When to check in with a young person

Topic:: Practical tools for support

For:: Schools, Community support, Youth workers

This resource covers:

Advice and information on when to check in with a young person about their mental health.

Poster: When is a good time to check in?

Download our poster on when to check in with someone on their mental health and display or share it with others in your community.

Document type: PDF

Document size: 8.4MB

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When is a good time to check in with a young person?

Sometimes, it can feel difficult to know when to check in with a young person about how they are feeling. You might feel like you need to get the timing "perfect" but any time can be a good time. Here, we suggest some times when it might be good to check in.

Remember, before checking in with a young person, check in with yourself - are you ready to have this conversation?

The cartoon depicts an adult and young person both holding hot drinks while talking to each other. In front of them are plates of food. Above the two people, it reads in blue 'Over a meal', underneath the plates of food it reads in white 'or a snack'.

The cartoon has a yellow background with two people jumping in the air while smiling. Above and between the two people it reads in white and orange: 'when they are visibly enthusiastic and happy'.

The cartoon has a purple background. To the left is an adult wearing a lanyard who is looking at a young person in front of them. The young person is visibly sad, looking down and wearing headphones. Above the young person is a thought bubble that has their face in. On the left they are angry and on the right, they are yawning with 'zzz' above their head. To the left of the young person it reads in yellow and white 'when they are withdrawing, bored or visibly upset'.

The cartoon depicts two line drawings. On the left, the lines are crossing all over each other, like a scribble. It is in the shape of a circle and in the middle, the circle has two eyes. The drawing on the right is a clear round circle with two eyes in the middle. They sit on a light blue background. Above the circles, it reads in white 'When you notice a' and below the circle, it reads in blue 'change in behaviour'.

The cartoon depicts a green background with a light green hedge. In front of the hedge is a sports coach dressed in blue. To the right is a young person in an orange vest with the number one on it. Above the two people, it reads in yellow and white: 'During an activity like playing sport'.

In front of an orange background are two cartoon people. On the left is an older person in a grey jumper listening to the young person on the right who is wearing a cap backwards and a red hoodie. Above the young person is a speech bubble. In the middle of the two people, it reads in yellow and white: 'When they want to chat'.

The cartoon depicts a brick wall and pavement as the background. Walking on the pavement is a young person and an adult. The young person is wearing a pink backpack and a blue jumper while carrying books. The person on the right is walking next to them wearing a shirt and blazer and is talking to the young person. To the left of these two people, it reads in yellow and white 'On the way to/from somewhere.

More resources for supporting young people

There are certain times when a young person may need specific support. For example, during periods of stress and change. Take a look at some of our other resources for specific advice than can help you to support young people during these times.

Supporting young people in your community

A group of two young people and an adult sitting on the grass in the park and laughing together.

Whether you work at a youth club, coach a sports team, or run extra-curricular activities outside of school, we know the positive and crucial role you play in the lives of young people but understand you may often feel under-equipped to support them.

We have lots of new information, tips, and advice to help you feel prepared to support young people in your community.

Find out more

Mental health training

Our training courses are designed to build your understanding of key mental health issues and give you the confidence to make a difference in young people's lives.

Take a look at our courses and see how our expert trainers can give you the practical skills to support young people in the community.

Find out more

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If you or a young person you work with is in crisis right now and wants to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

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This form is not a mental health support service. We cannot reply to this. If you or a young person you know is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E. If you are worried about the mental health of a young person you work with, you can signpost them to our website or suggest they contact one of these helplines: Childline (for under 19s) on 0800 11 11; or Samaritans on 116 123.

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