Across 2019 and 2020, Young People’s Laureate for London Theresa Lola led two campaigns focussing on young people’s mental health.

According to mental health charity YoungMinds, one in eight children has a diagnosable mental health condition and many more go through times when they struggle to cope. During the coronavirus pandemic 80% of young people with a history of mental ill-health found their conditions worsened. The pandemic brought with it severe disruptions to young people’s routines, a sense of social isolation, and prevented some young people from accessing their regular mental health support.

These campaigns encouraged young people to use poetry to share their positive mental health experiences; and to find solidarity in the stories of others.

The campaigns included online writing prompts, workshops and a sharing event at the Royal Academy. They received over 100 submissions from young people, and received coverage on BBC London Radio, BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, and in Positive News.

#MyMentalHealthJourney was supported by Bureau, YoungMinds and the Royal Academy.

Page thumbnail illustration credit: Olivia Twist