Youth wellbeing and mental health in the workplace: an interview with Ife Anifowoshe, Youth Participation Coordinator

Please could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role at Groundwork London?

My name is Ife Anifowoshe, I’m a Youth Participation Coordinator. I work under The Nest, which is a Youth and Mental Health service under Groundwork London. I work as part of the Youth Team. 

What does your role at The Nest entail?

My role varies – the majority of the time I create a space for young people to make community and build relationships with each other, and also take control of their mental health. This can be organizing events, sparking conversations or reviewing resources that young people might use. I also use platforms that young people are familiar with to encourage conversation around mental health. 

Your role has a great deal to do with youth mental health. How do you think The Nest and its services can have an impact on young people’s wellbeing? 

I think The Nest in itself, as a  youth and mental health service, provides therapy and various interventions not only for young people but also for their families. We cover various aspects of young people’s lives – this is holistic, it means that young people are able to address certain things relating to their mental health, whether at school or with their families.

It also helps remove the inner stigma that asking for help is frowned up, or that if you go to therapy you must be crazy. Having a space with other young people that is fun, interactive and enjoyable definitely contributes to removing that stigma. When we talk about it more, it means that it is not something that is hidden, under the rug. And when people talk about it more, they’re more likely to use the services. So I think Nest’s services lift the stigma, and provide a space where young people can communicate with other young people.

How has this role had an impact on your own mental health?

My role has definitely had an impact on my mental health – I would say a positive impact. Not only does it give me something to do, I know that what I’m doing is in real time – encouraging other people. That sense of fulfilment is really rewarding. 

It’s an environment where I’m comfortable, I am heard, the things that I suggest are taken into consideration. This definitely has a positive twist. So I definitely would say it’s had a positive impact. 

In your opinion, what are employers’ responsibility towards protecting their staff mental health and wellbeing? 

I think something that Groundwork or The Nest does really well is giving their staff mental health days, where staff might go to a team building or bonding activity, whether that’s the theatre, sports day, or movie night. Those are things that being at The Nest I’ve seen happen or I’ve been able to attend. It’s refreshing to know that they care about their staff and they understand the job of someone who is working with young people can be draining, so providing those days where you can just chit chat or enjoy is a way in which employers can take responsibility. 

In your opinion, what are the main factors contributing to the wellbeing of teams and young people at work? 

I think having other employees who make the space more comfortable – being a young person in a working environment can feel like you have a higher chance of failing. So having other members of staff be understanding can create a safe space for failure and asking for help can take a lot of weight off of young people’s shoulders. 

Do you have a favourite memory working at the Nest? Or an event that you’re particularly excited for?

All of our mental health days. We went to the theatre to watch For Black Boys…. At The Nest when you’re physically there you don’t tend to see everyone as much, because some people work in schools or practices, or are counsellors with clients all day. But on that day I met so many new people and it was fun because it wasn’t about work, so I got to get to know the staff genuinely as a person. This contributed positively to the work environment. It was an amazing show, and I got to spend time with my colleagues outside of work. Off the top of my head that’s one of the very memorable things that have happened since working at The Nest. 

What can you see yourself and The Nest achieving in the future?

I think for The Nest I definitely see collaboration with a variety of services, whether that is music related or art or youth clubs or things like that — I see a wider pool of collaborations for The Nest. I see real change and impact continuing to happen, and hopefully recognition for the work that the nest does, because I am pretty sure it is one of a kind. 

For me, in the future, completing my degree and continuing to explore the ways in which mental health isn’t so difficult to talk about. I’m glad that I have the opportunity to start here with The Nest , and really make a difference. Not a superficial difference, but one that has longevity. 

 

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Thank you to Ife for your wise words on youth, mental health and the workplace. The Nest is based in Peckham and offers counselling services for young people and their families across Southwark. If you are interested in checking out The Nest’s services, please visit their website here. Keep up with The Nest on their Instagram @TheNestSouthwark.