Some children walk around with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

That’s why we are launching ‘The Heaviest Backpack’ to show that these burdens can weigh children down and follow them everywhere.

Find out more at bbc.co.uk/cin 💛

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

What's everyone's top tip to support their mental health?
Mine is going for a speedy climb - a nice perk of working in Youth Zones!
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Let's all get active for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek which is about movement for mental health. Activities in Youth Zones, like sport and dance, are part of why attending an OnSide Youth Zone leads to a 15% improvement in young people's mental health

Welcome news about the Mayor's continuing investment in youth work. I hope more emphasis is placed on tackling the root causes of youth violence like through investing in universal youth work

A no doubt pointless plea to journalists - please stop creating false division between those warning about putting smart phones in the hands of our kids. Jonathan Haidt and Sonia Livingstone are aligned on 90% of their views
ft.com/content/c12277…

Beyond delighted at this support from Postcode Lottery for our work for young people.

It's an exciting day for young people in Barnsley as we break ground for the development of a new Youth Zone. A big thank you to everyone who's made this happen

📢 We call for stronger partnerships between youth and education sectors to enrich young peoples lives!

Evidence highlights a concerning trend in young people's access to enrichment, hindering vital skill development.

Read more 👇
bit.ly/3QB3tFf

Welcome news from Ofcom today to restrict underage 'selling' of social media by Meta, Twitter, Snapchat. Age verification is currently an absolute joke

Thanks to Business in the Community for the chance to speak at today's London Seeing is Believing visit hosted by the brilliant London East Alternative Provision

'If you just provide a space, an opportunity or you light a spark in someone, you don't know where or what that person goes on to be.I had a youth centre where I would make music'

POWERFUL to see Stormzy backing the importance of spaces for young people bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

We're offering FREE L3 and L5 Diploma in Management to the UK Youth Network. Whether you're a youth worker or have another role in a youth org this is for you! Deadline is 10th May!
Register here for L3; bit.ly/44pMY4x
Register here for L5; bit.ly/3QtVKsO

I'm not generally a 'banner' but I am in support of jemima lewis's piece that we need to ban smartphones for children or live with the costs of our children's mental ill-health
telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/0…

Important distinction this. Young people's mental health was on the decline before Covid struck
theconversation.com/alarming-decli…

🌱 What do you think are the softer skills we need to listen to young people well?

Take a look at this blog, and tell us what you think below!

thelisteningfund.org/the-softer-ski…

#youthwork #youthsector

Meeting with OnSide's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion forum today to review our strategy for 24/25. Some good progress last year but still more we can do to strengthen our diverse and inclusive culture

Looking forward to volunteering tonight at WEST Youth Zone!

GenZs are the only generation using social media less and less

There is hope!

Looking forward to spending time with BackYouthAlliance colleagues tomorrow to plan how we campaign for more support for young people #TogetherWeAreStronger UK Youth Scouts The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award NCS Trust NYA Girlguiding The Prince's Trust YMCA England & Wales The Centres @ YMCA George Williams College Youth United Foundation

And to expand inspiring, safe spaces out of school.

Youth centres, like our Youth Zones, are perfect antidotes to #phonebasedchildhoods as I write about here onsideyouthzones.org/news/social-me…