1 00:00:03,070 --> 00:00:06,039 INTRO: Welcome to the NSPCC Learning Podcast, where 2 00:00:06,040 --> 00:00:08,979 INTRO: we share learning and expertise in child protection 3 00:00:08,980 --> 00:00:12,249 INTRO: from inside and outside of the organisation. 4 00:00:12,250 --> 00:00:15,339 INTRO: We aim to create debate, encourage reflection and 5 00:00:15,340 --> 00:00:18,489 INTRO: share good practice on how we can all work together 6 00:00:18,490 --> 00:00:21,219 INTRO: to keep babies, children and young people safe. 7 00:00:23,950 --> 00:00:27,309 PRODUCER: Welcome to the NSPCC Learning Podcast. 8 00:00:27,310 --> 00:00:30,939 PRODUCER: This episode, recorded in January 2025, 9 00:00:30,940 --> 00:00:33,488 PRODUCER: is all about supporting young people with their 10 00:00:33,489 --> 00:00:36,369 PRODUCER: mental health. Mental health is an important 11 00:00:36,370 --> 00:00:38,589 PRODUCER: issue for children and young people. 12 00:00:38,590 --> 00:00:41,559 PRODUCER: In 2023 to 2024, over half 13 00:00:41,560 --> 00:00:44,289 PRODUCER: of all Childline counselling sessions related to 14 00:00:44,290 --> 00:00:46,570 PRODUCER: mental or emotional health and wellbeing. 15 00:00:47,580 --> 00:00:49,919 PRODUCER: Whilst mental health issues can sometimes lead to 16 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:52,679 PRODUCER: safeguarding and child protection concerns, this 17 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:54,509 PRODUCER: doesn't have to be the case. 18 00:00:54,510 --> 00:00:56,669 PRODUCER: By recognising when a child is struggling with 19 00:00:56,670 --> 00:00:59,279 PRODUCER: their mental health and intervening to provide 20 00:00:59,280 --> 00:01:01,919 PRODUCER: appropriate support, professionals working with 21 00:01:01,920 --> 00:01:04,499 PRODUCER: children can help prevent mental health problems 22 00:01:04,500 --> 00:01:06,869 PRODUCER: escalating into crisis. 23 00:01:06,870 --> 00:01:09,119 PRODUCER: Common warning signs of potential mental health 24 00:01:09,120 --> 00:01:12,899 PRODUCER: issues include sudden mood and behaviour changes; 25 00:01:12,900 --> 00:01:15,689 PRODUCER: unexplained physical changes such as weight loss 26 00:01:15,690 --> 00:01:18,749 PRODUCER: or gain; self-harming; sudden poor 27 00:01:18,750 --> 00:01:21,569 PRODUCER: academic behaviour or performance; sleeping 28 00:01:21,570 --> 00:01:24,809 PRODUCER: problems; and changes in social habits such 29 00:01:24,810 --> 00:01:28,619 PRODUCER: as withdrawal or avoidance of friends and family. 30 00:01:28,620 --> 00:01:31,259 PRODUCER: However, some mental health issues may not have 31 00:01:31,260 --> 00:01:34,109 PRODUCER: visible signs, and some signs may also look like 32 00:01:34,110 --> 00:01:35,909 PRODUCER: normal child behaviour. 33 00:01:35,910 --> 00:01:38,219 PRODUCER: But if you're concerned that a child may be 34 00:01:38,220 --> 00:01:40,529 PRODUCER: struggling, it's important not to wait for them 35 00:01:40,530 --> 00:01:42,599 PRODUCER: to talk to you before trying to start a 36 00:01:42,600 --> 00:01:43,600 PRODUCER: conversation. 37 00:01:44,320 --> 00:01:46,569 PRODUCER: It might be helpful to consider things from the 38 00:01:46,570 --> 00:01:48,069 PRODUCER: child's perspective. 39 00:01:48,070 --> 00:01:51,459 PRODUCER: I asked two members of the NSPCC's Young People's 40 00:01:51,460 --> 00:01:54,489 PRODUCER: Board for Change, Alice and Douglas, about what 41 00:01:54,490 --> 00:01:57,129 PRODUCER: they think adults should do to be supportive when 42 00:01:57,130 --> 00:01:59,289 PRODUCER: talking to a young person about their mental 43 00:01:59,290 --> 00:02:00,499 PRODUCER: health. 44 00:02:00,500 --> 00:02:03,529 ALICE: I think it's best if they listen, because 45 00:02:03,530 --> 00:02:06,619 ALICE: sometimes they might exacerbate the problem by 46 00:02:06,620 --> 00:02:09,409 ALICE: trying to come up with a solution, especially if 47 00:02:09,410 --> 00:02:11,599 ALICE: they're unqualified. 48 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:14,749 ALICE: The best thing they can do is just try and do active 49 00:02:14,750 --> 00:02:17,449 ALICE: listening and just try and give words of 50 00:02:17,450 --> 00:02:19,490 ALICE: encouragement. But I know 51 00:02:20,570 --> 00:02:23,739 ALICE: it depends on the severity 52 00:02:23,740 --> 00:02:26,799 ALICE: of the problem, whether they need to be 53 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:29,589 ALICE: directly addressed to a therapist or something. 54 00:02:29,590 --> 00:02:31,840 ALICE: But the best thing they can do is just to try and 55 00:02:31,841 --> 00:02:32,841 ALICE: listen. 56 00:02:33,910 --> 00:02:35,601 DOUGLAS: Definitely agree with what Alice has said. 57 00:02:35,602 --> 00:02:38,619 DOUGLAS: I'd also say definitely make sure 58 00:02:38,620 --> 00:02:39,939 DOUGLAS: to be supportive. 59 00:02:39,940 --> 00:02:43,239 DOUGLAS: Make sure that the child is aware they can always 60 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:46,209 DOUGLAS: talk to them about anything. 61 00:02:46,210 --> 00:02:49,299 DOUGLAS: And also point them to any options such as 62 00:02:49,300 --> 00:02:50,977 DOUGLAS: Childline, if they want someone else to talk to; 63 00:02:50,978 --> 00:02:54,279 DOUGLAS: or therapists 64 00:02:54,280 --> 00:02:56,259 DOUGLAS: or anything else, make sure that they're aware of 65 00:02:56,260 --> 00:02:59,649 DOUGLAS: their options and just being supportive, 66 00:02:59,650 --> 00:03:01,149 DOUGLAS: I would say. 67 00:03:01,150 --> 00:03:04,149 PRODUCER: And what might an adult do that isn't so 68 00:03:04,150 --> 00:03:05,150 PRODUCER: supportive? 69 00:03:06,190 --> 00:03:09,399 DOUGLAS: Being dismissive of the issue. 70 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:12,549 DOUGLAS: Not really listening to what the child is saying 71 00:03:12,550 --> 00:03:16,539 DOUGLAS: about it and just being really... 72 00:03:16,540 --> 00:03:18,410 DOUGLAS: Not being exactly kind 73 00:03:19,510 --> 00:03:21,486 DOUGLAS: about it. Just treating it as "oh grow up, 74 00:03:22,630 --> 00:03:25,179 DOUGLAS: you can go out, get through it fine, it's not a 75 00:03:25,180 --> 00:03:28,239 DOUGLAS: big deal". Saying stuff like that, I 76 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:30,879 DOUGLAS: would say is not really being supportive. 77 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:33,939 ALICE: I think the worst thing that an adult can do is 78 00:03:33,940 --> 00:03:37,119 ALICE: invalidate their experience and disregard 79 00:03:37,120 --> 00:03:40,119 ALICE: it. So, hypothetically, if they were struggling 80 00:03:40,120 --> 00:03:43,749 ALICE: with cyberbullying, it might be hard for 81 00:03:43,750 --> 00:03:45,939 ALICE: an adult to relate to that because they didn't have 82 00:03:45,940 --> 00:03:48,339 ALICE: to go through that themselves as a child. 83 00:03:48,340 --> 00:03:50,919 ALICE: So it might be easy to dismiss them and just be 84 00:03:50,920 --> 00:03:53,919 ALICE: like, "just stop going on social media, 85 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:56,864 ALICE: etcetera." And, yeah, it's... 86 00:03:56,865 --> 00:04:00,219 ALICE: the worst thing you can do is judge them 87 00:04:00,220 --> 00:04:03,399 ALICE: because they're not going to want to come 88 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:05,198 ALICE: to you if the problem gets 89 00:04:06,490 --> 00:04:07,689 ALICE: worse. 