Help a young person through life’s big changes
Life skills for life stages – donate today!
The key moments in young people’s lives can be really exciting. Moving on to secondary school, college or university are all major milestones, as is starting your first job.
But as well as being exciting, these times can also feel scary, maybe even overwhelming, and they can present challenges to young people’s mental health.
Our summer appeal, running throughout June, will help us provide mental health training and resources to support more young people at these crucial points in their lives.
Help us support young people at key life stages.
We provide all our resources for free but can only do this through the generosity of our supporters. Money raised by the appeal will enable us to support more young people with these vital tools.
If you're kindly donating, please select 'Charlie Waller Trust June appeal' from the drop down menu as the reason when prompted.
2 – 9 June: Primary to secondary school
Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 is a big step! Children may be travelling to school independently for the first time, as well as getting to grips with a more complicated timetable, a bigger building and new teachers.
Charlie Waller youth ambassador Yasmine shares her poignant memories of finishing year 6 and starting year 7:
Our top tips
Packed with practical tips and strategies, our Year 7 guidance helps parents and carers support their child’s move to secondary school — a must-have for a smoother start.
More resources
We have lots more resources to help you support the children and young people in your life.
Supporting a child with anxiety
Download the resource
Asking for help
Download resource
Wellbeing Action Plan
Download the resourceNew webinar: Supporting young people with anxiety around uncertainty and change
Our new webinar will give you practical tools and strategies for helping children and young people deal with the anxiety that change can bring. It’s happening on Thursday 26 June at 12pm – sign up now!
9 - 16 June: Secondary school to college or sixth form
Moving from secondary school to college can be daunting. From an unfamiliar environment to new subjects and more independent study, it can feel a bit frightening. Even for those starting sixth form at the same school, there are the challenges of starting A Levels and getting to know new teachers.
Our free resources show parents, carers and teachers practical ways to support young people's mental health.
Right: Amy shares her experience of moving from a small school to a large college and what helped her through the tough times.
Ready-to-go mental health pack for parents, carers and teachers
This pack of mental health lessons and resources for teachers, parents and carers is evidence-informed and based on what young people said they most wanted support with. This includes managing change and uncertainty; feeling lonely, isolated and disconnected; and feeling anxious about social situations.
Exam stress – a healthy approach
Exams are usually a major focus of the move from school to sixth form or college. They can be a cause of stress but there are lots of ways to help students look after their wellbeing around exam times. We have guidance for parents and carers, students and teachers, to help take a positive, mentally healthy approach to exams:
Exam stress: a guide for parents and carers
Practical advice for parents and carers on creating a balanced approach to studying, recognising signs of anxiety, and offering encouragement.
Managing exam stress: a guide for students
Simple tips and reminders for students of how to look after themselves around exams, and how to reach out for help and support if things get too much.
Exam stress: a guide for educators
Useful advice for teachers on creating a nurturing school environment, recognising signs of anxiety, and promoting resilience.
Stigma to Strength podcast
From our youth ambassadors
Episode 3: Life Transitions - Conversations on the challenges of starting sixth form, moving house and much more.
16 – 23 June: Moving on to university
This chapter of life comes with lots of exciting experiences and new challenges. The pressures of academia, independent living and managing money can be intense. Helping students learn how to take care of their mental wellbeing is vital.
Charlie Waller youth ambassador Khadijah shares the fears she had starting university and how she dealt with them.
Two more of our youth ambassadors, Georgia and Freya, have written powerful blog posts on their experiences of starting university.
It’s normal for young people to feel some stress and anxiety when starting university; help and support is available.
Making the move to university: looking after your mental health
Free booklets and downloads to support:
Life at university posters and postcards
Our posters and postcards feature a handy QR code, directing students to guidance on university life.
Starting university: a guide for students
Parents and carers might find it helpful to look at our expert guide with young people starting university.
Stigma to Strength podcast: Freshers’ Fear
From our youth ambassadors
Youth ambassadors Eliza and Kyanne discuss the ups and downs of Freshers’ Week.
23 – 30 June: Finding and starting work
Starting your first job is a big step. Understanding your role, the workplace culture and your new colleagues is a lot to take on board. Good support can make a big difference.
Daniel talked to us about his transition from university to work, the trials of job hunting and what he’d say to others in this position.
Youth ambassador Fatima shared her experience of starting her first job, the fear of not being good enough, and getting the right support.
Abi’s story
Abi graduated in 2021 with a first class honours degree and then had a difficult nine months, exacerbated by a lack of support, as she explains.
Listen to Abi's story (right)
Our new resource offers tips and guidance on seven key aspects of starting work.
Stigma to Strength podcast: Entering the world of work
From our youth ambassadors
Three of our youth ambassadors talk about the challenges of finding and starting work and offer their top tips.