Supporting children and young people’s mental health

Researchers at the University of Leeds are generating new evidence to improve mental health support for children and young people affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

June 24, 2026: ACEs are potentially traumatic experiences that occur before the age of 18 and can include parental separation, substance misuse, mental illness within the household, abuse, racism, bullying and involvement with child protection systems. While much of the existing research has focused on the long-term impacts of ACEs in adulthood, less is known about how young people experience adversity as it happens, how they navigate these challenges, and what support helps them maintain their wellbeing.

To address this gap, researchers from the University of Leeds collaborated with academic and community partners through Project ATTUNE led by University of Oxford and Falmouth University, a major initiative designed to understand how young people experience adversity, build resilience and navigate life after ACEs.

Professor Siobhan Hugh-Jones, Professor in Mental Health Psychology at the University of Leeds, said, “Young people’s experiences of adversity are complex and deeply personal. By working alongside them throughout this project, we have gained valuable insights into the challenges they face, the strengths they draw upon, and the support that can make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing.”

The project used creative, arts-based methods to engage 74 young people aged 10–24 in exploring their experiences of adversity and mental wellbeing. Many participants also created short films, enabling them to share their stories in their own words.

Alongside this, researchers analysed large-scale longitudinal datasets to better understand the factors that influence young people’s mental health over time. The findings identified previously under-recognised forms of adversity, including the impact of masking among neurodivergent young people and challenges experienced within educational settings.

The research revealed that young people’s current environments play a critical role in shaping their mental wellbeing. Participants highlighted how feeling unsafe in schools and communities, alongside repeated experiences of being unheard or misunderstood, could have an immediate and lasting impact on their mental health.

Professor Paul Cooke, Centenary Chair in World Cinemas at the University of Leeds, said, “Our findings highlight the importance of looking beyond past experiences and understanding the environments in which young people live today. Creating spaces where young people feel safe, supported and validated is essential to promoting positive mental health outcomes.”

Building on these insights, the ATTUNE team worked with young people and professionals to co-design practical resources aimed at supporting positive change. This included the development of Validating Voices, a card- and play-based resource designed to help organisations become more trauma-informed and psychologically safe for young people.

The project also supported the co-development of a serious digital game informed by research exploring how digital approaches can strengthen wellbeing and resilience among young people.

Importantly, young people were involved as co-researchers throughout the project, contributing to research design, publications, conferences, webinars and podcasts, ensuring that lived experience remained at the heart of the work.

The project generated new evidence not only about the risks associated with ACEs, but also about the resilience, strengths and coping strategies demonstrated by young people navigating adversity. Findings and recommendations have been shared with professionals and decision-makers to help improve support systems and create environments that better promote young people’s mental wellbeing.

By highlighting the importance of safe, supportive and validating environments, the research is helping shape more effective approaches to supporting children and young people as they navigate adversity and build resilience.