Campaigners set up bid to tackle stress stigma in Peterborough
There's concern young people in the city are struggling with pressures
There's concern many young people across Peterborough are struggling with the pressures of school.
Peterborough's Youth Council is aiming to tackle stress in young people in their latest campaign.
The council, which has around 40 members, claims pressure and stress are one of the biggest challenges faced by youngsters today with some of the impacts being felt on mental and physical health, relationships with others and future ambitions.
The solutions will be based on a survey, open to 11 to 19-year-olds in Peterborough, about what causes stress and has so far had more than 350 responses coming from secondary schools in the city.
"Change should come from the youth"
Aryan Nahata is chair of the Peterborough Youth Council - he's said that homework and exams can be stressful for young people.
“It is crucial that these movements come from young people; adults have experienced stress before but times have changed mainly due to social media,” he said.
“Change should come from the youth, for the youth.”
Youths feel 'victimised and stereotyped'
Aryan said that young people are afraid of standing in groups outside on the streets, as others are making judgements based on where they are and who they are with.
"We feel like other people are making judgements on us based on our appearances, we feel victimised and stereotyped," he added.
"Day to day people don't talk about stress often enough.
"Everyone should feel comfortable doing so and this needs to be tackled; we should all have someone they can talk to about feeling stressed.”