Mental Health GuidesA-Z legal terms for young people
A guide for parents, carers and young people going through the youth justice sector and are need some guidance on the terms and the rights of your child.
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The Magazine
Everything we've gathered, in one place.
A jumbled, magazine-style snapshot of the pathways, support services, mental health guides, and media across the hub — fresh every visit.
Mental Health Guides
VolunteeringYoungMinds — Volunteering and Youth Voice
Are you passionate about youth mental health and advocating for yourself and others in our society today? If so, YOUNG MINDS has several initiatives that you can explore. Such as 1. Joining their Youth Panel, which is about the 'behind the scenes' of the charity. Here, young people discuss the big picture questions about YoungMinds as an organisation, like who we are, where we are going, or what we should do 2. Writing for YoungMinds. Here, volunteers improve their writing and communication skills and share their stories and personal experiences to support other young people with their mental health. Join our Writers Programme and hone in your creative writing skills with others. 3. Become a Youth Advisor and work alongside our staff to make sure everything we do is done in partnership with young people. As a Youth Advisor, champion youth voice and advocate for meaningful participation in our work.
ScholarshipsCowrie Scholarship Foundation
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation's full scholarships for talented, disadvantaged, Black British undergraduates are available at our UK partner universities. Applications are via the university once a place has been offered. Applicants must attain the A-level (or equivalent) entry requirements for their offer and will need to prove financial need.
Creative pathwaysCreative Access — Thrive Programme
Thrive is a 12-month career development programme of training, networking and support especially designed for individuals that are under-represented in the creative industries as they progress in their career. Participants can expect to: • Develop a leadership mindset • Increase influence • Build resilience • Develop new skills for career progression • Increase confidence to advocate for new work opportunities, equal access to training, pay rises & promotions • Build contacts & working relationships across & within creative sectors • Take strides to achieve career objectives
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Career guidanceNational Careers Service
Welcome to the National Careers Service We provide careers information, advice and guidance. We can help you make decisions at all stages in your career. Take a skills assessment Answer questions about your interests and see some careers that might suit you. Explore careers Browse hundreds of job profiles to discover what different roles involve. Find a course Search for online and classroom courses near you to develop your skills.
Mental Health GuidesCurious about Grammar school admissions?
All state grammar schools admit pupils according to academic ability. Children who want to attend sit the 11-plus (or transfer test) in year 6, but knowing how to apply for grammar schools and navigate the admissions process is key
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Online SafetyRipple, Suicide Prevention Software
Support your child in their most vulnerable moments online. Ripple BrowserShield helps keep your child safe when they search online. It identifies high-risk searches linked to self-harm and suicide and gently intercepts them, guiding your child towards free mental health support. Private and secure by design. Free and ready to install today on browsers for your children.
Mental Health GuidesDealing with grief and loss
Grief is our natural response to losing someone or something important to us. It affects everyone differently, and there is no set timeline for how long it lasts. Children and young people often experience grief differently over time, especially as they grow and develop their understanding of what's happened.
Mental Health GuidesSelf-esteem and believing in yourself
Self-esteem is how you think and feel about yourself. It can change over time and affect your confidence in different areas of life. Our guide can help you understand it and find ways to believe in who you are.
Mental Health & Self-HarmMind, the mental health charity
We're Mind. We understand mental health and wellbeing. We're here for you if you're finding things hard. We help everyone understand mental health problems, so no one has to feel alone. Find your local Mind, where the following support can be found:
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Mental Health GuidesLooking for the basics about mental health and emotional development?
If so, start here.
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Mental Health GuidesParents: Do we really listen?
Do we?? Do we listen to our children? And if we don't, what problems have we seen that cause when other things are not in place in the home and society?
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Self-development programmesMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), free online courses
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — a coeducational, privately endowed research university founded in 1861 — is dedicated to advancing knowledge and educating students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century. Learn more about MIT. MITx Courses MITx courses embody the inventiveness, openness, rigor and quality that are hallmarks of MIT. Follow the link below and browse free online courses in a variety of subjects. Massachusetts Institute of Technology courses found below can be audited for free, or students can choose to receive a verified certificate for a small fee. Select a course to learn more.