90 00:04:07,690 --> 00:04:09,909 PRODUCER: If you speak to a young person and think they 91 00:04:09,910 --> 00:04:11,829 PRODUCER: need help with their mental health, there's lots 92 00:04:11,830 --> 00:04:13,599 PRODUCER: of places to turn to. 93 00:04:13,600 --> 00:04:15,759 PRODUCER: Childline has a range of free resources, 94 00:04:15,760 --> 00:04:17,739 PRODUCER: including the tool we're going to talk about in 95 00:04:17,740 --> 00:04:20,499 PRODUCER: today's podcast episode, the mental health first 96 00:04:20,500 --> 00:04:21,819 PRODUCER: aid kit. 97 00:04:21,820 --> 00:04:24,309 PRODUCER: A mental health first aid kit can be used by 98 00:04:24,310 --> 00:04:26,889 PRODUCER: young people by themselves, or it can be 99 00:04:26,890 --> 00:04:29,169 PRODUCER: initiated by an adult who wants to support a 100 00:04:29,170 --> 00:04:32,319 PRODUCER: child. The kit includes a plan on what a young 101 00:04:32,320 --> 00:04:34,719 PRODUCER: person can do to cope if they are starting to 102 00:04:34,720 --> 00:04:36,819 PRODUCER: struggle with their mental health. 103 00:04:36,820 --> 00:04:39,069 PRODUCER: Gawain Griffiths is a practitioner within the 104 00:04:39,070 --> 00:04:41,589 PRODUCER: Childline online services team. 105 00:04:41,590 --> 00:04:43,659 PRODUCER: I spoke to Gawain about what a mental health 106 00:04:43,660 --> 00:04:46,149 PRODUCER: first aid kit is and why it's useful. 107 00:04:47,559 --> 00:04:48,819 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: In short, the mental health first aid kit is 108 00:04:48,820 --> 00:04:50,349 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: there to support someone when they're in 109 00:04:50,350 --> 00:04:52,359 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: crisis and feeling overwhelmed, like how 110 00:04:52,360 --> 00:04:54,549 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you'd have a normal first aid kit to help 111 00:04:54,550 --> 00:04:56,229 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: if you'd had an accident or needed 112 00:04:56,230 --> 00:04:57,879 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: support straight away. 113 00:04:57,880 --> 00:04:59,559 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: The principle is that when you're feeling 114 00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:01,629 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: overwhelmed, it's really hard to know 115 00:05:01,630 --> 00:05:03,309 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: what you should be doing, what you can do 116 00:05:03,310 --> 00:05:05,019 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to cope. For a lot of young people, 117 00:05:05,020 --> 00:05:06,849 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they'll have things that they can do that 118 00:05:06,850 --> 00:05:08,979 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: will support them, but when they're in 119 00:05:08,980 --> 00:05:10,463 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that moment, it's really hard to think of 120 00:05:10,464 --> 00:05:12,159 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that and to know where to go and what to 121 00:05:12,160 --> 00:05:14,739 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: do. So having a plan in front of you can 122 00:05:14,740 --> 00:05:16,179 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: make that a lot easier. 123 00:05:16,180 --> 00:05:17,799 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It can give you ways to distract 124 00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:20,079 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: yourself, know who to speak to, and just 125 00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:21,579 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: generally give you an idea of what to do 126 00:05:21,580 --> 00:05:23,949 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to cope. Every kit is going to be 127 00:05:23,950 --> 00:05:25,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: different for an individual young person, 128 00:05:25,450 --> 00:05:27,129 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and that's because for every young person 129 00:05:27,130 --> 00:05:28,869 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: their situation is different, what works 130 00:05:28,870 --> 00:05:30,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: for them is different, and where they can 131 00:05:30,430 --> 00:05:32,259 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: get support is different. 132 00:05:32,260 --> 00:05:33,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: There's lots and lots that can go into 133 00:05:33,700 --> 00:05:36,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: it. For some young people, we find that 134 00:05:36,700 --> 00:05:38,289 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they like to have things like breathing 135 00:05:38,290 --> 00:05:40,569 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: techniques, different exercises they can 136 00:05:40,570 --> 00:05:42,609 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: do, things around mindfulness. 137 00:05:42,610 --> 00:05:43,899 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: And for other young people it can be 138 00:05:43,900 --> 00:05:45,549 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: about distractions, whether that's things 139 00:05:45,550 --> 00:05:47,919 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: like fidget toys or even just watching 140 00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:49,779 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: videos on YouTube, just having a reminder 141 00:05:49,780 --> 00:05:51,729 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: of the different stuff that's available. 142 00:05:51,730 --> 00:05:53,919 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Another part of this kind of plan and 143 00:05:53,920 --> 00:05:56,619 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: this kind of kit is being able to know 144 00:05:56,620 --> 00:05:57,845 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: what support you can get and when. 145 00:05:58,930 --> 00:06:00,729 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So we have templates on the Childline 146 00:06:00,730 --> 00:06:03,009 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: website which go into detail on what you 147 00:06:03,010 --> 00:06:05,949 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: can include. We often suggest that people 148 00:06:05,950 --> 00:06:08,109 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: include who they can talk to, details of 149 00:06:08,110 --> 00:06:09,729 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: how to contact them — because young 150 00:06:09,730 --> 00:06:11,379 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: people won't always have that number 151 00:06:11,380 --> 00:06:14,199 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: stored or know where to go — and also 152 00:06:14,200 --> 00:06:16,869 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: talk about what they can go to them for 153 00:06:16,870 --> 00:06:18,379 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and when they can go to them. 154 00:06:18,380 --> 00:06:20,589 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So, for example, if someone is under 155 00:06:20,590 --> 00:06:22,139 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: CAMHS, they may have a crisis helpline 156 00:06:22,140 --> 00:06:24,369 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they can call, and knowing what hours 157 00:06:24,370 --> 00:06:26,259 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they are available to talk to. Or it may 158 00:06:26,260 --> 00:06:27,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: be that they've got a teacher that they 159 00:06:27,700 --> 00:06:29,289 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: particularly trust or someone at home 160 00:06:29,290 --> 00:06:31,479 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that they like to talk to, but knowing 161 00:06:31,480 --> 00:06:33,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: when they're available can help set their 162 00:06:33,700 --> 00:06:36,129 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: expectations. And also, when you're 163 00:06:36,130 --> 00:06:37,689 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: making your plan, it can also help you 164 00:06:37,690 --> 00:06:40,149 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: see gaps. So if you know that when things 165 00:06:40,150 --> 00:06:41,679 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: are getting really hard, you really need 166 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:43,629 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to talk to somebody, but actually at the 167 00:06:43,630 --> 00:06:45,489 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: moment you've only really got people who 168 00:06:45,490 --> 00:06:47,289 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: are available from nine to five, or when 169 00:06:47,290 --> 00:06:49,179 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you're at school, or times like that, it 170 00:06:49,180 --> 00:06:50,949 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: can be good to give you a chance to think 171 00:06:50,950 --> 00:06:52,959 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: about where else you can go. 172 00:06:52,960 --> 00:06:54,849 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: A really good example is just making sure 173 00:06:54,850 --> 00:06:56,619 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that you write down Childline, so that 174 00:06:56,620 --> 00:06:57,939 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you know that actually if it's eleven o'clock 175 00:06:57,940 --> 00:06:59,229 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: at night and you've got no one else to talk 176 00:06:59,230 --> 00:07:00,919 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to, you know that you can contact them 177 00:07:00,920 --> 00:07:02,079 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and how to do that. 178 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:04,389 PRODUCER: And who is the mental health first aid kit 179 00:07:04,390 --> 00:07:05,769 PRODUCER: suitable for? 180 00:07:05,770 --> 00:07:07,239 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: The mental health care is appropriate for 181 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:08,589 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: everyone. And there'll be some young 182 00:07:08,590 --> 00:07:09,999 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: people who it works for and some young people 183 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:11,679 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: who it doesn't work for. The thing to 184 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:13,479 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: remember is the mental health care is not 185 00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:15,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: an alternative to getting support. 186 00:07:15,070 --> 00:07:17,079 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It's very much in addition to whatever 187 00:07:17,080 --> 00:07:18,579 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: support you're trying to put in place and 188 00:07:18,580 --> 00:07:21,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: is part of then that planning you have 189 00:07:21,070 --> 00:07:22,679 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: around when things are in crisis, and 190 00:07:22,680 --> 00:07:24,089 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: looking at how you can support that young 191 00:07:24,090 --> 00:07:26,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: person overall. What I would say is 192 00:07:26,070 --> 00:07:27,839 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: anytime you are concerned about a young person's 193 00:07:27,840 --> 00:07:29,339 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: mental health or concerned about their 194 00:07:29,340 --> 00:07:31,409 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: wellbeing, it's then important to take 195 00:07:31,410 --> 00:07:32,999 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that seriously and it's important to look 196 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:34,979 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: at ways you can get support for them. 197 00:07:34,980 --> 00:07:38,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: The easiest and universal way is 198 00:07:38,070 --> 00:07:39,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: then going to a GP. 199 00:07:39,450 --> 00:07:41,009 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: You can have a conversation with them 200 00:07:41,010 --> 00:07:42,659 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: about what's going on, and the young 201 00:07:42,660 --> 00:07:44,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: person can go themselves if they feel 202 00:07:44,070 --> 00:07:46,289 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: able to, or they can go with their parent 203 00:07:46,290 --> 00:07:48,299 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: or carer. You can then also look at 204 00:07:48,300 --> 00:07:49,559 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: things like CAMHS. 205 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:52,559 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Now CAMHS can be referred from the GP, 206 00:07:52,560 --> 00:07:54,689 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: but then they will take referrals from 207 00:07:54,690 --> 00:07:56,789 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: schools, or from parents or carers, or 208 00:07:56,790 --> 00:07:59,249 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: from the person themselves if they feel 209 00:07:59,250 --> 00:08:01,739 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: able to. So it's all about looking at 210 00:08:01,740 --> 00:08:03,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: what support there is in place for that 211 00:08:03,450 --> 00:08:05,459 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: young person. The mental health first aid 212 00:08:05,460 --> 00:08:08,159 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: kit is very much an assist to all of that 213 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:09,779 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: as opposed to an alternative. 214 00:08:09,780 --> 00:08:11,219 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It's more about making sure you're looking 215 00:08:11,220 --> 00:08:13,229 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: at it at a time that's appropriate. 216 00:08:13,230 --> 00:08:14,784 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So, if somebody is feeling calm and 217 00:08:14,785 --> 00:08:16,709 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they're looking to get some support, this 218 00:08:16,710 --> 00:08:18,719 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: is a really good tool to use with them, 219 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:20,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and then they can bring it out when 220 00:08:20,070 --> 00:08:21,539 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they're in crisis and then talk about it 221 00:08:21,540 --> 00:08:22,589 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: after. 