Reachout Youth is a weekly term-time group for young people aged 13-19 to meet and is run by the local charity, Mental Health Resource.
Our groups bring young people together who might be experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, with the aim of reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health, enabling them to share stories, develop coping strategies and make new friends.
These groups are facilitated by trained staff and volunteers and are provided within a safe venue. Young people can come to us and talk about things they might not usually be able to share with friends or family.
It's also a chance to have lots of fun! There are arts and craft activities, guest speakers, wellbeing activities and drinks & refreshments are always provided.
Why join Reachout Youth?
The groups offer young people a confidential, supportive and inclusive space to share things not usually shared with friends or family. You may want to...
- make new friends who understand what you’re going through;
- take part in fun activities;
- learn tools and resources to manage your wellbeing;
- develop coping strategies;
- improve your confidence and self-esteem;
- feel part of a community;
- help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
By joining, you'll also receive a monthly support pack via email filled with tips for managing your wellbeing.
What will a session look like?
Sessions are informal and focus on wellbeing, including activities, games and discussions and we always begin with a check-in. Two trained and supportive members of staff facilitate the group.
Each week we choose a theme to focus on such as family relationships, loneliness, anger, mindfulness, self-care and stress.
The groups are peer-led meaning that you choose what you’d like to do in each session. We still do fun activities, just virtually - recently we have held quizzes, arts & crafts, yoga, games and movie nights.
We run the Reachout Youth groups on Thursdays and Fridays during term time, in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge respectively.
Tunbridge Wells: Thursday 4.30-6pm; term-time only.
The Hub, 2a Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2BD.
Tonbridge: Fridays 4-5.30pm; term-time only*.
The Youth Hub, Block C, Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge, TN9 1TG
Please contact Anna in advance to reserve your place as spaces are limited.
What happens next?
Firstly, we will invite you to an initial 1-1 meeting, that will take approximately half an hour. This is a space where you can meet the group facilitator, think about what you hope to get out of the group, and share a little about your experiences and feelings. You can also ask any questions you may have.
You are then welcome to come along to a group!
"“Reachout Youth helped me when I thought I couldn’t get through. I feel less alone and understand it's normal to have bad days. It's nice to speak to people who get how you're feeling and give you advice on how to cope. It's also a nice distraction to switch off from the real world. Thank you." Reachout Youth client, Tunbridge Wells.