Young people today are facing unique challenges, from online social pressures and economic uncertainty to the long-term effects of global crises.

On this #BlueMonday, we’re highlighting how churches, community groups, and charities can play a vital role in creating safe, supportive spaces for them to thrive.

YMCA Ireland is focused on just this by working to create a world where young people, their families, and communities flourish in body, mind, and spirit. With support from Benefact Trust funding, YMCA Ireland are delivering a volunteer-led chaplaincy service, providing pastoral care and spiritual direction for staff, volunteers, young people, and families across Ireland.

In 2023, Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, publishing finding which reported that in Northern Ireland 45.2% of young people have probable mental ill-health and that the wellbeing of 11-year-olds in Northern Ireland has declined to it’s lowest ebb since 2016.

In response to the report, YMCA Ireland has redoubled their efforts to create balance in the life of the young person and provide a place to explore their identity and skills in a holistic way. The Chaplaincy Project is at the heart of this mission.

Chaplaincy Coordinator, Alex Bartholomew provides for top tips for any church or community based organisation to consider in their approach to young people and mental health:

1. Remove financial barriers and create as much access as possible to your programmes. It is important that we recognise and address the structural factors that cause poor mental health, including financial stress at home and how financial inequalities create barriers to opportunities.

2. Go above and beyond to create spaces where young people feel free to be themselves, develop new social connections and talk openly and freely. Social connections are protective, and communication is an important element of coping and problem solving. It is so important for young people to have a safe environment where they can connect with their friends in a space that is non-judgemental.

3. Where possible, get to know the entire family. Hardship and challenges faced in the family almost inevitably means stress for the young person. Support for the family is support for the young person.

4. Value the whole person, not just their academic life. Help your young people see the gifts and strengths they possess which are always awarded in traditional education settings. Are they a good friend, an encourager, an advocate for others? Exploring identity in a holistic way is crucial in developing positive self-esteem and allows the young person to think about their value apart from their academic achievements.

“YMCA Ireland’s efforts to support the mental health of young people using early intervention and prevention approaches are proven to work to reduce the burden of suffering.

It is necessary that our society address poverty and inequality as well as priorities children’s wellbeing and development, so that future generations can enjoy good mental health, achieve their goals and flourish.” 

The Office of the Mental Health Champion in Northern Ireland

YMCA Ireland is working to create a world where young people, their families and communities flourish in body, mind and spirit. Through the Chaplaincy Project, supported by Benefact Trust funding, they’re delivering a volunteer-led chaplaincy service. Providing pastoral care and spiritual direction for staff, volunteers and service users.

Learn more about our Chaplaincy programme here.