Championing change for youth mental health in Berwick

In honour of Youth Mental Health Day, we asked Diana Smith, a community development worker to tell us about her vital work supporting young people in Berwick. 

“Berwick, in northernmost Northumberland, is in a beautiful part of the world – I’ve lived here pretty much my whole life - but I know it doesn’t always seem so idyllic to our young people, who can feel its relative isolation is holding them back. 

Like many coastal towns, heavily reliant on tourism, Berwick is affected by low pay and seasonal employment, and an increasingly ageing population means the needs of young people haven’t always seemed a priority. 

But, as we mark Youth Mental Health Day, it’s important to shine a light on the positive steps Rise is taking to help reset the balance.  

Firstly, in 2021, Rise, alongside Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioners Violence Reduction Unit, recognised Berwick's unique needs and installed key worker Jaki Duffy in the town. She’s since had some brilliant results, working one-to-one with males aged 16-30 who are struggling to access services and support. 

In 2024, I was added to the team to carry out a new role which will complement Jaki’s work but take a more general approach.  

Essentially, this involves looking at the issues facing young people in Berwick and working with them to alleviate some of the impact on their wellbeing and life outcomes. 

There’s a perception that all young people’s problems stem from their over-reliance on phones and games consoles. For many teenagers, this tech has become a bit of a security blanket; they’d rather take their phone out and start scrolling than strike up a conversation with a stranger. Of course, there’s a place for socialising this way, especially in rural communities, but it can’t be the only answer.  

There’s lots of evidence to show that getting people moving has a positive impact on their mental health. Not only that, but just being involved in something has huge benefits in terms of self-esteem, building support networks and acquiring life skills. 

I asked young people in Berwick for their views about activity and what they did in their spare time and the answers were not a huge surprise.  

But what was clear was that local young people do want to get involved – and there’s many talented teenagers achieving amazing things – but, for some, the barriers of cost, transport and lack of choice are just too big to overcome.  

They told me they had to travel quite far and rely on lifts from parents; they felt they had nowhere to go to meet people their own age and that other pressures meant they didn’t always want to compete or commit; they just wanted to relax and have fun. 

So, with the help of my Rise colleagues, I want to help provide some low-cost, locally-based activities, which will go some way to delivering those uplifting experiences. I want to help some of the existing services, facilities and providers reach out to those who need them most. 

Whatever we do in life, it’s not always about being the best at it or passing an exam; sometimes it’s about the connections we make and the things we learn on the way. Everyone should have the chance to find the thing that excites them – no matter what their age or where they live.”