Youth Mental Health landed on the 24th September 2026 and the theme this year is build your future. Young people often think that a good future is measured in their achievements, successes and career. It’s so much more than that. Your friendships, taking care of your wellbeing, your confidence and sense of self are just as important.
We want every young person to have the tools, opportunities and support to become whoever it is they want to be, now and in the future. It’s not about having a perfect plan but it’s trying to establish; what is important to you, how you want to feel and what kind of life you want to build.
Building your future isn’t a solo task, we all need support sometimes. If you’re a young person aged 11-17, and living in Swansea, Cardiff and the Vale, you can reach out to one of our Hangouts to request support.
Looking after your mental health can help you, cope with challenges and set backs, be more confident, make decisions that feel right for you and build stronger relationships.
Activity One – Write down;
- 5 things you like about yourself
- 5 things you are proud of
- 5 things you want to achieve
- 5 things you love to do
- 5 things you can do if you need help
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips on setting goals for yourself;
- Make a plan, including time frames and steps to take
- Ask a friend/family member to support you
- Consider the why in your goal to help with motivation
- Allow yourself to falter and then start again
Activity two – Meet the future you
- In the future, I want to feel….
- A small step I can take this week….
- The future me would thank me for….
Building your future foundations
Using Step;
Social; Stay connected with people who support you
Thoughts; Manage negative thinking and self-criticism
Emotions; Understand and express how you feel
Physical; Look after your body through sleep, food and activity
We hope this can give you a starting point towards building the future you, understanding what’s important to you, and how to look after your wellbeing.