In this exciting project, participants work in a team to:
- Learn – YMHCs complete a Level 2 qualification accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) and equivalent to a GCSE grades 4–9. Watch this RSPH video to find out how their Young Health Champions make a difference: click here.
- Have a voice – YMHCs have a say in how new local NHS mental health services are designed and mystery shop existing services.
- Make a difference – YMHCs design and deliver positive messages about mental health and wellbeing to their peers and let them know about the local services available.
YMHCs who are over 16 years old can also train as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. This is a two-day course held during the summer holidays and accredited by Mental Health First Aid England. Click here to find out more.
How does the project work?
For the 2023/24 school year, thirty young people have now been recruited. They form two YMHC cohorts, or groups:
- Cohort A: 15–17-year-olds recruited mainly from Bucks College Group
- Cohort B: Year 10 pupils from the two Marlow secondary schools
Each cohort will be attending a total of 11 two-hour sessions, mostly after school/college between February and the end of June 2024.
What is the RSPH qualification?
The RSPH Level 2 Award for Young Health Champions is equivalent to a GCSE at grade 4–9.
This qualification gives participants the tools to help their peers with their mental health. YMHCs learn about emotional wellbeing, what causes people to have healthy or unhealthy behaviours and how to deliver positive health messages. They also find out about local health services so they can tell other young people about them.
The course includes the following units:
- YHC 1 Health Improvement
- YHC 2 Research Health Improvement Services
- YHC 3 Deliver a Health Improvement Message
- YHC 10 Understanding Emotional Wellbeing
Interested in becoming a Young Mental Health Champion?
All the places to take part in the programme have been filled for this school year. However, if you live in Bucks and you think you would like to become a Young Mental Health Champion in the future, please get in touch with us at [email protected]. We’ll keep your details and let you know as soon as we start planning for the next cohort.