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Who are SYM Project Champions?

SYM 'Project Champions' are young people between 10 & 26 years old who have a keen interest in mental health issues & who would like to actively promote good mental health & wellbeing within their schools, colleges & communities in Herefordshire by volunteering for the SYM Project as peer educators, project supporters or both.

Why are SYM Project Champions so important?

  • Encourage young people to talk about what good mental health looks like

  • Educate their peers to recognise the signs & indicators of ill mental health & know where they can access help & support

  • Reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues by campaigning & educating, so that young people can discuss it openly & without fear of being judged

  • Raise awareness of young people's issues & their impact on mental health and wellbeing

  • Offer peer listening support to their peers on a 121 basis within schools, colleges & their local communities

  • Signpost young people to local and national organisations that offer support & resources for those experiencing issues that are causing a negative effect on their mental health & wellbeing

  • Promote & raise awareness of the SYM Project within schools, colleges & communities including recruiting additional champions to the project

  • Involvement in creative & promotional activities (film making, social media, flash mobs, radio programmes, urban art, t-shirt printing etc. to raise the profile of the SYM project & improve mental health & wellbeing services for young people in Herefordshire

  • Meet with key decision makers to influence the shape of mental health service provision for young people in Herefordshire

What commitment will I need to make?

  • You will need to attend 3 to 5 sessions of training

  • Meet with a participation worker every month for approximately 1 hr

  • Be available to participate in events & initiatives if required

What qualities do SYM Project Champions need?

  • An interest in young people's mental health & wellbeing

  • Good communication skills or a desire to improve them

  • Be able to work well within a team

  • Passionate about young people's issues, improving services & making a difference within their community

  • Be a good listener & empathetic

How do I apply to be a SYM Project Champion?

  • Click on the link at the top of the page & complete the application form (if you need clarification or need to speak with a team member) then please email symproject@thecldtrust.org

  • Applicants will then be contacted & invited to an informal interview with a member of the team

  • If successful you will then be scheduled to attend training

 If you are aged 10 - 26 and need support get in touch with the team now - we are always here to offer help and support if you need it - especially throughout lockdown!
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