With World Mental Health Day just weeks away, new research has revealed that while young people are most likely to turn to a parent or carer when they’re struggling, many adults don’t feel ready for that conversation.
The findings come ahead of Hello Yellow Day on 10 October, a national campaign led by the charity YoungMinds, in partnership with M&S, to raise awareness of children and young people’s mental health.
The research shows that 38% of young people feel most comfortable opening up to a parent or carer about their mental health.
But 35% of parents say they worry they’ll make things worse by talking about it, and nearly a third admit they’ve avoided the subject altogether.
One in four young people aged 16 to 24 now experiences a common mental health condition.
Despite this, over half of parents say they’ve felt judged when their child was struggling, and 45% say they’d benefit from a practical guide to help them start the conversation.
Lisa Zaranyika, Director of Community, Culture and Services at YoungMinds, says the pressure many parents feel is real and understandable.
“Not knowing what to say or fearing making things worse are concerns we hear all the time,” she said.
“We want every parent and carer to feel supported, confident, and equipped to have these crucial conversations.”
Since the M&S and YoungMinds partnership launched in 2023, it has raised £4.4 million, funding vital services like the YoungMinds helpline and reaching over six million young people and adults across the UK.
This year, they’re asking families, schools, and communities to join in by wearing yellow on 10 October and helping spark honest, hopeful conversations about mental health.
Last year, 8,000 schools took part.
The aim in 2025 is to go even further.
M&S customers can also donate in-store, select YoungMinds as their chosen Sparks charity, or buy from the new Hello Yellow kidswear range, designed by young people, for young people.
The winning designs came from a nationwide competition where children and teens were asked, “What would you say to a friend who needs you?”
More than 8,000 entries were submitted.
The final four were chosen by a panel including YoungMinds ambassadors, educators, and young people themselves.
Jo Daniels, Head of Community at M&S, said the campaign has already shown what’s possible when families, schools and communities come together.
“The creativity and compassion shown by young people through this campaign is truly inspiring,” she said.
“As we build momentum toward Hello Yellow Day, we’re inviting everyone to get involved, wear yellow, start a conversation, and show young people they’re not alone.”