222 00:08:22,590 --> 00:08:24,749 PRODUCER: That's a really important point to emphasise, 223 00:08:24,750 --> 00:08:27,269 PRODUCER: isn't it, that the mental health first aid kit is 224 00:08:27,270 --> 00:08:29,369 PRODUCER: not a standalone resource and should be used to 225 00:08:29,370 --> 00:08:31,919 PRODUCER: supplement other avenues of support. 226 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:33,928 PRODUCER: But if you have concerns about a young person 227 00:08:33,929 --> 00:08:36,209 PRODUCER: with low level mental health problems, the first 228 00:08:36,210 --> 00:08:38,369 PRODUCER: aid kit can be a useful tool to prevent those 229 00:08:38,370 --> 00:08:39,630 PRODUCER: problems from escalating. 230 00:08:41,100 --> 00:08:44,009 PRODUCER: So, who is best placed to help young people build 231 00:08:44,010 --> 00:08:45,839 PRODUCER: their mental health first aid kit? 232 00:08:45,840 --> 00:08:47,489 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: In terms of who can support someone, it 233 00:08:47,490 --> 00:08:49,589 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: really varies with that young person. 234 00:08:49,590 --> 00:08:51,242 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It's about who's already there to support 235 00:08:51,243 --> 00:08:54,479 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: them in their life. So if somebody is 236 00:08:54,480 --> 00:08:55,979 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: there who's supporting them 237 00:08:55,980 --> 00:08:57,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: professionally, whether that's a therapist 238 00:08:57,450 --> 00:09:00,239 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: through school or CAMHS, or a worker or a 239 00:09:00,240 --> 00:09:02,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: teacher, they can be really best-placed 240 00:09:02,070 --> 00:09:03,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: because they know that young person, they 241 00:09:03,450 --> 00:09:05,069 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: work with them all the time. 242 00:09:05,070 --> 00:09:07,049 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: But you don't necessarily need to be 243 00:09:07,050 --> 00:09:08,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: working with that young person professionally 244 00:09:08,430 --> 00:09:10,149 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to be able to support them, [for example] a parent 245 00:09:10,150 --> 00:09:11,549 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: or carer. If you've got that good relationship 246 00:09:11,550 --> 00:09:13,529 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: with them, and the young person trusts 247 00:09:13,530 --> 00:09:15,599 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you, then you can absolutely sit there 248 00:09:15,600 --> 00:09:17,459 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and do that with them. It's also designed 249 00:09:17,460 --> 00:09:18,749 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: in such a way that a young person can do 250 00:09:18,750 --> 00:09:20,819 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: it themselves. And I think when it comes 251 00:09:20,820 --> 00:09:23,669 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to thinking about who can do it or who's 252 00:09:23,670 --> 00:09:26,219 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: best, it's good to think about it from 253 00:09:26,220 --> 00:09:27,569 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: the other point of view of, actually, who's 254 00:09:27,570 --> 00:09:29,459 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: going to be most able to support that 255 00:09:29,460 --> 00:09:31,409 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: young person to do it. Now, with the 256 00:09:31,410 --> 00:09:33,209 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: first aid kit, the really important thing 257 00:09:33,210 --> 00:09:34,218 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: is that it's young person-led. 258 00:09:35,580 --> 00:09:38,309 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: What we find is if you've got this kind 259 00:09:38,310 --> 00:09:39,899 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: of plan and this kit that's set out and 260 00:09:39,900 --> 00:09:41,459 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: it's being very much led by another 261 00:09:41,460 --> 00:09:42,809 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: person, that young person has no 262 00:09:42,810 --> 00:09:43,810 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: ownership over it. 263 00:09:44,580 --> 00:09:46,109 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So when it comes to, when they're in 264 00:09:46,110 --> 00:09:47,489 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: crisis, they're really not going to pay 265 00:09:47,490 --> 00:09:48,869 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: attention to it because it's not about what 266 00:09:48,870 --> 00:09:50,129 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they want. 267 00:09:50,130 --> 00:09:51,599 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Whereas if you have someone who's able to 268 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:53,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: work with them, be really patient, and 269 00:09:53,700 --> 00:09:55,979 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: actually talk to them about what works 270 00:09:55,980 --> 00:09:58,139 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: for them and what they think will work 271 00:09:58,140 --> 00:10:00,309 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and not work, and actually get that down 272 00:10:00,310 --> 00:10:01,619 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and really work with the young person 273 00:10:01,620 --> 00:10:04,199 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that way, that will get you into a place 274 00:10:04,200 --> 00:10:05,519 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: where you've got a kit that the young person can 275 00:10:05,520 --> 00:10:08,099 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: really use. Where it can be important, if 276 00:10:08,100 --> 00:10:09,569 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you've got professionals working with 277 00:10:09,570 --> 00:10:12,179 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that young person, whether they've 278 00:10:12,180 --> 00:10:13,529 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: designed it with them or not, it can be 279 00:10:13,530 --> 00:10:15,119 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: really helpful for those professionals to 280 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:17,339 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: know what's being designed because then 281 00:10:17,340 --> 00:10:18,929 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they can refer to it with that young 282 00:10:18,930 --> 00:10:20,729 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: person. So if a young person is talking 283 00:10:20,730 --> 00:10:22,469 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to them and they're in crisis, and they 284 00:10:22,470 --> 00:10:23,849 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: both got this kit that they've designed 285 00:10:23,850 --> 00:10:25,319 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: together or that they're both aware of, 286 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:27,029 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they can then refer to it and talk about 287 00:10:27,030 --> 00:10:28,499 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: different techniques and see whether or not they're 288 00:10:28,500 --> 00:10:30,779 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: going to work with them in that situation. 