Missing the Mark: young people speak out on exam stress and pressure

Conversations on: Disability, faith, pride and belonging

In this episode, we hear from Aisha, Maryam, Noah and Srishti – four young creatives who each explore their identity and mental health through spoken word, zines, video content and personal essays. They share what it means to be queer, Muslim, disabled, neurodivergent – and how those identities shape their lives, creativity and sense of self. From finding community online to confronting ableism and navigating mental health support, this conversation is honest, powerful and full of solidarity. This episode was recorded in studio. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aiPulvTR3Ik [https://youtu.be/aiPulvTR3Ik] To hear more real stories from diverse voices, visit youngminds.org.uk/identity-and-mental-health. [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/identity-and-mental-health] For support and advice for your mental health, visit youngminds.org.uk [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/].

Missing the Mark: young people speak out on exam stress and pressure

Exams are putting unbearable pressure on young people – and it's time for change. In this episode of What’s On YoungMinds?, we hear from three powerful voices: YoungMinds activists Matty and Dinah, and YoungMinds Ambassador Alfie Watts – known for his appearance on BBC's Race Across the World. They open up about the intense stress caused by SATs, GCSEs and A-levels, and how the current system is failing students' mental health. This conversation is part of our Missing the Mark campaign, where we’re calling on the government to scrap SATs and reform GCSEs and A-levels to make assessments fairer, kinder, and more supportive of young people’s wellbeing. 💛Learn more and take action [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/join-the-movement/missing-the-mark/].

Social pressures and how to fit in: Grace's story

In this episode, Grace shares her story about fitting in with others, setting boundaries, and the power of vulnerability when it comes to friendships. If you're struggling with your mental health, YoungMinds [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/] has guides to support you with tips and advice on looking after your mental health, including: * Guide to friendships [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/friends/] * Guide to disability and mental health [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/disability-and-mental-health/] * Guide to self-care [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/self-care/]

Adapting to life with Long Covid: Eden's story

In this episode, Eden shares her experiences of having Long Covid, including the challenges she's faced in adapting to a new way of life and the hobbies and communities that have helped her get through it. If you're struggling with your mental health, YoungMinds [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/] has guides to support you with tips and advice on looking after your mental health, including: * Guide to disability and mental health [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/disability-and-mental-health/] * Guide to self-care [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/self-care/]

Black, Disabled and proud: Femi, Simi and Jaleel’s stories

In this episode, we pass the mic to host Femi Adebowale (@__femz__ [https://www.instagram.com/__femz__/]), a filmmaker and disability rights activist passionate about amplifying unrepresented stories. Femi sits down with two inspiring guests: Simi Roach (@simi_roach [https://www.instagram.com/simi_roach/?img_index=7]), a professional writer, performer, public speaker, and disability rights activist, and Jaleel Hudson (@skietchy [https://www.instagram.com/skietchy/]), a freelance illustrator with a love for comics, character design, and storytelling. This episode was recorded in studio: watch the full video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm-CMqiQZ0c]. To hear more real stories from young Black Disabled people, visit youngminds.org.uk/celebrating-black-disabled-stories. [https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/celebrating-black-disabled-stories/] For support and advice for your mental health, visit youngminds.org.uk [http://youngminds.org.uk].