Creative Ways to Help a Young Person Feel Safe and Supported
1. Journaling and Creative Expression
Description: Encourage the young person to keep a journal, write daily gratitude lists, or express themselves through drawing or doodling. Provide tools like a notebook, pens, or art supplies.
Why It Works: Writing or drawing helps process emotions, manage stress, and promote mental clarity. Neurodivergent young people may prefer visual expression over writing.
Example Activity: Ask them to write three things they’re grateful for each day or draw their “perfect day.”
Impact: Builds emotional resilience and provides a safe outlet for feelings.
2. Personalised Hope Clouds
Description: Use templates for “hope clouds” where young people can write or draw their dreams and aspirations. Discuss how hope can help overcome challenges.
Why It Works: Encourages optimism and goal-setting while fostering emotional safety.
Example Activity: Invite them to share their hopes with the group or keep them private. Display the hope clouds as reminders of progress.
Impact: Promotes self-confidence and motivation.
3. Chatterbox Chats
Description: Create a chatterbox (paper fortune teller) with prompts about feelings or activities. Use it during one-on-one sessions or group discussions
Why It Works: Shifts focus from direct conversations to an engaging activity, making it easier for young people to open up.
Example Activity: Include questions like “What’s one thing that made you happy today?” or “What’s something you’re proud of?”
Impact: Builds trust and encourages sharing in a non-threatening way.
4. Physical Tools for Emotional Regulation
Description: Provide sensory tools such as stress balls, fidget toys, or bubbles to help manage emotions.
Why It Works: Movement reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and helps regulate breathing during emotional distress.
Example Activity: Teach them to blow bubbles to calm their breathing or use fidget toys during stressful moments.
Impact: Supports self-regulation and provides immediate relief from anxiety.
5. Celebrate Successes
Description: Regularly acknowledge achievements, no matter how small, by offering compliments or rewards.
Why It Works: Positive reinforcement builds self-esteem and creates an emotionally supportive environment.
Example Activity: Create a “success jar” where they can write down accomplishments to review later.
Impact: Fosters confidence and a sense of belonging.
6. Shared Activities
Description: Engage in collaborative activities like painting, cooking, sports, or music lessons.
Why It Works: Shared experiences build rapport and provide opportunities for informal conversations about feelings.
Example Activity: Work together on a creative project, such as decorating their room or painting a mural.
Impact: Strengthens relationships and creates positive memories.
7. Technology for Mental Health
Description: Introduce apps like Calm for mindfulness exercises or send positive quotes and GIFs to brighten their day.
Why It Works: Technology can be used constructively to promote relaxation and connection.
Example Activity: Use Calm’s breathing bubble together during stressful moments.
Impact: Helps young people feel supported in managing emotions.
8. Safe Conversations About Safety
Description: Normalise discussions about feelings and safety by making it part of daily routines.
Why It Works: Regular check-ins help young people feel heard and understood while teaching them how to identify unsafe situations.
Example Activity: Ask “How are you feeling today?” at the start and end of each day.
Impact: Builds emotional literacy and trust.
9. Strength-Based Activities
Description: Focus on identifying strengths by asking others to write positive qualities about the young person on star-shaped templates.
Why It Works: Helps them recognize their unique qualities and boosts self-esteem.
Example Activity: Create a “strength star” with five positive traits written by peers or mentors.
Impact: Reinforces self-worth and promotes positive self-image.
10. Involve Them in Decision-Making
Description: Include the young person in planning daily routines, meals, or outings.
Why It Works: Empowering them with choices fosters independence while showing respect for their preferences.
Example Activity: Ask “What would you like for dinner?” or “Where should we go this weekend?”
Impact: Encourages autonomy while strengthening relational trust.
These creative strategies provide practical ways to help young people feel safe, supported, and valued while addressing emotional needs effectively.
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