289 00:10:30,780 --> 00:10:32,909 PRODUCER: You talk there about the importance of the first 290 00:10:32,910 --> 00:10:35,549 PRODUCER: aid kit being child-led, so the child takes a 291 00:10:35,550 --> 00:10:37,529 PRODUCER: lead on creating that kit. 292 00:10:37,530 --> 00:10:40,319 PRODUCER: I'm curious at what point you'd direct the young 293 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:43,199 PRODUCER: person to this resource and how you'd go about 294 00:10:43,200 --> 00:10:44,460 PRODUCER: beginning that conversation. 295 00:10:45,749 --> 00:10:49,139 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It depends a lot on the young person, 296 00:10:49,140 --> 00:10:50,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: in terms of how you'd approach it. If you've 297 00:10:50,430 --> 00:10:51,749 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: got a really good relationship with a 298 00:10:51,750 --> 00:10:53,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: young person and they're very keen to 299 00:10:53,700 --> 00:10:55,079 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: look at different ways, it's a really 300 00:10:55,080 --> 00:10:56,669 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: easy conversation. You can bring up and 301 00:10:56,670 --> 00:10:58,716 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: maybe show them the website, maybe ask 302 00:10:58,717 --> 00:11:00,689 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: them to take some time themselves to then 303 00:11:00,690 --> 00:11:02,999 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: build the kit and then show it to you so 304 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:04,519 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you can then talk through what they've added in, 305 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:06,419 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and then maybe look at any gaps and what 306 00:11:06,420 --> 00:11:07,679 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you could do. 307 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:09,299 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: For young people who might struggle a bit 308 00:11:09,300 --> 00:11:12,059 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: more, who are maybe feeling a bit more 309 00:11:12,060 --> 00:11:14,249 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: negative — especially young people who 310 00:11:14,250 --> 00:11:16,319 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: are struggling to see ways to cope — you 311 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:18,509 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: then may need to do a bit more motivation 312 00:11:18,510 --> 00:11:20,459 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: with them. Look and be really positive 313 00:11:20,460 --> 00:11:22,379 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: about what's worked before, however small 314 00:11:22,380 --> 00:11:25,049 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: it is, and then try to add that into the 315 00:11:25,050 --> 00:11:27,419 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: kit, and using that as an opener. On our 316 00:11:27,420 --> 00:11:28,739 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: [Childline] website we've got loads and loads 317 00:11:28,740 --> 00:11:30,659 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: of resources in terms of ideas of what 318 00:11:30,660 --> 00:11:32,609 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you can add in, different kinds of things 319 00:11:32,610 --> 00:11:34,229 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you can do, and you can use those as a 320 00:11:34,230 --> 00:11:36,269 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: kind of hook to say, "okay, what do you 321 00:11:36,270 --> 00:11:37,649 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: think about this kind of thing? What do you think 322 00:11:37,650 --> 00:11:40,349 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: might work and what might not work?" It's 323 00:11:40,350 --> 00:11:41,969 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: also really good to be clear with a young 324 00:11:41,970 --> 00:11:44,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: person that this isn't a pass or fail. 325 00:11:44,430 --> 00:11:46,627 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: This is something where you're making it 326 00:11:46,628 --> 00:11:48,659 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and you want to see how it goes the next 327 00:11:48,660 --> 00:11:50,549 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: time they need it. It might work. 328 00:11:50,550 --> 00:11:51,809 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It might not. There might be some bits that work 329 00:11:51,810 --> 00:11:53,939 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: really well, some that don't work at all. And 330 00:11:53,940 --> 00:11:55,469 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: then you can revisit it — and you can be 331 00:11:55,470 --> 00:11:56,849 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: really clear that this is something we can 332 00:11:56,850 --> 00:11:58,349 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: revisit — and keep updating and keep 333 00:11:58,350 --> 00:11:59,609 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: changing as time goes on. 334 00:11:59,610 --> 00:12:01,349 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So if it's not working or if it's 335 00:12:01,350 --> 00:12:03,389 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: working, we can then update it. 336 00:12:03,390 --> 00:12:05,489 PRODUCER: Yeah. And mental health first aid kits are 337 00:12:05,490 --> 00:12:07,529 PRODUCER: designed to be updated, aren't they? 338 00:12:07,530 --> 00:12:10,829 PRODUCER: So what does that update process look like? 339 00:12:10,830 --> 00:12:12,899 PRODUCER: When you're checking in with a young person and 340 00:12:12,900 --> 00:12:15,179 PRODUCER: seeing how things are going, at what point do you 341 00:12:15,180 --> 00:12:18,479 PRODUCER: suggest updates be made, or is that a decision 342 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:20,159 PRODUCER: for them to make? 343 00:12:20,160 --> 00:12:22,109 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It's partly a decision for them to make, 344 00:12:22,110 --> 00:12:23,369 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: but I think it's really good to bring it 345 00:12:23,370 --> 00:12:25,379 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: up. And I think if you're working with 346 00:12:25,380 --> 00:12:26,699 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: someone over a long period of time and 347 00:12:26,700 --> 00:12:28,469 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they're having these crisis moments, and 348 00:12:28,470 --> 00:12:30,329 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you're talking to them— It's really 349 00:12:30,330 --> 00:12:32,279 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: important just to say now: this is not 350 00:12:32,280 --> 00:12:33,749 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: something to be trying to do when 351 00:12:33,750 --> 00:12:35,099 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: somebody's in crisis. 