This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme “Communities That Care” reflects what we strive for at Jamie’s Farm. We believe that when young people are surrounded by connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging, their wellbeing flourishes. Schools, working alongside initiatives like ours, are vital in cultivating these supportive environments where every young person feels truly seen, heard, and valued.
Many young people arrive at Jamie’s Farm carrying a weight of disconnection – perhaps feeling disconnected from their educational settings, among their peers, or even within themselves. The positive shift they experience often comes from being welcomed into a caring, consistent, and respectful community that actively empowers them to reconnect.
Hearing directly from our Youth Champions and previous Ambassaors, Kotryna and Ollie, highlights the importance of this:
Kotryna, 18: “The UK mental health crisis, especially for young people, feels overwhelming, and the stigma can make it even harder. Jamie’s Farm has been a place where I’ve felt supported and understood in ways that other systems sometimes can’t.” Kotryna’s experience resonates with data from organisations like YoungMinds, which consistently show the increasing mental health challenges faced by young people and the significant barriers to accessing the help they need. The stigma she mentions creates further isolation for many.
Ollie, 18: “Sometimes, it feels like adults don’t always take young people’s mental health seriously. As a young man, showing emotions wasn’t really encouraged. Being at Jamie’s Farm has shown me that there are adults who genuinely want to hear what we have to say, and that’s made a real difference in how I feel.” Ollie’s words shed light on the societal pressures that can silence young people, particularly young men, and underscore the power of feeling truly heard.
Their voices remind us of a fundamental truth we witness time and again: often, what young people need most isn’t a complex solution, but genuine care, consistent support, and spaces where they feel truly validated and listened to without judgment.
Exploring Ways to Nurture Wellbeing in School Communities:
Many of the approaches that create positive change at Jamie’s Farm can inspire and inform how we support young people within school environments:
1. Finding Purpose Together
At the farm, entrusting young people with meaningful responsibilities – like caring for animals or contributing to meals – fosters a sense of agency and worth. This connects with the idea of eudaimonic wellbeing, where finding meaning and purpose plays a key role in positive mental health and resilience. Research indicates that a strong sense of purpose is a significant protective factor for adolescent mental health.
In Schools: Consider how staff can support students in finding their purpose through:
- Meaningful Roles: Offering students opportunities to contribute to the school community in tangible ways, like peer support roles or leading initiatives.
- Connecting Learning to Impact: Engaging students in projects that address real-world issues and allow them to see the difference their efforts make.
- Shared Leadership: Creating opportunities for students to take ownership and contribute to the direction of their learning or school activities.
2. Building a Sense of Belonging
The shared experiences and rituals at the farm, like communal mealtimes and working together, create a powerful sense of connection. For many young people, this fosters a feeling of belonging they may not have experienced before. Strong social connections are a cornerstone of good mental health and can significantly reduce the risk of mental health difficulties.
In Schools: Think about how staff can nurture belonging through:
- Intentional Connection: Making an effort to connect with students individually, acknowledging their presence and efforts.
- Inclusive Environments: Cultivating classroom and school cultures that celebrate diversity and actively challenge exclusion.
- Opportunities for Connection: Creating structured and informal moments for students to connect with each other and with staff.
3. Creating Space for Reflection
The rhythm of the farm includes built-in time to pause and reflect, supporting emotional processing and growth. This practice helps develop emotional literacy and resilience, key skills for navigating challenges.
In Schools: Even with busy schedules, consider how moments of reflection can be integrated:
- Brief Check-Ins: Starting lessons with a moment for students to connect with their feelings or intentions.
- Guiding Self-Reflection: Providing prompts that encourage students to explore their thoughts and experiences.
- Quiet Moments: Incorporating short mindfulness exercises or moments of stillness into the school day.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s take a moment to reflect together on our school communities:
- Where can we create more opportunities for young people to feel a sense of purpose and contribution?
- How can we ensure that every young person in our community feels a strong sense of belonging and connection?
- Are there ways we can weave in more space for meaningful reflection and emotional processing?
We are so grateful to our Youth Champions for bravely sharing their experiences and offering valuable insights into the power of caring communities. Let their voices inspire us as we continue our shared journey in supporting the well-being of all young people, this week and always.
Explore more ways to support mental health through Cultivating Change
Catch up on our 2022 webinar where a panel of experts explores the youth mental health crisis — and what schools can do to make a difference.
Explore the Cultivating Change portal for access to webinars, articles, practical tools, and a supportive community grounded in the Jamie’s Farm approach. This digital hub is designed to help teaching staff and youth professionals deepen their understanding of the developing brain and strengthen the connections that matter most.
