Hampshire charity reports 82% rise in support to young people with mental health issues

A charity which helps young adults with mental health issues has seen a huge spike in people coming forward for support.

No Limits — a counselling charity for people under 26 in Hampshire — revealed it helped 2,876 children and young adults last year - an 82% increase from the previous 12 months.

This revelation comes after the BBC Loneliness Experiment, which surveyed 55,000 people in the UK, to see the effects of loneliness. Results showed that the largest category was 16–24 year olds, with 40% more than often feeling lonely.

Jess Sulzmann, from No Limits, said: ‘We see a lot of young people in Southampton and Hampshire who are facing loneliness and social isolation.

‘As youth workers, our role is to help break down the barriers that exist for young people in talking about loneliness, so they can talk about how they’re feeling and receive the help they need to build a brighter future.’

The BBC survey also found that people who feel discriminated against are more likely to feel lonely. If people are made to feel like they are different in a negative way, levels of loneliness are higher. It was also reported that people who feel lonely often feel ashamed about feeling this way, have lower trust levels in others and report poorer health.

Young people within the area have voiced their opinions on the outcome of the survey and the stigma surrounding mental health.

Aimee O’Connell, a student from Clanfield, said: ‘I don’t feel like people are told how to deal with loneliness as other issues are addressed instead such as physical health issues or bullying.

‘Mental health topics and loneliness are not addressed enough, because I think people feel uncomfortable talking about them, people feel judged when talking about them.’

Jess Conlon, a student from Denmead, spoke about her experiences while being away from home at university.

‘It’s strange because you’re in a separate world at University and it feels like you have been there your whole life and people you have met you have known forever,’ she said.

‘But sometimes I see Snapchats from home and I miss everyone so much. It worries me, am I missing out on much? Sometimes it is lonely.’

Chris Barker, a student from Clanfield, said: ‘I don’t feel that services are promoted well, for instance I wouldn’t know who to talk to outside of my friends and family. I don’t really feel as if it’s talked about much.’