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Youth Activities, Sport and MusicYOU West Midlands, Cadets, Scouts and more
YOU West Midlands exists to give young people amazing opportunities to develop themselves – gaining exciting new skills, working in a team, building confidence – in an environment packed with fun, action and adventure. You can play sport, travel both at home and abroad, camp, help out in your community plus take part in the specific activity of your chosen organisation - giving tens of thousands of young people of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton the time of their lives. Here are the list of the 11 organisations anyone under 18 can join. • Army Cadet Force • Boys Brigade • Combined Cadet Force • Fire Cadets • Girlguiding • Girls' Brigade • RAF Air Cadets • Scouts • Sea Cadet Corps • St John Ambulance • Volunteer Police Cadets
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Creative pathwaysYoung Poetry Network
Young Poets Network is The Poetry Society's online platform for young poets up to the age of 25. Here you'll find features about poets and poetry, challenges and competitions to inspire your own writing, new writing from young poets, and advice and guidance from the rising and established stars of the poetry scene. Did you know that there are Young Poet LAUREATE awards in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Stafford and other regions? Check out the Young Poets Network for more info.
VolunteeringThe Mighty Roar, Zimbabwe
A major projects volunteering platform. On The Mighty Roar, users can find all types of projects to experience first hand across the world, including Zimbabwe. Imagine hands on work with endangered species in their sanctuary with other 17 year olds? Imagine days tending to Rhinos and Elephants. Imagine horse riding experiences, that ends with nightly braais and fire, music and warm nights. These are paid experiences. But for those that can, they are experiences that can transform a young person's worldview.
Youth Criminal Justice SupportYouth Justice Legal Centre (YJLC)
YJLC is the centre of excellence and innovation in youth justice law in England & Wales. We are specialist youth justice lawyers. We exist for professionals to help get the best possible outcomes and experiences for children and young people in contact with the criminal legal system. One of our areas of support is an advice line run by youth justice specialist lawyers, where we provide advice and support to youth justice services, lawyers, and children.
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Family Advice & Suicide PreventionSuicide Prevention UK
At Suicide Prevention UK, we are here for you — every single day. No matter how heavy things feel, no matter how lost or alone you may be, you do not have to face it on your own. Whether you need support for yourself or for someone you care about, we will stand beside you and help guide you through the darkest moments. You can find the 24/7 support number on 0800 587 0800.
Mental Health GuidesHow to talk to older generations about mental health
One of the biggest challenges facing young people is how to talk about mental health with older generations. You're not alone. But support is out there.
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Self-development programmesThe Mix — self-paced learning for under 25s
Welcome to LifeSkills - The Mix's self-paced learning courses co-produced with the Harry Kane Foundation. No pressure, no deadlines. Just practical support you can explore in your own time, in a way that's simple, clear and genuinely helpful. Watch here the videos produced by The Mix in the past
Youth Activities, Sport and MusicThe Way Youth Zone
At The Way Youth Zone, we're on a mission to empower young people in Wolverhampton by providing them with a safe, inspiring space to explore their potential, build resilience, and develop life skills. This includes a Seniors group (13–18yrs (up to 25 with additional needs)), which runs the following activities every Wednesday and Friday 4–9pm:
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Youth Criminal Justice SupportCatch22
For over 200 years, Catch22 has designed and delivered services that build resilience and aspiration in people and communities. Today, Catch22 not only offers a national directory of services, but directly offers a wide array of support across several areas, such as:
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Knife Crime Prevention & SupportFearless
Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously.
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Mental Health GuidesParents’ and Carers’ Guide: Let’s talk about life online
Advice and conversation starters for parents and carers to support their child to stay safe online.
MediaBritish Pathé, Online Film Archive
Enjoy archival footage of Zimbabwe and its colonial era from as far back as the 1920s by British Pathé, the premier news and reporting film archive in Britain. What do you see? Have we changed?
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Mental Health & Self-HarmThe Mix, essential support for under 25s
Find Life Skills courses, talk to someone who gets it - talk one-to-one with a trained peer supporter who'll listen without judgement, or join a supportive group, or get one-to-one counselling. Work through whatever you're going through. Find out more.
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VolunteeringThe British Red Cross, International Youth Volunteering Programme
The International Youth Volunteering Programme (IYVP) is a free overseas volunteering exchange for 18-25 year olds, led by the British Red Cross and funded by the Welsh Government's scheme, Taith. Together, we build inter-cultural connections, foster personal development among volunteers and enact positive, meaningful change, all at no cost to our volunteers. As an IYVP volunteer, you can find yourself: • Supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants • Supporting other vulnerable groups e.g., assisting in a women's refuge • Teaching first aid to vulnerable community groups and young people • Helping children and young people with disabilities
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Mental Health GuidesWhat is Shyness?
