In this episode, expert guest, Beth Francis, talks to Clare about how mental health and trauma needs can show in young people’s behaviours.
Beth is the Children and Young People Community Manager for the Response organisation in Oxfordshire, managing two projects for young people struggling with their mental health. One of these projects is the Mental Wealth Academy. This service offers 1:1 support to young people who are in the transition from children’s to adults’ mental health services.
Beth has a background working in schools for Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs and children’s homes, using Team Teach strategies to support young people who present their mental health struggles and trauma experiences through behaviour.
Beth recommends a book called ‘The Simple Guide to Child Trauma: what it is and how to help’ by Betsy De Thierry.
The three top tips Beth shares with us in the episode are:
1. Be as non-judgemental as possible. This supports a young person to feel unconditional love, be able to open up, and feel accepted. It also allows young people to not feel the need to hide their emotions, which could lead to more damaging coping strategies.
2. Understand that you can’t help the young person all on your own. Ask for help and help your young person to access community-based support.
3. Recognise that supporting a young person with trauma or mental health needs is difficult on YOU as well. It’s okay to take time for yourself and look for support for yourself. It’s hard to support someone when your own tank is empty. You are just as important.
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