Tower Hamlets families encouraged to reach out this Mental Health Awareness Week

Young people across Tower Hamlets are getting the support they need to feel more confident, less alone and more in control of their lives, thanks to a growing service at Bromley by Bow Centre, part of Family Action. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the charity is encouraging anyone who’s struggling to take one small action today, whether that’s starting a conversation, asking for help, or checking in with a friend.

The charity’s Youth Social Prescribing service, funded by the Lovington Foundation, is helping young people aged 16–25 deal with the pressures of everyday life, from anxiety and low mood to big decisions about their future.

Since launching, the service has supported more than 193 young people locally, showing just how high demand is for early, easy-to-access mental health support.

The service is built around what young people say they need most, someone to talk to, practical support, and a safe space where they feel heard.

Support is flexible and informal, with sessions taking place in community spaces, schools or wherever feels comfortable, as well as check-ins by phone and text.

One young woman who used the service said it helped her through a particularly difficult time in her life:

You’re amazing, you’ve done a lot for me. I gained a lot more confidence, a better understanding of my mental wellbeing, and how to regulate my emotions.

With support from the service, she was able to manage a sudden housing crisis and build a plan for a more stable future.

For many young people, the challenges are not just emotional, they’re practical too. Some need help deciding what to do after school or college, while others are dealing with housing or money worries.

By working closely with local schools, GP practices and community organisations, the team is helping more young people get support earlier; before problems grow.