with our young people as well as our staff.

It is proving to be a really valuable resource, enabling both staff providing support and the young people themselves to find out about services and support available around so many topics.  Better still, it’s Gloucestershire focused!