Youth Mental Health Day
September 24
About Youth Mental Health Day
Youth Mental Health Day is a UK awareness day created by digital mental health charity stem4 to encourage young people to talk about their mental health and access support. The day takes place each September. In 2026 the observance falls on Thursday 24 September.
What is Youth Mental Health Day?
Youth Mental Health Day (YMHD) is a national awareness day in the UK organised by stem4, a digital mental health charity that supports young people and their families. The day gives schools, colleges, youth groups, and families a focal point to talk openly about mental health, share resources, and showcase young people’s voices. Each year the campaign uses a single theme to focus the conversation. Past themes have included Control Your Scroll, Be Brave, and Share Support.
When is Youth Mental Health Day?
Youth Mental Health Day takes place in September each year. In 2026 the observance falls on Thursday 24 September. stem4 publishes a free toolkit, classroom resources, and social media graphics each year, with activities running across schools throughout the week.
Why Youth Mental Health Day Matters
Mental health problems are now the leading health issue facing UK young people. NHS Digital data show that around 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023, up from 1 in 9 in 2017. Pressures including academic stress, social media use, family upheaval, and the long tail of the pandemic have all contributed. Half of all lifetime mental health problems start by age 14, yet many young people wait months for a referral to specialist services. Youth Mental Health Day exists to make sure young people feel seen, heard, and supported, both at school and at home.
How to Get Involved in Youth Mental Health Day
The day is designed for schools, colleges, youth organisations, parents, and young people themselves:
- Download the free toolkit – stem4 provides assembly slides, lesson plans, posters, and conversation prompts at stem4.org.uk/youthmentalhealthday.
- Run a tutor-time discussion – Use the day to start age-appropriate conversations about emotions, stress, sleep, and online life.
- Promote stem4’s apps – Free apps such as Calm Harm, Clear Fear, Combined Minds, and Worth Warrior are clinically informed self-help tools for young people.
- Host a creative activity – Art projects, writing competitions, and music workshops help young people express what they are feeling.
- Hold a movement break – Physical activity has clear mental health benefits; schools can run a sponsored walk or short class movement session.
- Train staff in mental health first aid – The week is a natural moment to invest in MHFA training or to refresh existing training.
- Talk to your young person at home – Parents and carers can use stem4’s parent guides to start a low-pressure conversation about how their child is really feeling.
History of Youth Mental Health Day
stem4 was founded in 2010 by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Nihara Krause, after she saw rising demand for support among teenagers and a clear gap in early intervention tools. The charity now runs a suite of free, evidence-based mental health apps used by hundreds of thousands of young people, alongside in-school workshops and resources for parents.
Youth Mental Health Day was launched in 2020 as a UK-wide platform to put young people’s mental health on the public agenda. The first event was held during the pandemic, when school disruption and isolation were having a profound effect on adolescent wellbeing. Since then the day has grown to involve thousands of schools, colleges, and youth organisations, with high-profile partners including Public Health Wales, the NHS, and major youth-facing brands.
Noteworthy Facts About Youth Mental Health Day
- Youth Mental Health Day was founded in 2020 by stem4.
- stem4 was established in 2010 by Dr Nihara Krause, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist.
- Around 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023 (NHS Digital).
- Half of all lifetime mental health problems start by age 14 (WHO).
- stem4’s free apps Calm Harm, Clear Fear, and Combined Minds have been downloaded millions of times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Youth Mental Health Day?
A UK awareness day organised by stem4 to focus attention on young people’s mental health and the support that schools, families, and services can offer.
When is Youth Mental Health Day in 2026?
Thursday 24 September 2026.
Who founded Youth Mental Health Day?
UK digital mental health charity stem4, founded by Dr Nihara Krause in 2010.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Youth Mental Health Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtag #YouthMentalHealthDay on social media. The more young people see open conversation about mental health, the easier it becomes to ask for help.
Related Awareness Days
- World Mental Health Day – The international counterpart to YMHD, held each October.
- Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week – Focuses on the mental health of new and expectant parents.
- International Youth Day – A UN day celebrating young people and the issues they face.
Links
- Visit the official Youth Mental Health Day page at stem4
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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