Young people (aged 11-25)

Research conducted by Andthen

Young people: a trauma informed approach to physical activity

1. The majority (59%) of young people that have experienced trauma enjoy participating in sport or exercise. However, only 16% of young people with experience of trauma regularly use physical activity to intentionally improve their mental health.

2. Physical activity with a trauma informed approach may be helpful to young people who experience stigma and discrimination when accessing other forms of mental health support. For example, Black African and Black Caribbean young people or those that live in the 20% most income deprived areas.

3. When referring a young person to mental health support that includes physical activity, it should be explicit about whether it is trauma informed. It should explain how it is trauma informed to help young people to feel safe.

Example: The Trauma Centre for Trauma Sensitive Yoga

Young people: a trauma informed approach to physical activity

What next?

We have commissioned a 3-year PhD study (2022-2025) into trauma-informed approaches to physical activity in young people aged 18-25. This research, in partnership with Loughborough University, will build upon the findings in this summary.

The research will:

Explore perceptions and experiences of trauma-informed approaches to physical activity promotion and delivery.
Identify and test effective strategies that can facilitate sustainable physical activity behaviour for those who have experience of trauma.

Young people: relationship between physical activity and mental health

1. It is about the right activity, at the right time and in the right environment.

2. Most young people understand the link between physical and mental health. But, not many intentionally use physical activity to improve their mental health.

3. 64% of young people said taking part in physical activity has a positive impact on their mental health. However, this is much lower for young people who identify as transgender (35%) and those that identify as lesbian or gay (47%).

4. Young people see exercise as a short-term solution that can boost energy and positivity in the moment. But it doesn't address underlying causes of mental health problems.

5. Role models, such as sport coaches, can play an important part in reducing stigma and normalising mental health conversations. Many young men feel confident to have mental health conversations with their coaches. This is not always the case with teachers.

Example: Safety Nets - a community based social prescribing intervention in Yorkshire. More information can be found in this Safety Nets overview. The video shows the experience of a young person who took part in the programme.

I don’t really talk to my friends or family about my problems…
I sometimes speak to my football coach if things are getting too much.

Young man, aged 16 years

Young people: barriers to using physical activity to improve mental health

1. Body image sensitivities. Young people experience sensitivities around their bodies, body image and weight.

2. Lack of safe spaces. Young people need a welcoming and supportive environment that allows for choice and autonomy. This can be difficult to find for some young people.

3. Low confidence and motivation. This is especially true for young people experiencing severe and enduring mental health problems who see exercise as unattainable and unrealistic.

4. Lack of time. School/college/university pressures, travel and part-time work can impact young people’s ability to access physical activity.

Getting involved in any physical activity with other people, no matter how fun it might look, can trigger my inner critic...
it can sometimes feel as though everyone's eyes are on me, judging me...
and I start to compare myself and feel insecure.

River - member of Mind's Youth Voice Network

Young people: recommendations for the physical activity and mental health sectors

1. Create services that bring physical activity and mental health together. Local mental health organisations and physical activity providers should work together to create safe and enjoyable sessions. Sessions should be co-produced with young people and relate to improving mental health.

2. Young people on waiting lists or who have been deemed ‘not severe enough’ for support, should be offered combined mental health and physical activity services. This offers young people peer support and connection to others going through similar experiences.

3. When physical activity is recommended, it needs to be trauma-informed. Activities need to be sensitive to a young person’s past experiences (for example, providing a choice around what they wear) for it to be seen as a safe, welcoming environment.

Example: Oxfordshire Mind - boxing sessions for young people