The summer holidays are here at last! But what does 
that mean for the young people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight? Although the stresses of exam season, lessons and homework have eased, the summer holidays can be a disorienting time for young people without routine or purpose.
As a parent or carer, it’s important to take this into consideration when supporting your children or young person through the summer.
Here are our top tips to boost the wellbeing of young people throughout the summer holidays:
1. Set yourself a routine
Going from the structure of term-time to a free calendar can seem daunting, but writing out a schedule or routine for the day can help you to take care of yourself. Whether you prefer to be more specific about time frames, or lean towards a vaguer structure, planning out your day can help you to manage the feeling of being overwhelmed as well as achieving more tasks throughout the day.
2. Be aware of how social media makes you feel
Don’t fall into a social media sinkhole this summer. You might want to post some of your summer highlights so you can look back on your favourite memories or use social media to find out about cool opportunities in your area – but try to be aware of how much you’re using social media and how it’s making you feel.If you’re worried about how much time you’re spending online, you can find out how to manage your screen time on your phone on the Google or iOS website. It might be worth thinking about who you follow, and focusing on accounts or trends that make you feel good about yourself.
If you’re struggling with body image this summer, try flicking through this Young Minds webpage for some helpful advice.
3. Set some goals
Had a hobby in mind that you’ve
been itching to try? During the school year, you’ve been working towards academic goals, but now is the time to set for you to set your own targets. These don’t have to be complicated; you could set a goal of hanging out with a friend, or rearranging your room, anything that might help you feel fulfilled. You could even make a ‘summer bucket list’ that you can aim to complete before September.
4. Stay away from harmful habits
Summertime has the joy of opening you up to new situations and social groups, but it’s important to recognise your limits when it comes to parties and festivals. If you are feeling pressure to try drugs or alcohol from the people your spending time with, don’t be afraid to say no and distance yourself from situations that are unsafe. Drugs and alcohol will have negative effects on your mental health, and substance misuse can become a severe problem.
If you think you may need help with substance misuse, you can learn more about it and find support on the Hampshire CAMHS Substance Misuse webpage.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Some people find that having more free time over the summer holiday makes it harder to manage worries and spiralling thoughts. You might feel unsure about events over summer (like holidays or meeting up with friends) or even about going back to school, college, or university in September. Different people prefer to manage these feelings in different ways. But you don’t have to manage on your own, even if you don’t want to talk to someone you know yet.
If you'd like to speak to someone by text, the ChatHealth text service is an easy way for young people aged 11-19 in Hampshire to confidentially ask for help with a range of issues. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday from 9am-4.30pm (excluding bank holidays) and you’ll receive a response within one working day. Text 07507 332160 to get in touch.
If you're over 16 and need help with a long term mental health issue that's impacting your mental health including anxiety and depression, Talking Therapies Hampshire could be a good option for you.
If you’re a parent, family member or carer of a young person, the Hampshire healthy Families Website has a wide range of resources to support you.
There are many services available to help you, and you can find out more on our mental health service pages, please don't hesitate to reach out if you require support.