Looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body.
Life isn’t always easy, and if you’re reading this, maybe things feel a bit heavy right now. Whether you're facing stress at school or college, feeling isolated, struggling with your past, or just having one of those weeks where everything feels like too much, you are not alone.
At Step by Step, we understand how hard it can be. Many young people we support have faced huge challenges, from growing up in care, moving between placements, or facing trauma and instability. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you're thinking about your next steps after leaving care, trying to live independently, or facing the very real fear of homelessness.
You might be worrying about where you’ll live next, how to pay your bills, whether your past will hold you back, or simply how to keep going day to day. You might also be navigating complex relationships, trying to manage college or work pressures, or carrying heavy thoughts and feelings with no one to share them with.
But here’s the truth: looking after your mental health doesn’t mean being perfect. It means taking small, brave steps. It means choosing to be your own hero, even on the days when your cape feels a little crumpled.
Sometimes the things that affect your mental health can feel huge, a big life change, a past experience, or an uncertain future. But sometimes, it might be something small that triggers a reaction, an argument, a bad day, or feeling like you don’t fit in. Whatever it is, if it’s affecting your mental health, it matters. And you deserve support.
You don’t have to go through things on your own. Talking to someone, whether it's a Support Worker, counsellor, teacher, mate, or helpline, can really help. Sometimes just saying things out loud makes them feel more manageable. It’s not weak, it’s powerful. That’s hero-level stuff.
"When I started talking to my Support Worker, I realised I’d been carrying so much on my own. Just having someone to listen changed everything." – Liam, 17
Need a safe space to talk? Step by Step offers free counselling to help you work through difficult thoughts and feelings.
If talking feels too hard right now, try starting with an app. Tools like Headspace, Kooth, or Young Minds' Text Service offer mindfulness exercises, stress-busting tips, or just a way to check in with how you’re feeling.
Think of your mind as something that needs care, attention and rest, just like your body. That means:
Even small changes in your routine can help create a feeling of balance. Try building in simple moments of calm, like breathing exercises, journaling your thoughts, or stepping outside for fresh air.
Art. Music. Writing. Gaming. Coding. Gardening. Whatever gives you joy, make space for it. Whether you’re sketching like Liam or mixing beats like Malik, creative outlets are your superpower. They help you express yourself and boost your confidence.
"Music is how I escape and express myself. It keeps me going on hard days." – Malik, 17
Creative hobbies can help you process feelings, boost your mood and even build new skills for your future. You don’t need expensive equipment, just a spark of interest and a little time to explore what makes you feel good.
You deserve to feel safe and supported. Whether it’s friends you trust, people at school or college, other young people in Step by Step services, or your host family, connecting with people who respect and encourage you makes a huge difference. And if you’re still looking for those people, that’s OK. You will find them.
Supported Lodgings placements offer a stable, supportive home environment for young people ready to take the next step towards independence. It’s not just a roof over your head — it’s a place to be heard, seen and supported.
Even the strongest superheroes need support. Reaching out doesn’t make you weak, it makes you brave. You are not a problem to be fixed, you are a person to be supported and celebrated.
If you're at a key transition point in your life, like leaving care or starting independent living, Step by Step’s Launch programme can help you build skills, confidence and a future you can believe in.
Whether you need support with emotional wellbeing, housing, education or life skills, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Looking after your mental health is a journey, not a race. You don’t have to have it all figured out. But every time you take a small step to care for yourself, you’re doing something incredible.
At Step by Step, we’re here to walk beside you, every step of the way.
Please complete our Online Referral Form to refer to our Counselling Service.
Or use the Online Chat or contact the team to find out more.
01252 346120
counselling@stepbystep.org.uk