352 00:12:35,100 --> 00:12:36,629 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: This is something to do outside of those 353 00:12:36,630 --> 00:12:38,309 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: times, because when somebody is in 354 00:12:38,310 --> 00:12:39,719 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: crisis, you just need to be focusing on 355 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:41,639 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that moment and what to do with them. 356 00:12:41,640 --> 00:12:43,649 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: But, say they've been in crisis before 357 00:12:43,650 --> 00:12:45,059 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and something's happened or you talk to 358 00:12:45,060 --> 00:12:47,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: them, this can then form part of that 359 00:12:47,430 --> 00:12:49,289 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: conversation. Say, 'okay, what happened 360 00:12:49,290 --> 00:12:51,299 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: then? What helped or didn't help? 361 00:12:51,300 --> 00:12:53,909 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: How did you find this coping kit?' And if 362 00:12:53,910 --> 00:12:55,349 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they're feeding back saying 'this bit 363 00:12:55,350 --> 00:12:56,849 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: didn't work, this bit didn't', it's then 364 00:12:56,850 --> 00:12:59,309 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: a very easy opportunity to say, 'okay, we 365 00:12:59,310 --> 00:13:00,629 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: can just update that, we can look at 366 00:13:00,630 --> 00:13:02,819 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that.' Or if the person feels able to go 367 00:13:02,820 --> 00:13:04,319 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: away themselves and update it and then 368 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:05,879 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: share it with you later. 369 00:13:05,880 --> 00:13:07,979 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So it's all about those kind of normal 370 00:13:07,980 --> 00:13:09,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: check-ins and those typical times where 371 00:13:09,450 --> 00:13:10,739 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: you're having those conversations, you 372 00:13:10,740 --> 00:13:12,119 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: can just bring it into the conversation. 373 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:13,679 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It doesn't necessarily have to be something 374 00:13:13,680 --> 00:13:15,659 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: where you've set some time aside 375 00:13:15,660 --> 00:13:17,099 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: specifically to do it. 376 00:13:17,100 --> 00:13:20,039 PRODUCER: So earlier in the podcast, we heard from members 377 00:13:20,040 --> 00:13:23,639 PRODUCER: of the NSPCC's Young People's Board for Change, 378 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:27,029 PRODUCER: and one of the things they spoke about was how 379 00:13:27,030 --> 00:13:30,089 PRODUCER: important they thought it was for adults to try 380 00:13:30,090 --> 00:13:32,579 PRODUCER: and improve their understanding of what mental 381 00:13:32,580 --> 00:13:35,189 PRODUCER: health issues are like, particularly if you 382 00:13:35,190 --> 00:13:37,319 PRODUCER: didn't go through them yourself. 383 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:39,929 PRODUCER: Where can professionals go to learn more about 384 00:13:39,930 --> 00:13:41,209 PRODUCER: child mental health? 385 00:13:41,210 --> 00:13:43,009 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: There's loads of places to go. 386 00:13:43,010 --> 00:13:44,509 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: The first thing I'd say is if you have a 387 00:13:44,510 --> 00:13:45,849 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: young person who's talking to you about 388 00:13:45,850 --> 00:13:47,209 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: their mental health and talking to you about what's 389 00:13:47,210 --> 00:13:49,129 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: happening, the most important thing you 390 00:13:49,130 --> 00:13:50,509 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: can be is curious. 391 00:13:50,510 --> 00:13:53,059 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: So, while there's lots and lots of 392 00:13:53,060 --> 00:13:54,499 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: information online about what things are like, 393 00:13:54,500 --> 00:13:56,179 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: what different conditions are like, what 394 00:13:56,180 --> 00:13:57,739 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: different mental health conditions can 395 00:13:57,740 --> 00:13:59,105 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: affect people and symptoms around that — people 396 00:14:00,110 --> 00:14:01,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: will have different experiences. 397 00:14:01,430 --> 00:14:03,229 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: They will be going through different things. And 398 00:14:03,230 --> 00:14:05,509 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: actually, really being curious and open 399 00:14:05,510 --> 00:14:07,219 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: and accepting to what a young person is 400 00:14:07,220 --> 00:14:10,099 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: saying to you, without adding anything on 401 00:14:10,100 --> 00:14:11,509 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to it, without trying to minimise or 402 00:14:11,510 --> 00:14:13,969 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: solve it, that will give you a really, 403 00:14:13,970 --> 00:14:15,379 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: really good understanding of what's 404 00:14:15,380 --> 00:14:16,729 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: happening with a young person. It also 405 00:14:16,730 --> 00:14:18,769 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: will show them that you really want to 406 00:14:18,770 --> 00:14:20,929 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: support them, and actually really want to 407 00:14:20,930 --> 00:14:22,999 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: take what they're saying seriously. 408 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:24,859 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: For specific mental health conditions, 409 00:14:24,860 --> 00:14:26,509 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: obviously the NHS website is a really 410 00:14:26,510 --> 00:14:29,029 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: good resource to understand different 411 00:14:29,030 --> 00:14:32,329 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: conditions. The NSPCC website has loads 412 00:14:32,330 --> 00:14:34,429 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: of different information about supporting 413 00:14:34,430 --> 00:14:37,369 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: young people and engaging young people. 