Just Talk Week 2023

Just Talk's Vision

Our goal is to create an environment in Hertfordshire where young people not only understand that it's okay to not be okay, but also feel comfortable and confident discussing their mental health. We want to empower them with the tools to maintain their wellbeing and ensure they know how to access support when needed.

Our mission

Just Talk’s Mission:

raise awareness of mental health in an equitable way for boys and girls aged 8 - 24
raise awareness of self-help techniques and support agencies available to children, young people and parents/carers within Hertfordshire
increase consistency of mental health language and messages across the mental health system
reduce the stigma associated with talking about mental health/illness
equip schools and other agencies with the tools needed to actively promote mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Just Talk is a collaborative programme designed to promote the mental health and wellbeing of all children and young people (CYP) in Hertfordshire.

Through co-production with CYP and other partners, Just Talk’s vision is to create a county in which all young people recognise that it’s ok to not be ok, feel comfortable and confident in talking about mental health, have tools for looking after their emotional wellbeing, and know how to access support when it’s needed.

Our Campaign Theme: Back to Basics

The theme of this year’s Just Talk Week is Back to Basics, making sure that you know what Just Talk is and how it can benefit you.

On this campaign page you will find:

key information
tools and resources created to support young people’s emotional wellbeing.

More about Back to Basics

Looking after yourself and your mental health is important. We all have mental health, whether you’re feeling happy, down, or just not feeling your usual self, there are things you can do to look after your emotional wellbeing. There is also plenty of help available to you if you need further support.

The theme ‘Back to Basics’ is all about making sure that you know what Just Talk is and how it can benefit you. It’s a place you can turn to for advice and self-help tools, that have been created in collaboration with children and young people across Hertfordshire, to help boost your mood. You can also find out about places you can turn to if you need further support and learn more about the incredible services offered by Just Talk partner organisations.

Check out the information on this page to find out more about the Just Talk partnership, along with lots of resources for young people, parents/carers and professionals.

Follow @JustTalkHerts on Instagram, Facebook and X for regular advice, resources, and updates.

Information for Young People

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Research shows that there are ways to improve personal wellbeing.

Find out more about wellbeing and easy ways to improve your mood:

For primary school age

For secondary school age

Early help: If you’re experiencing difficulties and need support

If you’re experiencing difficulties, feelings of anxiety or low mood, or while you are adjusting to changes in life you could talk to your parent, carer, teacher or Mental Health Lead at your school, or your GP. There are also lots of services in Hertfordshire offering support.

Information on where to find support

Emotional help at a glance (PDF 94KB) for young people in Hertfordshire.

Just Talk listens to challenges young people face and has information to help all year round.

We create tools and resources in response to your concerns, and in collaboration with young people, to make sure they suit your needs.

Find advice and support for your worries

If you're experiencing or are worried about bullying

My Just Talk Journal

Writing things down is a great way to monitoring your thoughts and feelings and help yourself feel better when you are feeling worried.

The Just Talk Journal (PDF 2.21MB) can help you easily keep track.

What you can do if someone else tells you that they’re not okay

For primary school ages (PDF 144KB)

For secondary school ages (PDF 139KB)

Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Survey 2023

If you're aged11-19 and live in Hertfordshire, please take this year’s annual Young People's Health & Wellbeing Survey. It only takes about 20 minutes and is open until 20 December 2023.

Public Health Hertfordshire, in partnership with Services for Young People (SfYP), is conducting this survey to understand the health and wellbeing needs of young people in the county.

Last year, over 11,000 young people took part, and this year, we aim for even more participants. The results will be published early next year, and your input helps us shape support and services for young people in Hertfordshire, including Just Talk Herts campaigns and resources.

Information for Professionals

Toolkits for schools, colleges and youth groups

The resources in this pack will help you to raise awareness of mental health in your school, college or youth group in a positive, inclusive, fun, and easy to implement way.

Schools, colleges and youth groups toolkit

Find posters and information toolkit (zip 5.97MB) to use in education settings.

Pre-recorded, accessible presentation about Just Talk

A pre-recorded presentation you can show in assemblies, lessons, youth group meetings etc. It introduces Just Talk, what the programme is and positive mental health messages.

Access the Just Talk Presentations for both primary and secondary school ages.

Primary School Presentation (without subtitles)

Primary School Presentation (with subtitles)

Secondary School Presentation (without subtitles)

Secondary School Presentation (with subtitles)

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Research shows that there are ways to improve personal wellbeing.

Young people can find out more about wellbeing and easy ways to improve their mood:

For primary school age

For secondary school age

Social Media Partner Toolkit

Please help us to promote Just Talk Week 2023, and showcase the Just Talk partnership using the Back to Basics social media toolkit for partners.

Anti-Bullying support

If you support young people and are worried about bullying, see our anti-bullying support and resources for education settings.

Information for Parents and Carers

What to do if your child tells you they struggling

For primary school ages (PDF 122KB)

For secondary school ages (PDF 173KB)

NESSie: Hertfordshire parent/carer support
NESSie is a valued Just Talk Partner, offering support for parents/carers of support parents/carers of children and young people with emotional and mental health issues.

Early Help for Children and Young People

If your child is feeling low, anxious, or generally struggling, there are lots of services available to help, all year round.

Information on where to get help

You can also find lots of information and services catered to parents and carers on our advice page.

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Research shows that there are ways to improve personal wellbeing.

Encourage your child find out more about wellbeing and easy ways to improve their mood:

For primary school age

For secondary school age