Maybe things have been hard for a while.
Maybe something has changed recently.
Maybe you're worried about your young person but aren't quite sure what's going on.
Or maybe you're the young person reading this and you just know that things don't feel okay right now.
You don't need to have the perfect words.
You don't need to know what kind of support you need.
And you don't need to wait until you're in crisis before asking for help.
You can start here.
Sometimes it's obvious that a young person needs support.
Sometimes it's simply a feeling that something isn't right.
You might be noticing:
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Anxiety or persistent worry
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Low mood or withdrawal
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School avoidance or refusal
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Difficulty with friendships or feeling like they don't belong
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Low confidence or self-esteem
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Family or relationship difficulties
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Emotional overwhelm
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Changes in behaviour
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Self-harm or concerning thoughts
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Alcohol or drug use
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The effects of trauma or difficult life experiences
Or perhaps your young person has simply said:
“I need someone to talk to.”
You don't need to wait until they're in crisis to take that seriously.
Early support matters.
Know a young person who could use a village?
Sometimes it takes one adult to notice.
Teachers. Coaches. Youth workers. Mentors. Community leaders.
Sometimes you're the person who notices that something has changed.
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A young person stops showing up.
Their behaviour changes.
They're withdrawing from friends.
School becomes harder.
They tell you they're struggling.
Or perhaps there's simply something in your gut telling you: this young person could use someone in their corner.
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The Village Youth Foundation welcomes nominations from trusted community members who are concerned about a young person and believe they may benefit from support.
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You don't need to diagnose what's happening. And you don't need to solve it yourself.
Sometimes noticing and helping open the door... is enough.
All it takes is for one adult to notice.
What HAppens after a nomination?
A nomination is a doorway to a conversation, not a decision made for the young person.
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Our team will review the information provided and determine an appropriate next step, including how the young person and their parent or carer should be involved.
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Being nominated does not automatically mean a young person will receive a particular service, and it doesn't replace appropriate consent, assessment, or urgent/crisis support where that is needed.
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The goal is simply to make it easier for young people who may need support to find their way to it.
Urgent Help
The Village Youth Foundation provides early and ongoing mental health and wellbeing support.
It is not an emergency or crisis service.
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If a young person is in immediate danger, at immediate risk of harm, or needs urgent mental health support, please contact emergency or appropriate crisis services.
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Once immediate safety needs have been addressed, we're still here for the ongoing support that follows.
There's a Village For you too
Even if The Village Youth Foundation isn't able to support you directly right now, that doesn't mean you're on your own. There are other parts of our village, and other people ready to help.