414 00:14:37,370 --> 00:14:38,929 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: And as well as that, you can look at the 415 00:14:38,930 --> 00:14:40,639 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Childline website because we have lots of 416 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:43,099 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: child-friendly information about 417 00:14:43,100 --> 00:14:44,749 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: different types of mental health conditions, 418 00:14:44,750 --> 00:14:46,039 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: how they can affect you and how to get 419 00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:47,650 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: support. And that can also be something 420 00:14:47,651 --> 00:14:49,249 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that can be really helpful to look at 421 00:14:49,250 --> 00:14:51,889 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: with a young person, because what we find 422 00:14:51,890 --> 00:14:53,989 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: is seeing what you're going through on 423 00:14:53,990 --> 00:14:55,399 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: screen and seeing what you're going through 424 00:14:55,400 --> 00:14:56,929 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: written in front of you can actually be 425 00:14:56,930 --> 00:14:58,789 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: very validating; because it can show you 426 00:14:58,790 --> 00:15:00,529 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: what you're going through is actually 427 00:15:00,530 --> 00:15:02,059 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: real and it is something that someone 428 00:15:02,060 --> 00:15:03,319 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: else goes through so you're not feeling 429 00:15:03,320 --> 00:15:04,320 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: isolated in it. 430 00:15:05,149 --> 00:15:07,699 PRODUCER: Gawain, we spoke earlier in the podcast about the 431 00:15:07,700 --> 00:15:10,039 PRODUCER: different types of professional support available 432 00:15:10,040 --> 00:15:12,155 PRODUCER: to children experiencing mental health problems. 433 00:15:12,156 --> 00:15:15,139 PRODUCER: We know that, unfortunately, the 434 00:15:15,140 --> 00:15:17,989 PRODUCER: waiting lists for CAMHS and other mental health 435 00:15:17,990 --> 00:15:21,259 PRODUCER: support across the UK are very long. 436 00:15:21,260 --> 00:15:23,419 PRODUCER: The mental health first aid kit can be one way of 437 00:15:23,420 --> 00:15:27,139 PRODUCER: providing a kind of intermediary support whilst 438 00:15:27,140 --> 00:15:29,509 PRODUCER: you wait for access to those services, but what 439 00:15:29,510 --> 00:15:31,879 PRODUCER: other advice would you give to professionals on 440 00:15:31,880 --> 00:15:34,759 PRODUCER: how to best support children who are waiting for 441 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:36,619 PRODUCER: that mental health care? 442 00:15:36,620 --> 00:15:38,119 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Well, the first thing to say is that waiting 443 00:15:38,120 --> 00:15:39,469 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to be assessed is going to be really tough. 444 00:15:39,470 --> 00:15:40,819 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: There's no two ways about it. It's 445 00:15:40,820 --> 00:15:42,499 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: actually— if you're stuck on a waiting 446 00:15:42,500 --> 00:15:43,939 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: list and you're waiting for that support, it's 447 00:15:43,940 --> 00:15:45,769 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: a really difficult time. 448 00:15:45,770 --> 00:15:47,308 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: And I think it's okay to acknowledge to 449 00:15:47,309 --> 00:15:48,709 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: the person you're working with that this 450 00:15:48,710 --> 00:15:50,809 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: is difficult and it's not easy. 451 00:15:50,810 --> 00:15:53,149 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: The next is looking at what local 452 00:15:53,150 --> 00:15:55,159 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: resources are available. So whether 453 00:15:55,160 --> 00:15:57,139 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: that's via the school, via the GP, or 454 00:15:57,140 --> 00:15:58,609 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: even speaking to the CAMHS office 455 00:15:58,610 --> 00:16:00,439 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: themselves, looking at if there is 456 00:16:00,440 --> 00:16:02,299 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: anything that's available for the person 457 00:16:02,300 --> 00:16:04,249 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: to access in that time. 458 00:16:04,250 --> 00:16:06,019 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Lastly, it's then about looking at what 459 00:16:06,020 --> 00:16:07,549 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: community support there is for that young 460 00:16:07,550 --> 00:16:10,309 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: person. So having a trusted adult, having 461 00:16:10,310 --> 00:16:12,199 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: people that they can speak to, who they 462 00:16:12,200 --> 00:16:14,239 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: can engage with, is really, really 463 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:16,519 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: important. And it's really important that 464 00:16:16,520 --> 00:16:18,209 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: a young person isn't feeling isolated and 465 00:16:18,210 --> 00:16:21,049 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: isn't feeling like basically they're 466 00:16:21,050 --> 00:16:22,369 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: waiting for CAMHS and there's nothing they're 467 00:16:22,370 --> 00:16:24,139 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: allowed to do in the meantime. 468 00:16:24,140 --> 00:16:25,609 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: It's also important to remember that 469 00:16:25,610 --> 00:16:27,019 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Childline is there as a resource for 470 00:16:27,020 --> 00:16:29,419 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: young people and we have lots and lots of 471 00:16:29,420 --> 00:16:31,159 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: resources on our website, which is 472 00:16:31,160 --> 00:16:34,249 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: childline.org.uk, that give young people 473 00:16:34,250 --> 00:16:35,779 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: ideas on how to cope, to build 474 00:16:35,780 --> 00:16:38,689 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: resilience, to express themselves. 