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Please note that some of these insights may appear on other pages within Youth Voice on the East Riding JSNA website.
| Link to file | Overview of the document |
| Boys and young men’s mental health consultation (All boys school consultation 2024) | A consultation on boys and young men’s mental health was conducted in an all-boys school, involving 59 participants aged 13-15. The boys shared their perceptions, the factors affecting their mental health, and their coping mechanisms. They also provided suggestions for improving mental health support. The boys’ understanding of mental health varied, with many associating it with changes in behaviour, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. Some admitted to knowing very little about it, while others recognised its importance to overall wellbeing. Stress, relationships, family issues, and significant life events were frequently mentioned as factors that could impact their mental health. Other influences included bullying, social media, and substance addiction. Common strategies for managing mental health included talking to someone, engaging in hobbies, playing sports, and socialising. Listening to music and sleeping were also popular methods. When feeling down, many boys preferred to talk to someone, isolate themselves, or engage in activities they enjoy. Playing video games and listening to music were also common responses. Most boys felt uncomfortable sharing their emotions due to stigma, fear of being made fun of, and societal expectations of men needing to be strong. Some noted that comfort levels varied depending on the person. Support from family and friends was crucial for many boys, although some felt unsupported or unsure where to seek help. School resources and emotional intelligence upbringing were also mentioned. A significant number of boys acknowledged the stigma surrounding boys and young men’s mental health. The boys suggested various improvements, including changing exam approaches, normalising discussions about mental health, organising more talks and events, and increasing the visibility of mental health resources.     |
| Boys and Young Men’s Mental Health Survey (June 2024) | The Boys and Young Men’s Mental Health Survey highlights the need for more resources and awareness about mental health issues among boys and young men. It identifies gaps in existing support systems and provides insights from young people on their experiences and needs. There is a lack of resources specifically aimed at boys and young men’s mental health outside of schools, with ongoing discussions to develop more support. Participants shared various coping mechanisms for dealing with overwhelming emotions, including listening to music, walking, and talking to someone. Young people expressed a need for more education and information about boys and young men’s mental health and better promotion of available resources. |
| East Riding Anti-bullying strategy 2024 | The East Riding Anti-Bullying Strategy 2024 aims to create a safer environment for young people by tackling bullying through a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. This strategy emphasises the importance of listening to children’s voices, providing appropriate training and resources, and implementing proactive and restorative approaches to address bullying. The strategy aims to ensure children and young people in East Riding live free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination through a collaborative effort involving multiple organisations and stakeholders. Children perceived as ‘different’ are at higher risk of being bullied, including those with SEND, learning difficulties, different social choices, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Bullying can be physical, verbal, sexual, emotional/indirect, cyber/online, or prejudicial, each with distinct characteristics and impacts. Young people in East Riding emphasised the importance of non-sanction-based approaches, more support and training for staff, and providing safe spaces and peer support to tackle bullying effectively. To achieve the strategy’s goals, there is a need for comprehensive training and support for staff across all youth settings, focusing on proactive and restorative approaches. The strategy calls for the involvement of various stakeholders, including young people, parents, professionals, and organisations, to ensure its successful implementation and accountability. |
| Lollipop consultation with young people at Lollipop (LGBTQIA+) | This document discusses perspectives and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. It highlights the positive aspects of being part of the community, such as the pride in one’s identity, but also points out challenges like bullying, hate crimes, and a lack of understanding from schools. It emphasises the importance of respect, asking questions, and not making assumptions. Common misconceptions include stereotypes about sexuality and gender, and the belief that all gay people behave or look a certain way.  |
| Lollipop consultation funding for future of group | The Lollipop Group aims to establish itself as an independent charity led by young people with adult support, focusing on creative arts and addressing under-representation in media. Members feel underrepresented and misrepresented in arts and culture, calling for accurate and positive portrayals, more LGBTQ+ actors, and community input on representation. |