Sometimes we forget to explore the basic. What is shyness?
Mental Health & Self-HarmSandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation, KUUMBA
Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation provides a range of culturally responsive services for people of African and Caribbean descent who are affected by mental health challenges, and the wider community promoting sustainable recovery and wellbeing. A popular service is their Men's Groups for anyone over 16 years old. Another popular service is their One-to-One and Family Counselling.
Mental Health & Self-HarmMoodswings, Providing Unique Support for Unique Minds (Manchester)
Moodswings is an innovative mental health recovery organisation targeted mainly for young people. The organisation aims to create a safe space for its work and are physically based in Manchester, but also open to those nationwide. Some of the services Moodswings offers include:
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ScholarshipsStormzy Cambridge University Scholarship
The Stormzy Scholarship was launched in 2018. It has provided financial support to over 50 Black UK students helping to transform their University experience. For 2025-26, the total award to each student for the year will be £20,000.
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Creative pathwaysSpark Young Writers
Spark Young Writers facilitates creative writing groups, online writing ideas, quarterly online magazine and other opportunities for writers aged 8-18 in the West Midlands. Find the right group for you or your child and get them growing as a writer in: • Birmingham • Coventry • Kidderminster • Shrewsbury • Stafford • Wolverhampton
Mental Health GuidesNot sure where to start when it comes to mental health for young people?
If so, start here.
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Mental Health & Self-HarmHarmless, the centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention
We are a user-led organisation providing a range of services about self harm and suicide including support, information, training and consultancy to people in need, their friends and families, and professionals. Suicide prevention and suicide bereavement services are delivered through our sister service The Tomorrow Project. Drop in support is available in Leicester, Nottingham, and Gloucester.
Family Advice & Suicide PreventionPAPYRUS, Prevention of Young Suicide
Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide, also known as Papyrus UK, is a British charity which aims to reduce the number of suicides among young people. It was founded in 1997 by a group of parents whose children had taken their own lives. Some of the services the organisation now offers include:
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Learning Disabilities & Challenging BehaviourThe Challenging Behaviour Foundation
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation (The CBF) is a registered charity that was founded in 1997 by Vivien Cooper OBE, the parent of a child with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges. We are the only charity focussed specifically on children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges. We provide practical information for families and professionals about understanding and supporting children, young people and adults whose behaviour challenges. Our Family Support Workers can offer individual support and information over the phone and by email. We also offer peer-to-peer support through our Carers' Catch-Ups, and email networks for family carers and for professionals.
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Self-development programmesThe King's Trust's, Business and skills development programs
Get free support as an 18-30 year old to develop the skills and confidence you need to find a job or start a business. Funded by the King, follow the website and see what programmes in the following areas and more that might be taking place near your area. • Administration • Budgeting • Business start up planning • Coding • Confidence • Goal setting • Logistics • Marketing • Sales • Paying taxes
Mental Health & Self-HarmBase25, Wolverhampton, Wellbeing Hub
Our Wellbeing Hub provides a safe space that any young person under the age of 25 can access without a referral. Simply sign in at Base 25 reception and a worker will guide you to the hub, located on the ground floor next to our café, charity shop and courtyard garden. The Wellbeing Hub offers a welcoming space for young people to seek advice and guidance on wellbeing, provides emotional support and promotes resilience in a supportive community environment. Structured group work sessions also take place. Our Wellbeing Hub is open at the following times: Monday – 4pm to 8pm Wednesday – 4pm to 8pm Friday – 9am to 12pm Saturday – 12pm to 4pm
Internships10,000 Interns Foundation
ARE YOU over 18, Black or of Black heritage (including mixed heritage), AND currently studying at a UK university or recently graduated from a UK university within the last three years? If so: • APPLY TO 10,000 Interns. • Choose up to three workstreams of interest and submit your application, including a tailored cover letter for each and one CV. • You'll be matched with organisations that align with your chosen workstreams. • Successful candidates will then begin their paid six-week (minimum) internships over the summer, earning at least Real Living Wage.
