Supporting young people during physical activity
As a coach, volunteer or leader, you have an important role in supporting young people’s mental health.
We've been working with young people and coaches. Together we've co-produced resources to help you support young people with their mental health.
How to support young people during physical activity
River, Paddy and Elsa draw on their lived experience to share how to support young people in physical activity.
Resources for supporting young people
Wellbeing activity library
Working with young people and the sector, we’ve created session plans and activities. They’ll help you integrate mental health topics and conversations into your sessions.
If you'd like to showcase any activities, contact [email protected].
Handbook for coaches
We've co-produced a pocket-sized handbook guide for physical activity deliverers. It contains guidance on:
- Mental health problems and symptoms that young people experience.
- Spotting changes in a young person's behaviour, thoughts and feelings.
- How to check-in and start a conversation.
- How to signpost to a range of support options.
- What to do if a young person in an emergency.
- How to look after your own wellbeing and access support.
Email [email protected] if you'd like physical copies of the handbook.
Top tips for supporting young people
Young people from our steering group co-produced the following tips and suggestions.
- Young person focused. Find out what each young person wants to get out of a session. Allow them time to set achievable goals and review them regularly. This can help them reflect on their progress and personal achievements.
- Observe. Observe and listen, before during and after a session, to spot changes in a young person’s behaviour. Focus on their thoughts and feelings.
- Understand. Aim to better understand mental health problems that affect young people. Learn more about key issues young people face. This could be discrimination, body image or the impact of social media.
- Non-judgemental questions. When checking in, avoid closed or intrusive questions. Instead use open, non-judgemental language. For example, “Is there anything you’d like support with, or is there anything I can do to help?”.
- Give encouragement. Don’t force or suggest a particular course of action. Empower the young person to make their own decision. You can signpost them to a range of options they can choose from. For example, “Would you like some more support or can I point you in the direction of some options?”.
- Personalise. Everyone is different and has different experiences of mental health. Put young people first – tailor your sessions to meet their individual needs.
- Engage. Follow up with young people you have offered signposting guidance to. You may not have all the answers but checking-in reminds a young person you’re there.
- Openness. Normalise talking about mental health. Make time to warm up and cool down mentally, as well as physically. For example, get young people thinking about how they’re feeling. You can ask them to describe their feelings in one word or an emoji. Make this optional so they don’t feel pressured.
- Praise. Focus on positive progress. Avoid shaming or comparing young people. Celebrate wins, however small they may be. A young person may have missed a catch but you can praise their positioning, or how they judged where the ball was going.
- Learn. Get feedback. Ask how you can make sessions more welcoming and wellbeing focused. Check how young people would like to be supported. Invite a group to help create or adapt a session plan.
- Enjoyment. Make sessions fun. Adapt activities so every young person can experience the positive impact of physical activity. Focus on enjoyment and how each individual feels.
Wider training and support for coaches
eLearning: Mental health awareness for sport and physical activity +
Important information and links
- Understanding mental health for young people – Information on young people’s mental health and how to look after it.
- Types of mental health problems – Learn about mental health problems and the symptoms that young people may experience.
- Useful contacts for young people – Options of places young people can go to for support or information.
- Hub of Hope - Database with support services in your local area, including community, charity, private and NHS services.
