14 May 2025
By Vijay Patel, SCIE Head of Safeguarding
A few years ago, I spent an afternoon with Year 9 and 10 male students, predominantly South Asian, in a workshop on mental health. I asked them, “Who would you talk to if you were worried?”. I hoped they would say their parents, relatives, teachers, or friends. But their answer was: “No one”.
I was saddened. At that time, I had already dealt with five deaths of South Asian young people by suicide. Did their response come as a surprise to me? Not really. For many young people, whilst the idea of ‘community’ might suggest belonging, it does not always mean safety.
In my work in the Appalachians, we created communities of young people bound by the challenges of living outdoors. I have learnt, through my personal and professional practice, how powerful communities can be: sources of empathy, support, and positive challenge. But there are some necessary ingredients. Communities need to be warm, accepting, and fun. They must also be respectful and fair, offering moments of quietness and reflection, as well as moments filled with energy and chaos.
These kinds of communities exist in all shapes and sizes. Last year, I came across some great practice in Northern Ireland, where General Practice Multi-Disciplinary Teams are connecting people to both informal and formal communities. The positive impact on individuals was clear to see.
As a professional, I’ve learnt over time that it is not so much my knowledge of a subject that matters—it is more the links I have with people and communities. The wider and deeper those links, the more creative and locally relevant the support becomes for each person.
So, this Mental Health Awareness Week, take some time to find out what is happening around you. Like a squirrel gathering for winter, store that knowledge. You never know when a friend, colleague, or client might find it helpful.
And finally, ask yourself: Who might you connect those Year 9 and 10 boys to?
