The latest data from the CDC on youth well-being paints a sobering picture as young people head back to school. Many report high rates of helplessness, suicidal ideas, bullying and violence. Girls report higher rates, but boys are far less likely to seek help for mental health challenges when they need it.

From our decades of work around creating healthy families and communities free of violence, we know that there are evidence-based interventions that can help teens, parents and educators support young people in their lives. We have resources for everyone who works with youth and some of our best webinars, videos and safety cards on mental health, healthy relationships, healing from trauma and much more.

FUTURES is also tackling the mental health access crisis among young men. 

A recent piece in Time Magazine shares what we’re learning about young men online, the primary place most now seek connection, in partnership with Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice. The “manosphere” is complex, and these online spaces and communities are concerning but also hold immense power in creating solutions.

FUTURES also partners with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America on Team: Changing Minds, with Founding Investor Harry's. The initiative connects young people to trusted adults who are trained to be mental health responders. To date, we’ve trained more than 36,000 adults to support an estimated 900,000 youth. And the Team: Changing Minds website is rich with resources to support young people’s mental health.
 

As students head back to school, I hope you will access these resources to support the young people in your lives.

With hope for a bright school year for all our kids,

Esta Soler Founder & President