Mental health has recurred as a theme in the testimonials of young people involved in Authoring Our Own Stories each year since this national youth voice project began in 2022. Young Leaders delivering their peer research projects, and the participants who have engaged in focus groups, have shared how their civic identities intersect and reinforce the challenges they negotiate as a regular aspect of their lived experience.
As an example, in 2024 young people from the LGBTQ+ community expressed that they routinely feel compromised to be themselves in social spaces and this negatively impacts their mental health. For young people who are part of this community and from the Global Majority, their racial identity and religion can further reinforce feelings of disconnection and unbelonging.
As LGBTQ+ Month draws to a close we want to highlight one of the resources created with focus groups last year that aims to support conversations about mental wellbeing. The ‘Well Being Gallery’ is a reflective activity that gently prompts individuals to identify and share the various strategies they use to support their emotional and physical health. It should also be used as an aid for professionals to provide further knowledge and guidance on the services and support available within their organisations and the wider community. To access the
Wellbeing Gallery please click here.
To learn more about Authoring Our Own Stories contact sandra.vacciana@cityoflondon.gov.uk
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