Supporting Young Minds: A Conversation with Base 51 (Our partner Charity)!!

Lydia McDonald

Base 51 charity has been supporting young people aged 11–24 in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire for over 30 years. We provide a wide range of mental wellbeing services, including counselling and art therapy, alongside youth groups designed to reduce loneliness, build confidence, and create supportive peer networks. Our most popular group is Outburst, a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ young people and allies, offering a safe and inclusive environment where young people can connect, express themselves, and build a sense of community and belonging.

With 1 in 4 young people struggling with their mental health and 1 in 10 saying they feel lonely “all or most” of the time, our work is more vital than ever in tackling the growing mental wellbeing challenges facing young people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Many young people are experiencing increased anxiety, isolation, low self-esteem, and barriers to accessing support, particularly following the lasting impact of the cost-of-living crisis and Covid. Base 51 provides early intervention and ongoing support that helps young people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week we asked Maigan, our Base 51 Head of Youth Work, 3 questions about her thoughts on the challenges that young people are facing with their mental health:

What do you think are the biggest mental health challenges that are facing young people at the moment?

"Young people today are navigating a complex mix of pressures that can feel constant and overwhelming. Social media plays a big role, while it can be a space for connection, it also creates comparison & pressure to present a “perfect” life, and exposure to negativity. Academic expectations and uncertainty about the future, especially around careers and finances add another layer of stress."
Access to support doesn’t always match the level of need, meaning some young people feel like they’re struggling on their own. Many young people I have spoken to have often express that they don't feel heard.

What do you enjoy about your role supporting young people?

"What stands out most is the resilience and honesty that young people bring. Even in difficult situations, there’s a real openness to talk, reflect, and try new ways of coping. Being able to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where someone feels heard and understood & being a trusted person for them to confide in and seek support, advice or guidance where they might not get anywhere else is extremely meaningful & important to me."

What tips would you give young people who are struggling with their mental health?

"First, don’t keep it all to yourself. Talking to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, family member, teacher, or a Youth Worker. Talking about how you feel can make a big difference, even if it feels difficult. Secondly, be kind to yourself! It’s easy to be your own harshest critic, your feelings are valid and it’s okay to have tough days. Small steps can help, like getting outside, keeping a simple routine, or doing something you enjoy, even if motivation is low. Finally, remember that support is out there, and things can change. Reaching out is a strong and positive step!"

You can find out more about Base 51 on our website: www.base51.org, or if you’d like to support our work you can find our upcoming events and donation link here. We work with individuals and businesses, and every pound really does make a difference in the work that we can do to change the lives of young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

      
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