Young people (16 – 25 year olds) in Britain say that friends are the first people they turn to (29%)1 when they’re feeling upset, stressed or not as happy as normal, according to a new survey from Time to Change – England’s biggest mental health anti-stigma programme. This is closely followed by going to their partners (boyfriends/girlfriends/spouses - 26%), and their parents (24%)1.

The poll reveals that this is particularly true for the younger age group, with over a third of 16 and 17 year olds (39%) saying they would talk to a friend first if they’re going through a tough time, compared to just under one in five 25 year olds (17%)1.

The research explores the importance of friendship groups and looks at how young people are there for each other during difficult times. Nearly nine in ten young people (89%) believe it is important to be there for a friend. Keeping in contact via text (60%), going to visit friends at their house (59%) and speaking to them on the phone (57%), are the main ways they would be there for one of their peers going through a tough time1.

The results are released alongside the launch of a collection of YouTube video blogs (vlogs) and e-cards, available online today, encouraging young people in England to make more time to talk to friends and support them whatever they’re going through. The animal-themed meme cards have also been distributed to over 670 schools across the country.

Prominent youth YouTubers such as Boyinaband and Kaelyn and Lucy, will be sharing vlogs over the next two weeks to get their audience talking about the importance of spending time with friends. Each vlogger will suggest viewers share an e-card with their friends.

One in ten young people experience a mental health problem2 and many of those face stigma and discrimination as a result of their illness. Research shows how friendship groups play a significant role in the lives of young people, yet during tough times, such as when someone experiences a mental illness, these support groups can sometimes disappear. The targeted work will make young people more aware of the small things they can do to look out for friends.

Time to Change supporter Thea, aged 18, really appreciates her friend Steffi being there for her while she was experiencing depression - “It is not the massive gestures or the giant paragraphs that have made the biggest difference, but the little things. It doesn’t take long to send a quick text, but the impact it has is huge. I have received many texts like this from my friend Steffi - all just as important as the first”

Jo Loughran, Head of Children and Young People at Time to Change said, “Talking about mental health should be as everyday and ordinary as talking about physical health. Through our targeted work with young people we’re hoping to show them that being there for their peers during ups and downs can make a really big difference to their lives.

“Nine in ten young people3 report having experienced negative treatment from others because of their mental health problems, and so by challenging attitudes and behaviour from a young age, we can change the way people think about mental health in generations to come.”

For more information on Time to Change’s work with young people and to share an e-card with a friend go to www.time-to-change.org.uk/postcard 

1 All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 698 adults (aged 16-25). Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th - 12th March 2014. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 16+).

2 Green, H., McGinnity, A., Meltzer, H., et al. (2005). Mental health of children and young people in Great Britain 2004. London: Palgrave.

3 An online survey of 1,132 young people aged 14-25 with direct experience of mental health problems and in touch with Time to Change networks, about their experiences of stigma and discrimination.