Healthy young people
Taking exams? There’s always someone to support you
We’re in the middle of exam season and it is vital that you feel well-supported and able to reach out for help if you need it.
Taking exams can make it a stressful time, and many young people feel pressure in different…
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Don't Hide Your Mind: Talk About It
Mental health is a spectrum. Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between, we are all somewhere on that spectrum. Talk About It. Don’t hide your mind.
Fit and Active Barnet (FAB)
Visit the Fit & Active Barnet Hub for everything you need to help you lead a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Active Travel
This can be walking or cycling to the shops, and you can also try taking the stairs instead of the escalator or lift. Also, try walking, cycling or scooting to school? Not only will it help you to be more physically active, but it will also help to reduce air pollution due to fewer cars on the road and support anti-idling. Anti-idling is about encouraging people to turn off their car engines when their vehicle is stationary, and it is safe to do.
Youth vaping
If you'd like to find out more about vaping and young people, we have resources to help you.
Healthy Living Teens Service: Gro Health
What is Gro Health?
At Gro Health, we’re all about holistic health, so our program includes support around nutrition, physical activity, mental and emotional health, and sleep to help you improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Kooth
A free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing community including live chat with the team, discussion boards, a magazine with helpful articles and a daily journal. Kooth also provides counselling support for young people aged 11 to 25 years.
Reading Well for teens
Reading Well for teens suggests recommended reading and digital resources to help you understand your feelings and boost your confidence. Teens and health and wellbeing experts have chosen the books to help you manage your emotions and cope with difficult times.
Vaccinations at Secondary School
In the UK, young people aged 11-16 receive vaccinations for HPV, MenACWY, and the 3-in-1 teenage booster (Td/IPV). These vaccines protect against serious diseases like cancer, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. Parents and carers are expected to sign an online consent form before the vaccine is delivered at school.
Young People Sexual Health and Relationships
As a young person, it is important to know where you can access and gain advice on healthy relationships, contraception and sexual health testing.
Barnet Integrated Clinical Service (BICS)
BICS offers free social, emotional, behavioural, and mental health support to children, young people and families in Barnet; you can also email BICS@barnet.gov.uk or phone 020 8359 3130 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
Keep learning new skills – Duke of Edinburgh
Barnet council have a page dedicated to things you can do as a young person including activities and Duke of Edinburgh
Maintaining a healthy weight
The teenage years are a time of rapid growth and development, so a healthy balanced diet is particularly important. Healthy, active young people can have large appetites. If you are a teenager, it is important to eat well-balanced meals, rather than too many snacks that are high in fat, sugar, or salt. Teenagers should be aiming for at least an hour of physical activity every day.
It’s a good idea to:
- cut down on sweets, cakes, biscuits and fizzy drinks
- eat fewer fatty foods such as chips, burgers and fried food and processed foods such as instant noodles
- eat regular balanced meals
- base meals on starchy foods, choosing wholegrain varieties whenever possible
- eat more fruit and vegetables
Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid every day. Water, low fat milk and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count. Energy drinks are not recommended for children and young people under the age of 16 and should be limited in over 16s and adults. They contain high levels of sugar and often contain high levels of caffeine.
High doses of caffeine can be linked to anxiety and sleep problems.
The Eatwell Guide was created by the government to help summarise what makes up a healthy balanced diet.
Weight management is complex and challenging and many factors are involved. If you are concerned about your weight speak with your school nurse or GP. Find out more about Barnet's service to support healthy weight here.
For more information on maintaining a healthy weight please visit
For more information on services for young people please visit
For more information and help with eating well and nutrition for young people please visit
Mental health & wellbeing
Many young people experience issues such as anxiety, low mood, depression, eating disorders and self-harm. At least 1 in 6 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health condition. If you are ready to share how you feel, help is available. You are not alone.
There are many services that we provide in the borough to support you. Please visit:
Useful links:
All About Periods Campaign
Department for Education (DfE) research has indicated that the UK still experiences many challenges regarding period poverty and stigma/taboos relating to periods. In addition, feedback from a local Barnet Children & Young People's Survey (2022) has shown that there was still a significant amount of stigma relating to periods and asking for products.
Barnet Council’s All About Periods campaign aims to support children and young people throughout the Borough by normalising periods through awareness raising and addressing period poverty and stigma.
Where can I find free Period Products?
- State Schools in England can order free period products for their students through the DfE-funded PHS period product scheme.
-Foodbanks- Ask at a local food bank nearest to you.
-Morrisons Ask for Sandy campaign- If you go to any Morrisons and ‘Ask for Sandy’ at the information desk, you will be provided with period products in a discreet envelope.
