Category: Blog

This festive season, Young Minds Matter (YMM) invites schools and businesses across the UK to put on their best Christmas jumpers and make a real difference! By taking part in Christmas Jumper Day, you’ll not only spread holiday cheer but also help support the vital mental health services we provide for young people in schools across Warwickshire..

Why Join Christmas Jumper Day?

At YMM, we’re committed to ensuring that every young person has access to the mental health support they need. But we can’t do it alone. By wearing a festive jumper and donating just £1 (More if you can), you’ll be contributing to programs that empower young minds, reduce stigma, and create safe spaces for children to thrive emotionally and mentally.

How It Works

1. Pick a Date: While many celebrate Christmas Jumper Day on 12th December, you can choose a date that works best for your school or workplace.
2. Sign Up: Email info@ymm.org.uk to register your school or business and download your fundraising pack.
3. Wear Your Jumper: Encourage everyone to wear their favourite Christmas jumper and bring in their £1 donation.
4. Make a Difference: Every pound raised will go directly toward supporting our initiatives in schools.

Who Can Get Involved?

Whether you’re a school, a small business, or a large corporation, everyone is welcome to participate. This is a simple yet impactful way to bring your community together while supporting a cause that truly matters.

Spread the Word!

Share your jumper day photos on social media and tag us with the hashtag #YMMChristmasJumperDay. Let’s make this festive season one to remember for young minds across the UK!

As the countdown continues, Sue’s excitement—and dedication—are at an all-time high. With only a few days until the Stratford 10K, she’s been squeezing in those crucial final training sessions, even while on holiday in beautiful, sun-soaked Menorca! Balancing relaxation with running, Sue has shown incredible commitment to her goal, never losing sight of why she’s doing it: to make a difference.

And it’s not just Sue hitting the pavement; her daughters, Ella and Lily, are right by her side, helping to train and fundraise. Together, they’ve already raised nearly £2,000—a true testament to the community’s support and the drive to make a positive impact. Their story is one of family, resilience, and the spirit of giving back, qualities that are resonating with friends, family, and supporters alike.

Every contribution counts, and your support will go directly toward a cause close to Sue and her family’s hearts. It’s more than just a run; it’s a journey that brings people together and showcases the power of collective action. Help them cross both the starting line and the fundraising finish line by donating today.

Show your support and cheer them on by making a donation here: [Donate Now!](https://lnkd.in/e6_RuwJe).

Every penny brings them one step closer to their goal.

YMM mentors occupy a very privileged position as adults aligned with but outside the power structures that control young peoples’ lives. This will occasionally give us a perspective not available to others, allowing us to spot dangers before they grow into full-blown crises.

Adolescence is a time of growth for which not every child is ready, so the non-judgmental listening ear of a mentor is often most useful at this point. However, listening non-judgmentally does not mean setting aside curiosity or critical faculties; nor does it mean avoiding the challenging or uncomfortable questions necessary to establish whether there is cause for genuine concern. In my experience, choosing the right words is less important than asking in the right spirit: young people can nearly always sense the difference between genuine concern and voyeurism, and even if they react badly in the moment, they generally respect adults concerned and courageous enough to ask questions avoided by others.

Taking time to ‘contract’ at the start of every engagement with a clear description of the limits to confidentiality, ensures mentors have the latitude to act in the best interests of their mentees. Our aim, where possible, should be to make that what happens next feel like it is being done with them and for them rather than to them.

Our safeguarding policy requires that all incidents and concerns, no matter how seemingly trivial, should be reported. However, except in emergencies, mentors should consult their school’s and YMM’s DSLs when considering further escalation. In most cases the school will be in the best position to lead on this as it will generally have direct relationship with parents and carers. Mentors should expect to be kept informed of how matters have progressed and are encouraged to chase if information on follow-up is not forthcoming.

Safeguarding is a critical responsibility for us all, and the best outcomes are achieved when we all do our bit. YMM’s new policy is currently being reviewed by safeguarding specialists ThirtyOneEight and will be available on our website shortly. In addition, we will be running safeguarding training and ‘fire drills’ through this autumn to ensure everyone is clear on the processes by which concerns are raised and escalated.

Being a mentor can be a demanding role, so we provide our mentors with one-to-one monthly sessions with a registered BACP-accredited practitioner. These sessions help them not only to develop their skills and deliver a better service to schools, but also to prioritise their own mental health. This support is making a real difference in helping our mentors manage the pressures of their work.

Last week, two of our team members, George and Eliza, spent a morning at Notting Hill & Ealing High School GDST, where Eliza works. They held a workshop specifically tailored for a vibrant group of Year 7 students, aiming to inspire and educate them all about the world of charity and YMM.

The session kicked off with an engaging presentation where George and Eliza shared the story behind YMM, detailing how it came to be and the significant impact it has had on young people. They also highlighted the different ways young people can get involved in charity work, emphasising the power and potential of youth-driven initiatives.

Following the presentation, the workshop transitioned into a series of interactive activities. The first task involved students brainstorming the qualities that make an effective mentor. This exercise got the students thinking critically about leadership and support.

Next, the students took on the role of ambassadors for YMM. They penned heartfelt letters to businesses, sharing information about YMM and advocating for support. This activity was designed to develop their communication skills and encourage them to think about how they can engage with their community to foster positive change.

The final task was a creative one: the students came up with their own motivational quotes. These quotes, bursting with optimism and creativity, will soon be featured on our social media channels. Keep an eye out for these inspiring words.

The entire morning was a testament to the enthusiasm and potential of these young students. Their energy, ideas, and willingness to participate were truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful to the students for their enthusiasm.