#IAMWHOLE at YMCA Fylde Coast
Here at YMCA we believe mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why we are proud ambassadors of the #IAMWHOLE campaign.
The #IAMWHOLE campaign aims to encourage young people to challenge and stand up against harmful language that often gets brushed off as banter and the negative stigma surrounding mental health. We know it’s not easy, but we want to encourage people to speak up and seek help.
Mental health difficulties can cost young people their education and employment prospects. Difficulties are common amongst young people and too many suffer in silence. Without the support needed, mental health problems are costing young people their lives.
Nearly 1 million young people in the UK and Ireland have a diagnosed mental health problem. This is 3 children per classroom. The #IAMWHOLE mission aims to significantly reduce these figures by:
- Starting conversations with young people about mental health
- Educating young people on mental health
- Encouraging young people to share their experiences of mental health.
YMCA More Than Words Research
For #IAMWHOLE 2017, YMCA conducted research into the harmful language and negative stereotypes surrounding mental health difficulties for young people.
We found that what is often dismissed as banter or harmless fun can have a real impact. This stigma means young people feel scared to speak up or seek advice with fear that they will receive abuse or will just be dismissed.
Individuals and society must recognise the power their words carry, specifically surrounding mental health. By doing so, young people are more likely to speak up and seek help.
In order to create a comfortable environment, YMCA calls upon governments and decision makers across the UK and Ireland to:
- Make mental health awareness a required part of the school curriculum
- Promote peer-to-peer support programmes in schools and communities
- Investment in youth and community services that provide informal mental health education
- Require all teachers and people working with young people to be trained in recognising mental health difficulties
- Tougher action against bullying in school and online
- Combat irresponsible and inaccurate portrayals of mental health difficulties in the media
Starting the Conversation
We have begun to combat the stigma around mental health by putting power in young people. YMCA Mental Health Stories aim to inspire and encourage young people by sharing real life stories of people who currently or in the past have suffered. We encourage everyone to share their experiences with whoever they feel comfortable with and start the conversation.
Music 4 Mental Health 2018
Alongside the YouTube Music, Seat, MTV, UniLad, The Calm Zone and The Mix, we are proud to have been a part of the first Music 4 Mental Health event in 2018. A spectacular night featuring global stars such as Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Olly Murs and many more.
Mental Health Advice
If you are struggling with your mental health, we urge you to seek advice through one of the sites below: