Elevate London – Session 8: Mental Health & Well-Being

Our final Elevate London session was a powerful and emotional day, dedicated to mental health, resilience, and well-being. As the programme came to a close, we wanted to equip our young people with the tools to navigate life’s challenges while prioritising their mental well-being.

Led by Angela Caroo MBE. She openly shared her journey and mental health struggles - discussing the important of seeking support, using available recourses and creating safe spaces to talk about mental health. Her honesty resonated with our young people, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness.

We kicked off the session with a unique and therapeutic exercise. Participants wrote down the things that keep them up at night on balloons, built them into towers, and then burst them. This was a symbolic way of releasing stress while also incorporating teamwork and communication - two skills they’ve developed throughout the programme. And, of course, a bit of friendly competition over who could build the tallest tower added some fun to the mix!

Shannen Moore led an insightful session, helping participants explore how they would navigate difficult situations in their personal lives. The discussions encouraged them to think critically about the support systems available to them and how they can also be there for others.

One of the most raw and powerful moments of the day came from Charles Morgan, who bravely shared his personal battle with mental fitness. His openness and vulnerability created a truly moving moment, reminding us all that mental health struggles do not define us - they shape our resilience and strength.

Ebony King shared a crucial lesson on money mules and financial exploitation. Her personal experiences of being targeted and manipulated highlighted how easily young people can fall into dangerous situations. She spoke about how trusting the wrong people impacted her mental health and the lessons she has learned from it. Her talk was eye-opening, showing just how important it is to educate young people about these risks.

To end the session on a high note, we were joined by the Royal Academy of Dance, who brought energy, joy, and movement into the room. Their session showcased how dance and physical movement can be a powerful tool for mental well-being. It was incredible to see everyone—from our young people to our mentors - letting loose, laughing, and enjoying the moment.

A Bittersweet Farewell – But the Journey Continues!

This session was filled with love, laughter, reflection, and important conversations. It was an unforgettable way to wrap up an incredible journey with this Elevate cohort.

Though this marks the end of the programme, it’s only the beginning for these young people. They leave Elevate with newfound confidence, valuable skills, and a support network that will continue to uplift them.

Next Stop: Graduation! 🎓✨

A massive thank you to everyone who made this session and the entire programme such a success. The future is bright for this group, and we can't wait to see where their journeys take them next!