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Mental Health GuidesDon't lose hope: There's always help
One in four young people may experience thoughts of suicide at any one time – that's a lot of people. Anyone can feel suicidal and it can be for any reason. Don't hold it in. FIND HELP
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Mental Health GuidesLooking after yourself at uni
University can be exciting, but it can also feel stressful, overwhelming or lonely at times. Our guide can help you look after your mental health and find support throughout your student journey.
Mental Health GuidesWhat is CBT? And can it help my son avoid the youth criminal justice system?
Have you heard about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), but not understood how it might help young adults at risk of entering the youth criminal justice system?
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Knife Crime Prevention & SupportFAZAMNESTY
FAZAMNESTY is a grassroots community group focused on supporting and protecting vulnerable people. We run mentoring programs, do street patrols, and collect weapons to help reduce crime and make our neighbourhoods safer. Alongside free accessible programs to educate youths and families at all levels, one of the most innovative aspects of the organisation are its safe and private knife collection services. Do know someone ready to be free from their knife, or have already confiscated one that you want to personally and privately hand in?
Creative pathwaysMoMa catalogue of Children's art competitions
MoMa, which stands for Museum of Many Arts, is an independent platform developed for those looking to buy art online or seeking info on selling your work or art competition dates. Among its competition catalogues is one centred on children and young people.
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MediaMade in ZWE
The definitive playlist of new music by Zimbabwean artists worldwide! Updated weekly, Made in Zwe offers a meticulously curated snapshot of our music culture right now — from the hottest hits to undiscovered gems, all Zimbabwean, all around the world.
Youth Activities, Sport and MusicWolverhampton Arts Centre
Welcome to the Wolverhampton Arts Centre (formerly Newhampton Arts Centre), a creative venue in the heart of Wolverhampton that nurtures new talent and new ideas. We have a wide range of facilities and offers opportunities to enjoy and engage in the arts. As a creative hub, it supports thirty resident organisations. The arts centre is a registered charity and is accessible and open to everyone. For young people specifically, Wolverhampton Arts Centre offers the following activities and much more:
Self-development programmesDo It Now Now — Black and Good initiative for Entrepreneurs
For aspiring and active Black business people. Black and Good is an entrepreneurship community for the next generation of Black tech and social enterprise innovators. Our mandate for Black and Good is to support Black entrepreneurs and help them raise their tech adoption, business skills and profitability.
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Mental Health GuidesUnderstanding Challenging Behaviour in children and young adults with SEND: Part 1
Read for an introduction to why children with learning may display challenging behaviour, and what you can do about it.
MentoringCreative Access — Thrive Programme
Thrive is a 12-month career development programme of training, networking and support especially designed for individuals that are under-represented in the creative industries as they progress in their career. Participants can expect to: • Develop a leadership mindset • Increase influence • Build resilience • Develop new skills for career progression • Increase confidence to advocate for new work opportunities, equal access to training, pay rises & promotions • Build contacts & working relationships across & within creative sectors • Take strides to achieve career objectives
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Youth Criminal Justice SupportGov.uk, youth criminal justice services directory
Find here contact details for public youth criminal services across England and Wales below.
Youth Activities, Sport and MusicBeatsabar Music Project
Offering a studio, access to producers, independent rehearsal spaces, community projects and events, Beatsabar Music Project is one of the most active organisations developing youth creatives in Wolverhampton. Based just off New Hampton road in Wolverhampton, Beatsabar one to watch, follow and contact if you know someone who has a gift in music and needs some direction.
Mental Health GuidesParents A-Z mental health guide
Everything a parent needs today to understand some of the terms and nuance of mental health for young people.
ScholarshipsThe Stephen Lawrence Architecture Scholarship Fund
The Stephen Lawrence Architecture Scholarship Fund will be launching to honour Stephen's legacy by supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds to enter and thrive within the architectural profession. This fund will be specifically housed and managed by the Foundation, through financial assistance, mentorship from leading architects, and access to practical experiences, this fund will provide the tools and opportunities needed to turn ambition into achievement, and to ensure that the world of architecture reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Men's wellbeing & Afro-Caribbean spacesSandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation, KUUMBA
Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation provides a range of culturally responsive services for people of African and Caribbean descent who are affected by mental health challenges, and the wider community promoting sustainable recovery and wellbeing. A popular service is their Men's Groups for anyone over 16 years old. Another popular service is their One-to-One and Family Counselling.