Young people share experiences of mental health in Youth Council report
Published: 04 April 2025
Two hundred and fifty young people shared their experiences and views on mental health in a survey carried out by Sevenoaks Youth Council which targeted young people aged 11–18 in the Sevenoaks town area.
Now the Mental Health Survey Report has been published, after the survey ran for two months closing in November 2024.
The questionnaire was distributed through local schools and youth organisations in the Sevenoaks town area, accompanied by posters signposting available support. The survey was designed to capture authentic, anonymous feedback about mental health from young people.
In terms of responses, the largest age groups were 13–14 years (43.78%) and 11–12 years (34.94%), with smaller percentages for the older age brackets at 15–16 years (18.88%) and 17–18 years (2.41%).
The survey findings reveal that academic pressures, self-image concerns, and experiences of bullying are among the primary factors negatively impacting young people’s mental health.
Simba, Chair of the Youth Council, said: “As the Chair of the Sevenoaks Youth Council, I am committed to ensuring the voices of the youth are heard and their mental health prioritised.
“With our recent mental health survey, it has been identified that exam and homework loads are critical factors that impact the lives of the youth. This issue was discussed in our recent Youth Council meeting, and it is decided that all youth council members will actively raise awareness to it via social media and in conversation with their respective teachers in school.
“In this way, my role as the Chair is to ensure a more supportive educational environment where every student can thrive without undue mental strain.”
More than 70% said they were very (23.48%) or somewhat (51.42%) comfortable discussing mental health. However, a significant proportion of respondents (25.10%) felt uncomfortable discussing mental health and/or remained uncertain about where to seek the help required.
Respondents were asked to suggest ways there could be done in the community to enhance mental health awareness, with 30.7% of respondents advocating for community-wide events, such as mental health awareness days and public campaigns while 6.6% requested more youth clubs, free activities and facilities within the town as well as more awareness of those facilities that already exist.
To read the full survey, please visit www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk, go the Town Council on the navigation bar and scroll down to the Youth Council page.
Would you like to become a Youth Councillor?
Aged 11- 18 years old and want to improve or make changes in your community?
As a Sevenoaks Youth Councillor there are many different responsibilities that you would have, from attending the Youth Council meetings every six weeks to carrying out research and holding events.
It looks great on UCAS applications as well as counting as Volunteering/Community service for awards such as DofE ASDAN & IB's CAS.
To be considered or to find out more about the role, visit the Youth Council website www.sevenoaksyouthcouncil.weebly.com