475 00:16:38,690 --> 00:16:40,279 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: We have the counselling service behind it 476 00:16:40,280 --> 00:16:42,499 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: as well: lots of young people will call 477 00:16:42,500 --> 00:16:43,844 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: us on our number, which a lot of people 478 00:16:43,845 --> 00:16:44,980 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: know, which is 0800 1111. 479 00:16:46,280 --> 00:16:48,409 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: But we also have an online service: young 480 00:16:48,410 --> 00:16:50,449 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: people can speak online via the website, 481 00:16:50,450 --> 00:16:51,949 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: or even just send a message and then one 482 00:16:51,950 --> 00:16:53,929 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: of our counsellors will reply. 483 00:16:53,930 --> 00:16:55,609 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: Then as well as that we have our message 484 00:16:55,610 --> 00:16:57,679 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: boards where lots of young people will 485 00:16:57,680 --> 00:16:59,329 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: talk to each other anonymously and 486 00:16:59,330 --> 00:17:02,359 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: they'll share support and give peer 487 00:17:02,360 --> 00:17:04,129 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: support to each other in a really safe 488 00:17:04,130 --> 00:17:06,318 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: way. So there's lots of resources online 489 00:17:06,319 --> 00:17:07,368 GAWAIN GRIFFITHS: as well. 490 00:17:07,369 --> 00:17:10,338 PRODUCER: Absolutely. And we'll put links to all those 491 00:17:10,339 --> 00:17:12,979 PRODUCER: resources in the podcast shownotes. 492 00:17:12,980 --> 00:17:15,409 PRODUCER: Gawain, thank you so much for talking to me 493 00:17:15,410 --> 00:17:18,529 PRODUCER: today. To conclude the podcast, I asked Alice 494 00:17:18,530 --> 00:17:21,229 PRODUCER: and Douglas about what they think could be useful 495 00:17:21,230 --> 00:17:23,959 PRODUCER: for other young people to include in a mental 496 00:17:23,960 --> 00:17:25,279 PRODUCER: health first aid kit. 497 00:17:26,720 --> 00:17:30,079 DOUGLAS: One of the things that could be useful 498 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:31,715 DOUGLAS: for a mental health first aid kit is hot 499 00:17:33,680 --> 00:17:36,769 DOUGLAS: drinks or something like that, since they can very 500 00:17:36,770 --> 00:17:39,559 DOUGLAS: much have a calming effect on people. 501 00:17:39,560 --> 00:17:42,739 DOUGLAS: And maybe 502 00:17:42,740 --> 00:17:45,460 DOUGLAS: even blankets or something like that to 503 00:17:46,970 --> 00:17:49,350 DOUGLAS: snuggle into, since people like to — when they're 504 00:17:49,351 --> 00:17:52,369 DOUGLAS: anxious or something like that — to 505 00:17:52,370 --> 00:17:55,369 DOUGLAS: snuggle in warm space. 506 00:17:55,370 --> 00:17:58,099 ALICE: What I think might be helpful to include — and 507 00:17:58,100 --> 00:18:01,039 ALICE: obviously it's different for every individual — but 508 00:18:01,040 --> 00:18:04,019 ALICE: I think one of the most helpful things is stress 509 00:18:04,020 --> 00:18:07,159 ALICE: toys because they have been proven to reduce 510 00:18:07,160 --> 00:18:09,289 ALICE: stress and occupy your mind. 511 00:18:09,290 --> 00:18:12,559 ALICE: And I would probably have a 512 00:18:12,560 --> 00:18:15,739 ALICE: contact list of services that you can go 513 00:18:15,740 --> 00:18:18,456 ALICE: to, especially overnight, so you can contact them if 514 00:18:18,457 --> 00:18:20,659 ALICE: you're really struggling in the middle of the night. 515 00:18:20,660 --> 00:18:24,529 ALICE: I would also have a pre-created list 516 00:18:24,530 --> 00:18:27,589 ALICE: that's already pre-approved by a mental health 517 00:18:27,590 --> 00:18:31,250 ALICE: professional with calming strategies 518 00:18:32,390 --> 00:18:35,539 ALICE: to help de-escalate 519 00:18:35,540 --> 00:18:38,809 ALICE: maybe severe anxiety and help focus 520 00:18:38,810 --> 00:18:40,679 ALICE: your mind on other things. 521 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:42,629 PRODUCER: Yeah, absolutely. Some really good suggestions 522 00:18:42,630 --> 00:18:45,629 PRODUCER: there. And thinking about calming strategies, 523 00:18:45,630 --> 00:18:48,389 PRODUCER: I'm really curious if there are any examples of 524 00:18:48,390 --> 00:18:50,789 PRODUCER: calming strategies that either of you have come 525 00:18:50,790 --> 00:18:52,140 PRODUCER: across or have learnt about? 526 00:18:53,430 --> 00:18:54,893 DOUGLAS: Well, I know a couple of calming strategies, such 527 00:18:56,760 --> 00:18:59,159 DOUGLAS: as, if you get anxious or something like that, 528 00:19:00,210 --> 00:19:03,419 DOUGLAS: take slow, deep breaths to 529 00:19:03,420 --> 00:19:06,254 DOUGLAS: catch your breath. That one's a good one. 530 00:19:06,255 --> 00:19:09,046 DOUGLAS: Or to go for a walk, 531 00:19:11,670 --> 00:19:13,390 DOUGLAS: walk about back and forth. 532 00:19:13,391 --> 00:19:15,778 DOUGLAS: They're the only calming strategies that 533 00:19:17,220 --> 00:19:18,269 DOUGLAS: I can remember. 534 00:19:19,530 --> 00:19:21,980 ALICE: Definitely breathing exercises: so, 535 00:19:23,460 --> 00:19:25,139 ALICE: you know, in through your nose, out through your 536 00:19:25,140 --> 00:19:26,140 ALICE: mouth. 537 00:19:27,050 --> 00:19:30,049 ALICE: One thing I heard that is quite useful is I've heard 538 00:19:30,050 --> 00:19:32,749 ALICE: that some people draw their heart rate. 539 00:19:32,750 --> 00:19:36,439 ALICE: So they'll constantly doodle it over and over again, 540 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:40,009 ALICE: and the more they do that and focus in on it, their 541 00:19:40,010 --> 00:19:42,889 ALICE: heart rate will become more manageable and it will 542 00:19:42,890 --> 00:19:44,929 ALICE: calm them down quite a bit. 543 00:19:44,930 --> 00:19:47,239 PRODUCER: A massive thanks to Alice and Douglas there for 544 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:49,669 PRODUCER: providing a young person's perspective on the 545 00:19:49,670 --> 00:19:51,889 PRODUCER: mental health first aid kit. 546 00:19:51,890 --> 00:19:53,839 PRODUCER: If you'd like to learn more about the kit or 547 00:19:53,840 --> 00:19:56,449 PRODUCER: maybe build one with a child you're working with, 548 00:19:56,450 --> 00:19:59,239 PRODUCER: you can find an accessible guide on the Childline 549 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:00,499 PRODUCER: website. 550 00:20:00,500 --> 00:20:02,599 PRODUCER: You'll find links to this page as well as loads 551 00:20:02,600 --> 00:20:05,089 PRODUCER: of other mental health resources in the podcast 552 00:20:05,090 --> 00:20:07,039 PRODUCER: shownotes. Thanks for listening. 553 00:20:11,150 --> 00:20:13,646 OUTRO: Thanks for listening to this NSPCC Learning Podcast. 554 00:20:14,840 --> 00:20:17,719 OUTRO: At the time of recording, this episode's content was 555 00:20:17,720 --> 00:20:20,359 OUTRO: up to date, but the world of safeguarding and child 556 00:20:20,360 --> 00:20:21,360 OUTRO: protection is ever-changing. 557 00:20:22,460 --> 00:20:24,529 OUTRO: So if you're looking for the most current 558 00:20:24,530 --> 00:20:27,229 OUTRO: safeguarding and child protection, training, 559 00:20:27,230 --> 00:20:30,229 OUTRO: information or resources, please visit 560 00:20:30,230 --> 00:20:32,894 OUTRO: our website for professionals at 561 00:20:32,895 --> 00:20:33,895 OUTRO: nspcc.org.uk/learning.