Mental Health

Curiosity is non-threatening and opens up conversations, as you show an interest in hearing that person’s perspective.

Over time you'll begin to know both your young people and the adults you volunteer with very well. You may notice a sudden change in behaviour, attitude or mood - remember, no change is too small. The signs and symptoms listed above may help you to identify changes.

Be curious about this and ask them if they want to talk. You don’t need to be a mental health expert to listen and you don’t need to know all the answers. If you need to ask questions, keep them open-ended.

Create a safe space for them to open up. This should be somewhere they feel comfortable and you're unlikely to be distracted.

When you're discussing mental wellbeing with a young person, remember to remain within the guidelines of the Yellow Card. 

You may begin a discussion with a young person or adult volunteer and realise you don't have all the answers. Be honest about not knowing and agree how you'll follow up. 

Encourage the young person or adult volunteer to speak to the people they live with, or to a GP, about how they're feeling.

You might also signpost them to support organisations or charities, either nationally or in your local area.  

In line with the Scout’s safeguarding procedures, if you're concerned that a young person is at risk of harm from themselves (or others) you'll need to pass this information on.

Inform the young person where possible that you're required to pass any concerns on. Agree with them on how you will inform their parents and carers – will you do it directly, or support the young person to do so? 

If you're concerned an adult volunteer is at risk of harm to themselves or others, you should pass this on to the person’s line manager.  

Let them know that this time is for them to talk, and you're there for them. Try not to offer solutions right away and ask what they think could help. 

Be non-judgmental and listen to the young person or adult.

Try to think of being alongside the person on their journey and providing a space for them to reflect rather than trying to rescue them.   

Connecting with others can help us feel close to people, and valued for who we are. Being social means different things for different people – you might prefer being in quieter situations with one other person, or you might like being in big groups. You might like to connect with people online, or you might enjoy phone calls or sending letters.

Here are some ways you could make a connection today:

• If you feel comfortable, you could try speaking to someone new
• Ask how someone’s weekend was, and really listen when they tell you
• Put 5 minutes aside to find out how a friend or neighbour is doing
• Give a colleague a lift to work or share the journey home with them

Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health.

This doesn't have to mean running marathons or training every day at the gym. There are lots of different things you can do to be a bit more active.

Studies have shown that getting active can help you sleep better, have happier moods, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and racing thoughts.

Here are a few ideas for how you can get active today:

• Take the stairs rather than the lift
• Go for a walk at lunchtime
• Walk into work – maybe you could go with a colleague
• Get off the bus a stop earlier than usual and walk the final part of your journey to work
• Take part in a sporting activity or sports class
• Have a kick-about in a local park
• Do some stretches before you get ready in the morning
• If you're in the office, walk over to someone’s desk instead of calling or emailing

Reminding yourself to take notice can help you to be aware of how you're feeling. It can help you understand what triggers your feelings of stress or anxiety.

Some studies have shown that savouring ‘the moment’ can also help you to feel more positive about life.

Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas:

• Get a plant for your desk, home or Scout meeting place
• Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
• Take a different route on your journey to or from a shop, Scout meeting place or work
• Visit a new place for lunch or try a new recipe for dinner

We're always learning new things – often without realising it. Feeling like you're learning and developing can boost your self-esteem.

And sometimes, setting goals can help you to feel more productive and more in control of your life.

What can you learn today? Here are a few ideas:

• Find out something about your colleagues, neighbours, volunteers at Scouts or friends
• Sign up for a class
• Read the news
• Discover a new book to read, or set up or join a book club
• Do a crossword or Sudoku
• Research something you’ve always wondered about
• Learn a new word or start learning a new language
• Sign up to a new class or course

There's been lots of research about the effects of taking part in social and community life. Some studies have shown that people who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Is there anything you can do today, to be kind or helpful to someone else? You could try:

• Making a cup of tea for a friend, neighbour or colleague
• Offering to help someone with something they're stuck on
• Introducing yourself to a new-starter at Scouts, in a class, at work or a new neighbour to help them feel more at ease
• Seeing if there're any volunteering initiatives open at work - or encourage people to take part in Scouts