Young people in Leicester have launched a social media campaign to support the mental wellbeing of their peers during the COVID-19 lockdown. Our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) has been sharing short video clips highlighting a range of #TenSecondTips – simple actions to help young people feel better during this unprecedented period.

The YAB (pictured below before social distancing regulations) was set up by LPT in November 2019 with support from Leicester City Council’s Youth Involvement Team. It comprises young peer supporters from LPT’s child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) as well as representatives from the City Youth Council. The group’s initial priority was to progress the recommendations from the Generation Select report into mental health services across Leicester. However, with the group now unable to physically meet due to the COVID-19 situation, they were anxious not to lose momentum. The #TenSecondTips campaign is one way of ensuring they continue to connect with young people locally.

The daily tips, which range from learning a new skill, to self-care, exercise and meditation, (view a selection here) are provided not just by the young people themselves, but also by CAMHS clinicians and youth workers. The clips have had close to 5,000 views so far.

YAB member Hanniya Kamran said: “This is a great campaign to be involved in. It’s helping to connect people during this time of social isolation, and spread positivity while providing valuable information and tips for anyone who is struggling. I’m hoping more people join in and post their own #TenSecondTips– all you need is a phone and a minute to share how you are staying positive and maintaining good mental health.”

Bez Martin, participation youth worker from Leicester City Council and Emily Robertshaw, a governance manager for patient involvement and experience at LPT, run the YAB together.

Bez said: “We are living in unprecedented times, which are both worrying and scary for young people. Being able to support the YAB members to use their voices and their platform to support others is so rewarding.

Emily added: “The board members have worked incredibly hard on the #TenSecondTips campaign, and we are very proud of the difference they are making.”