Somerset Young People’s Voice

Social media has become a large part of our lives. It can be a great place for entertainment, talking with friends & cat pics, but it can also have a negative impact on our mental health & wellbeing.

In this guide we look at how you can have a healthier time on social media.

Our Deputy Member of Youth Parliament Josh Lancaster has recently finished his exams and is looking forward to going to university in September. But, this whole period leading up to university can be incredibly stressful. From waiting to find out if you’ve got the right grades to worrying about finances, as well as all of the pressures of planning and preparing. In this article Josh reflects on the often-unseen pressures and anxieties of preparing to go to university, especially for those Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

For more info visit: https://somersetyouthparliament.org.uk/joshs-update-exam-results-and-student-finance/ or click on the link in our bio.

The July Somerset Youth Parliament meeting was a packed session, where the advisory group looked at a whole host of different topics and welcomed some new members. Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), Emma Brown recounts what happened during the meeting.

To find out more, visit: https://somersetyouthparliament.org.uk/julys-youth-parliament-meeting/ or click on the link in our bio.

On the 20th July 1969 Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon, the culmination of hundreds of people’s hard work, successes and learnings from failures. Proving that when we put our minds to it, we can achieve anything. This aim for the moon.

Worrying and overthinking are a part of our day, but for some of us it can take over our lives.

Today we give you a few tips on how to manage your worries and overthinking.

The summer break marks the end of the academic year, giving children and young people a respite before the new term. But for some, the summer break can also be a gateway to alcohol and drug abuse.

But why do young people use alcohol or drugs? How can you talk to them about it? What resources and services are available?

Follow this link for an information pack: www.cypsomersethealth.org/resources/Mental_Health/Summer_Break_FINAL.pdf

This , look at the your single use plastic waste and look for sustainable alternatives.

With reusable tote bags, reusable bamboo or agave straws, reusable travel coffee cups or sports bottles, there's always something that you can do.

Youth Hubs Open in Bridgwater & Taunton!

Offering advice, support, and a safe space for young people.

📍 Bridgwater: Coffee #1, Fri 4-6pm
📍 Taunton: McDonalds, Sat 3-5pm

Let's continue to keep our town centres safe!

Last month, MYP James Lawson attended the Restore Nature Now march in London. James is an advocate for the environmental issues, and is working hard on these topics with his campaign Young People and the Fragile Environment.

For more information: https://somersetyouthparliament.org.uk/james-update-restore-nature-now-march/

In this post we look at anxiety, what it is and some tips to hopefully help manage it.

is a day dedicated to equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

There are lots of useful resources for young people in Somerset. Visit the Somerset Council Employment and Skills page for more information: www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/employment-and-skills/

Modern life can be incredibly complicated, with so much going on and so much to overwhelm. This let's look at some ways to simplify our lives.

Every one of us can have bouts of loneliness from time to time. Loneliness can hit when you're on your own and even when you're around others.

This , we look at how you can beat loneliness.

Stress can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health. Let’s look at some ways in which you can de-stress.

It’s a word that’s used a lot and often out of context. But Gaslighting is a serious thing, today, we’re looking at what gaslighting is, what it sounds like & what you can do if you’re a victim of gaslighting.

But there are places where you can get help https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

I think of six impossible things before breakfast! Grab yourself a cup of tea, and let's make the impossible possible.

Today is the General Election, but what is it?

Check out this Children's Commissioner for England guide to the elections, what happens after, what MPs do.

For more information visit: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/what-is-a-general-election-a-resource-for-children-and-young-people/ or click the link in our bio

Plastic bags have become a huge ecological problem. This we're looking at the issues and alternatives to plastic bags.

Did you know that talking to others can help your mental health and wellbeing?

This , we give you some tips on how you can start meaningful conversation.

Let’s give a heartfelt shout-out to all the incredible carers and care providers in Somerset! Your unwavering dedication and compassion make a massive difference.

🌼 Do you have heart-warming stories about carers in Somerset? Perhaps you know a carer who deserves a shout out for all the work they do! Share your stories or tag them in the comments below. 👇

Let’s celebrate their kindness and resilience together. 💙

In Mar Youth Forum looked at safety in schools and especially the topic of bullying. This was a really emotive and important subject, with our young people sharing their and their friends’ experiences and how well they feel our schools and colleges manage bullying.

The carousel of images on this post collect just some of the things addressed in the session. These findings have been shared with board members and will shape services across Somerset.

We’re always looking to welcome new members to Youth Forum, so if you are or you know a young person who’d like to have their voice heard and shape services in Somerset, fill in our Expression of Interest form here: https://forms.office.com/e/BvRrssv2JG or click on the link in our bio.

If you have been impacted by anything in this post, please do reach out to one of the amazing organisations that work to eliminate bullying:
- Anti-Bullying Alliance - https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/advice-and-support
- The National Bullying Helpline - https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/
- NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/
- Shout - https://giveusashout.org/get-help/issues/bullying/

Are you worried about the things that you see in the news and on social media?

If you are struggling because of the news, there are things that you can do.