Survival Toolkit: Strategies for Teen Mental Wellbeing in Leeds

Teenagers in Leeds are being encouraged to reflect on what supports them during times when life feels overwhelming or when they are struggling with their mental wellbeing. As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, a new Survival Toolkit resource is launching to help young people recognise and develop practical strategies that support their emotional health.

The concept has been developed by Hope, aged 20, one of the Leeds MindMate Ambassadors. Hope shared her idea of a survival toolkit through a short film and via the @MindMate Leeds Instagram channel. Her approach focuses on encouraging young people to reflect on what helps them cope on difficult days and to gather these strategies in one place for easy access when they are needed most.

The survival toolkit can take many forms. It might be a notes page saved on a phone, a notebook, or a physical box filled with meaningful items. These items could include reminders to get active, favourite music, grounding activities, or contact details for trusted friends or family members. Each toolkit is personal and reflects the individual needs, preferences and experiences of the young person creating it.

Hope explains that taking time to reflect on what helps her has enabled her to understand her mental wellbeing better. By recognising what may have caused her to struggle and identifying what is most likely to help, she feels more equipped to respond positively during challenging moments.

Leeds City Council, MindMate and Time for Young People Leeds have worked together to develop this online campaign into an interactive resource designed for group work with young people. From 9 February, to coincide with the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, professionals will be able to borrow an interactive Survival Toolkit from the Public Health Resource Centre. The toolkit includes a practical guide to running a session, a box of activities to prompt discussion, and a printed leaflet based on Hope’s blog.

This new resource aims to empower young people to understand themselves better and take proactive steps to support their mental wellbeing.

Support is available for any young person experiencing difficulties with their mental health. You can find information on local services at

Build your own Survival Toolkit?

Download the leaflet to find out how.

Wish 1

Children and young people know how and where to get support with their mental health and wellbeing if they need it

Children and young people have a greater understanding of their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They know where to get information and advice and who to speak to to help them find services and support, and it is available to them when they need it.