Supporting members with their mental health and wellbeing

Talking to an adult member about their mental health and wellbeing 

If you think that a member may be experiencing mental ill health, it is important to talk to them about it. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or how to respond if someone tells you they’re having a difficult time. These feelings are completely valid. Similarly, those with poor mental health may feel embarrassed or ashamed, making it hard for them to talk or ask for help.

But a conversation could be their first step on a journey to recovery. If you feel comfortable and it’s appropriate to do so, find a quiet and comfortable place to talk to the volunteer to check in and see what support they have in place. 

• Give examples of behaviour or actions that concern you. You can also contact the safeguarding team who can share resources with you and help you decide on next actions. The safeguarding team will also consider if further steps need to be taken to safeguard the volunteer, for example if an adult wellbeing action plan or adjustment plan needs to be put in place.
• As with any safeguarding disclosure, don’t make unrealistic promises about confidentiality. Be supportive and spend more time listening than talking.
• Try not to panic, be judgmental or make assumptions. You might be worried but remember that the way you react is going to affect the person. Try to remain as neutral as possible.
• Validate their feelings. Try to acknowledge how difficult this must be to talk about.
• Use open questions.
• Have empathy and understanding, and let them know you’re there for them.
• Respond calmly and clearly identify next steps. Acknowledge how difficult this conversation must have been and follow up promptly, including informing the safeguarding team so that relevant support and guidance can be given.  

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Talking to a young member about their wellbeing and mental health 

If you have a safeguarding concern, it must be reported. You should follow our safeguarding procedure for sharing your concerns. The team will provide advice or signpost you to any support that can be given to the member or their family.

The safeguarding team may ask you, or an appropriate volunteer, to share your concerns with the young member or their parents or carers if you haven't already done so. 

If you’re worried about a young member, find a quiet and comfortable place to talk to them. Ask another adult to be present with you when having this conversation, to avoid being 1-on-1 with the young member where possible. 
 
For younger children, this might happen more naturally through play. You could say something like: ‘I noticed you've been more quiet than usual in our unit meetings and I’m wondering if you’re ok?’ 

Here are some steps to follow when having the conversation:

• Choose a quiet, private space to talk and have another adult present.
• Let the member know what signs you’ve noticed.
• Ask open-ended questions such as, ’What’s been going on?’, ‘And how does that make you feel?’, ’How would you like me to help?’
• Take their concerns seriously and allow them space and time to talk. This means allowing the member to guide the conversation in the direction they feel comfortable. Let them choose what they want to share, and decide the pace of the discussion, without pressure or interruption.
• Reflect back what they’ve said to show you’re listening and to ensure you’ve understood.
• Validate the member’s feelings, so that they feel understood and heard. For example, ’I'm here and listening,' or ‘I can see that this is upsetting you.'
• Avoid trying to fix the situation. Focus instead on what support you can offer and who else can help. 
  Try not to react positively or negatively to anything they may share. Take a non-judgmental approach and ask them how this event or situation makes them feel.
• If the member has experienced a mental health condition previously, you might explore what has helped them in the past to cope. 

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It's important you never promise to keep something a secret. You must maintain appropriate confidentiality but also be clear that you have a duty to act if you’re concerned the member is at risk of harm or abuse. Always follow our safeguarding procedure.

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Talking to parents and carers about a young person’s wellbeing and mental health

When supporting a young person experiencing poor mental health, it may be necessary to speak with their parent or carer about your concerns. A good starting point is to offer to explore supportive resources and signposting options together.

Below are some considerations when talking to parents and carers: 

• Involve the young person: before approaching a parent or carer, ask the young person whether they would prefer to share how they’re feeling themselves or if they’d like you to speak on their behalf. This respects their autonomy and encourages trust.
• Communicate concerns thoughtfully: clearly explain your concerns to the parent or carer, using sensitive and non-stigmatising language. Focus on specific observations of behaviour rather than using labels. You may also wish to ask if they’ve noticed any changes or have concerns of their own regarding their child’s wellbeing. You could say, ’I’ve noticed Maz has been quite tearful the last few sessions. Is anything going on outside of guiding for them?’
• Share safeguarding guidance if relevant: If you’ve received safeguarding advice, share the recommended actions with the parent or carer and discuss how they feel about moving forward with these steps.
• Provide helpful information: Consider sharing relevant and accessible information from the resources provided on this webpage. These materials can support parents and carers in learning how to talk with their child and offer appropriate support. It can help them use language that’s empowering and compassionate. Resources may also offer practical strategies to support parents and carers, such as active listening, maintaining routines and fostering a secure environment.
• Emphasise early intervention: Addressing concerns early is key to preventing poor mental health from becoming more serious or developing into a mental illness. For young people with an existing diagnosis, it may be appropriate to ask whether the parent or carer is in contact with mental health or other relevant support services. If there are ongoing or worsening signs, it may be necessary to re-engage these services.

If a conversation with parents or carers raises more concerns, remember to follow the safeguarding procedure. If you’re concerned that talking to the parent or carer would place the member at further risk of harm, contact the safeguarding team.

Remember that in Scotland people aged 16 and over are classed as adults so it wouldn’t be appropriate to involve parents or carers in a conversation about their mental health without their consent.  

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Supporting your own wellbeing and mental health 

While supporting the safety and wellbeing of young members is a key part of the role, it’s just as important to look after your own health and wellbeing. Self-care can support your wellbeing and can encourage good mental health. 

What is self-care?

Self-care means taking active steps to preserve or improve your physical, emotional, and mental health - especially during times of stress or challenge. It includes any activity that brings you joy, helps you relax, or allows you to connect meaningfully with others.

Self-care is personal and looks different for everyone. It might include:

• Daily habits like getting enough sleep, taking breaks, or spending time outdoors.
• Mindfulness, journalling, or creative activities.
• Talking with friends or seeking emotional support.
• Taking a holiday or scheduling regular time for rest and reflection.

Looking after your own wellbeing allows you to support others more effectively - and helps you enjoy your role in guiding for the long term. 
 
Sometimes, after supporting a young member through a difficult situation, you may feel the need to reflect or talk things through. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your commissioner, another leader, or someone you trust. 

Tips for practising self-care as a volunteer 

• Check in with yourself regularly – how are you feeling? What do you need right now?
• Set boundaries – it’s okay to say no or to take a break when needed.
• Ask for help – you don’t have to manage everything alone.
• Celebrate small wins – acknowledge the positive impact you’re making.
• Stay connected – lean on your guiding community for support and encouragement. 

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Supporting everyone with their mental health and wellbeing

It’s important to make sure that all members, including those with mental health conditions, feel included, supported, and valued throughout their time in guiding.

After an initial conversation with the member - and their parents or carers if appropriate - continue to involve them in any decision-making. Regular follow-up conversations are important, as mental health can fluctuate and needs may change over time.

During these check-ins, consider asking the member about:

• What helps them maintain their mental wellbeing (like having time to talk with friends during meetings).
• Situations that may trigger distress or discomfort (like being asked to read aloud).
• Coping strategies they find helpful (like listening to music through headphones).
• Adjustments or support that would reduce triggers or help manage them (like taking time out in a quiet space).
• Signs they may be having a difficult time (like withdrawing from the group).
• How you can best support them if they’re struggling (like offering a private chat).

Use these insights to develop a plan with your team to support the member during meetings. This may involve adapting activities or environments, such as providing a quiet area or allowing flexible participation. Some changes may need additional planning or resources, so it’s important to think ahead.

Where helpful, consider using an adjustment plan to record agreed support measures with the young member and their parents or carers. While it may not always be possible to accommodate every request due to cost or volunteer availability, adjustments should be made wherever feasible.

You can also apply for our accessible guiding grant to support members with additional needs. 
Review any support measures regularly to ensure they remain effective. Choose an agreed review date each term together.

Remember, guiding can be a valuable source of connection and stability, but it’s also okay for members to take a temporary break for their wellbeing. Stay open, supportive, and flexible to each individual’s needs. 

