Improving the world for the next generation

Addressing the youth mental health crisis

Young people in Europe are growing up in uncertain and volatile times, while navigating school, vocational training, and the transition to work. Professor Aime Quickfall, from our School of Education, is part of SUPPORT-Y, a five-year, €4.4 million initiative to create tools and resources to promote better mental health among 12 to 25-year-olds.

The materials will be co-created by young people from eight countries, including groups often excluded from research such as marginalised girls, young people with disabilities, and those from lower income backgrounds.

Creating safe spaces to get active

That commitment to involving young people also guides the work of Professor Caroline Dodd-Reynolds, from our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Her latest research shows the importance of spaces that feel safe in encouraging sport and physical activity among young people. Welcoming language, choice, creativity, and trusted adults are all crucial. Her findings call on schools, leisure providers, and community organisations to design spaces where all young people can participate with confidence and enjoyment.

How background influences learning difficulty diagnosis

Fair access to support is equally important in the classroom. Analysis from our School of Education found whether a child is diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty or not often depends on where they go to school.

Dr Johny Daniel and colleagues studied records from around 540,000 school pupils in England, and found that identifying specific learning difficulties can depend on a child’s school, gender, family income, and first language, as well as attainment.

The team is calling for more consistent assessment, professional development for teachers, and greater support for schools in disadvantaged areas.

Challenging health risk myths

Living near a volcano is the norm for many young people, but often the health risks are not well understood. Professor Claire Horwell, from our Department of Earth Sciences, was part of an international review of 18 common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions.

By replacing alarming myths with clear, evidence-based guidance, the research aims to improve communication and decision-making during volcanic crises.

Find out more

• Read more about the SUPPORT-Y project to improve mental health of young people across Europe.
• Explore further why safe spaces are so important in encouraging physical activity.
• How a child’s background influences whether they receive a learning difficulty diagnosis.
• Myth busting volcanic health risks: discover the most common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions.