Why I recommend Be Heard to the young people I work with...
"As someone who’s worked in social prescribing and youth mental health, I’ve referred a lot of young people into Be Heard – and I’ve seen the change to those young people’s lives because of it.
Be Heard isn’t a youth club, it’s a graded, emotionally aware space where young people can show up exactly as they are. Whether they’re anxious, isolated, neurodiverse, or simply unsure, Be Heard meets them with warmth, flexibility, and zero pressure.
I often describe it to young people as “window shopping” – you’re not committing to anything, just coming to look around. That framing alone helps reduce anxiety and opens the door to engagement. And for those who are especially nervous, I’ve found that accompanying them to their first session can be the key to building trust and confidence. That’s why I’m excited about the new volunteer role being developed to replicate this support.
One young person with autism I brought to Be Heard was initially very isolated. But through the space, they made a new friend – and later went on to college, where they continued to build connections. They messaged me some time ago to say that if I hadn’t brought them to Be Heard, they wouldn’t have felt compelled to approach others. That kind of transformation is exactly why this service matters.
The service is designed to be accessible. Young people can sit quietly, listen to music, watch tv, or chat one-on-one with a youth mentor. They can stay for 10 minutes or the whole session. They can come with a parent, a friend, or just themselves. And every small step – like one young person walking into the room alone for the first time – is celebrated as a win.
For those on long waiting lists, Be Heard offers an accessible interim space. It’s not therapy, but it’s therapeutic in its own right. It gives young people something consistent and supportive to engage with while they wait – something that helps them feel less alone.
Be Heard can also be a powerful emotional outlet for young people struggling with school, seeking more connection, or simply needing a space to breathe. I always pitch it as a service created by young people, for young people. That means any hobbies or interests they already have – whether it’s art, music, gaming, or something else – they can potentially bring that into the space too.
Many professionals might see Be Heard as “just a youth club”, but it’s so much more. That’s why I think showing videos and real-time footage for the website would be good – so professionals, parents, and young people can see and hear what Be Heard really is.
If you’re a professional wondering whether to refer, here’s what I’d say: Be Heard is a space where young people can be themselves, connect at their own pace, and feel genuinely heard. It’s a service built with care, shaped by lived experience, and designed to meet young people where they are. And in a system where services can feel rigid or inaccessible, that’s something special."
Nigel Aspia, Social Prescribing Link Worker