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Wellbeing action plans

Wellbeing action plans are simple, practical tools that help promote positive mental health for everyone in Girlguiding - whether you're supporting young members or fellow volunteers. They provide a proactive way to look after wellbeing and ensure the right support is in place when it's needed most. 

Who are they for?

Wellbeing action plans are for everyone, whether you’re a young member or a volunteer. They are personalised and flexible, helping each person reflect on their wellbeing and think about what support works best for them.

You can fill one out for yourself or use it to help someone else who’s experiencing poor mental health. 

What does a wellbeing action plan do?

A wellbeing action plan helps you:

• Identify what keeps you well.
• Recognise what might trigger you to feel unwell.
• Share what support you’d like from leaders, commissioners, or fellow volunteers.

Encouraging volunteers and young members to complete a wellbeing action plan helps us become aware of others’ needs and have open, supportive conversations. It also gives leaders a better understanding of how to offer tailored help - or simply a way to start that important conversation.

Wellbeing action plans can improve communication with parents or carers, and ensure consistency of support across different environments - whether at home, school, or their Girlguiding unit.  

Templates and guidance

• Download the Rainbows wellbeing action plan and guidance (PDF, 149KB).
• Download the Brownies wellbeing action plan and guidance (PDF, 156KB).
• Download the Guides wellbeing action plan and guidance (PDF, 148KB).
• Download the Rangers wellbeing action plan and guidance (PDF, 145KB).
• Download the wellbeing action plan for volunteers and guidance (PDF, 43.2KB)   

Managing information

The information in the wellbeing action plan must not be shared without consent. Please follow our managing information procedure to make sure any personal data on the plan is managed safely and legally. If the conversation raises any concerns about safeguarding, follow our safeguarding policy and contact the safeguarding team.   

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Mental health conditions

There are many different mental health conditions. Some may have similar symptoms. Someone may experience the symptoms of one mental health condition, or they may be given several diagnoses at once. At Girlguiding, we aren't mental health specialists, and we don't expect you to have all the answers. We want to equip all our members and volunteers with the information and skills to be able to respond, support and signpost appropriately.

Common mental health diagnoses may include self-harm, eating disorders, depression or anxiety – go to Mind’s website to find out more (links open in a new tab). 

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Signs to look out for

Signs that someone is struggling aren’t always visible. Sometimes, the first clue comes when a person feels safe enough to talk.

Ultimately, you’re looking for changes in behaviour to what’s usually normal for that person.  

Changes in behaviour

• Withdrawing from others.
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Changes in eating habits (eating more or less).
• Difficulty interacting in groups (e.g. at your unit, school, or work).
• Signs of self-harm (unexplained injuries, blood on clothing, covering up even in warm weather).
• For younger members: increased aggressive play, difficulty relating to others, regression in toileting or daily tasks.
• Forgetting or avoiding responsibilities.
• Increased attachment to family members or peers. 

Changes in mood, thinking or perception

• Increased irritability or anger.
• Persistent sadness or feeling tearful often.
• Excessive worrying or inability to relax.
• Mistrust of others.
• Unusual thoughts or experiences (e.g. hearing or seeing things that aren’t there).
• Expressions of worthlessness, guilt, or emotional numbness.
• Talking about not wanting to be around or wanting to die.
• Thoughts or talk of self-harm. 

Changes in physical health or appearance

• Low energy or fatigue.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Noticeable weight changes.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Physical complaints such as headaches, stomach aches, or nausea. 

Remember – you aren’t a mental health professional and aren’t expected to have all the answers or spot all the signs. Your duty is to protect the young members and effectively safeguard them from harm. If you need support, please contact the safeguarding team or the emergency services.

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What if there's a risk of harm?

If you think there’s a risk of harm or someone’s in immediate danger, you should contact the emergency services (999), with a preference for an ambulance straight away. After this, report the situation to the safeguarding team. 

For all other concerns, you should follow the safeguarding procedure. Definitions:

• Harm: Physical injury or emotional/psychological damage caused by abuse, neglect, self-harm, or other dangerous situations.
• Risk: A situation or behaviour that could lead to harm if not addressed - this could be a warning sign or potential danger.
• Crisis: A situation where harm may have occurred and/or someone’s safety or wellbeing is at immediate and serious risk, requiring urgent intervention (eg suicidal intent, serious injury, or threat of violence). 

Always take any signs of risk seriously and act promptly to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you need advice or support, contact the safeguarding team at 020 7834 6242 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm), or email [email protected].

For safeguarding emergencies outside of these hours, call our out-of-hours emergency line on 07508 032997:

• Monday to Friday 5pm–10pm.
• Weekends 9am–10pm. 

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Taking a person-centred approach

Every member of Girlguiding is unique. Their background, identity, and experiences shape their needs and how they engage. To support all members effectively, it’s important to take a person-centred, inclusive approach that recognises and respects everyone’s whole identity.

Intersectionality is the idea that people have multiple, overlapping identities (such as race, gender, disability, religion, sexuality) that combine to influence their experiences of life - including discrimination or privilege.

Research shows that people from marginalised groups often face higher levels of mental health challenges. Being mindful of this helps leaders provide more compassionate and effective support.

Key principles for taking a person-centred approach

• Treat each member as an individual - ask what they need rather than assuming.
• Be flexible and open in your communication and planning.
• Prioritise listening and validating their experiences.
• Try to maintain a neutral tone and don’t judge anything they may share. Don’t make any assumptions - ask the young member directly how you can support them.
• Learn how to pronounce their name correctly and take care to do so.
• Learn what their pronouns are and use them.
• Use culturally safe language and behaviour - avoid anything that could embarrass, stereotype or exclude.
• Understand that racism and prejudice can be subtle or systemic, and members may have experienced discrimination in other settings.
• Be respectful of cultural and religious practices (e.g. prayer times, dietary needs).
• Recognise how faith and racial identity may intersect to shape the young member’s experiences.
• Mirror the terms a member uses to describe themselves - and ask if you’re unsure. 
• Focus on inclusion, not perfection - being open and willing to learn goes a long way.
• Seek guidance from the safeguarding or equity diversity and inclusion team if you're unsure. 

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Supporting members with their mental health and wellbeing when going away

This guidance can be used for both young members and adult members.

If you know before you go away that a member has been in crisis recently, then you need to contact the safeguarding team. They can help you to risk assess the likelihood of harm whilst away on the residential. Then you can work on an adjustment plan and a dynamic risk assessment. Agree in advance on roles and responsibilities - for example, who’ll look after the young member in a self-harm incident, who’ll look after the rest of the group, and who’ll contact the parents or carers? The parents or carers should be involved with these plans, as advised in our guidance on going on residentials.

It’s good practice to involve members in planning discussions from the start, ensuring their voice is central to any decisions, if appropriate.  

New environments, changes in routine, and unfamiliar experiences can sometimes trigger or worsen mental health symptoms. These risks should be considered and discussed openly with the member and their support network.

In some cases, your risk assessment may need to determine whether a member can safely take part in the event. This should be approached in the same inclusive and thoughtful way you’d assess physical accessibility needs - such as for a young member who uses a wheelchair attending camp. 
 
Remember that you aren’t a mental health professional, and don’t need to try to diagnose any member. If you have concerns about a potential risk of serious harm to self or others, or if a young member shows signs of being in crisis (e.g. suicidal thoughts, severe distress, or unsafe behaviour), consult with your local commissioner, and the safeguarding team.

Together, you can assess whether the trip is the safest place for the member and if the appropriate support can be provided during the event. You should always do what you can to include all members in all activities, but a member’s personal safety is always of utmost importance. This means that if you feel you can’t keep the young member or the other members safe, even after completing an adjustment plan and a risk assessment, it may not be appropriate or safe for the young member to go away with their unit at that particular time. To stay compliant, you must be able to demonstrate that you’ve tried to safely include the member.

There may be times when a member who has no known mental health history begins to show signs of distress during a trip.

In this instance, then your priority is getting them medical attention or providing first aid. You’ll also need to carry out a dynamic risk assessment and contact their emergency contact, to let them know what has happened.

For more information about how to respond if a member on a residential is a danger to themselves or anyone else, please read our section on ‘What if there's a risk of harm?’  

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Mental health support organisations

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