The challenges of the past few years have left a significant number of young people anxious about their mental wellbeing and the cost of living, sparking a nationwide initiative to alleviate their concerns.

A recent study by Co-op and Barnardo's, the UK's largest children's charity, revealed that 41% of young individuals are worried about their mental health, and 42% are concerned about how their parents or carers are coping with rising living costs.

In a response that highlights the spirit of community support, the Co-op is stepping up to aid this crucial cause. During Mental Health Awareness Week (15th – 21st May), colleagues across Co-op are engaging communities in various fundraising activities. These range from car washes to coffee mornings, aiming to raise £5 million to support 750,000 young people in collaboration with Barnardo's.

This joint venture aims not only to meet immediate needs such as food - a worryingly aspirational item for the 35% of young people who have accessed food support in the past six months - but also to foster long-term prospects. The plan is to develop online resources and support systems, co-produced with young people to ensure their voices are heard.

Co-op's ongoing commitment to young people is evident in its work supporting apprenticeships, running 30 Co-op Academy schools that educate over 18,500 young people across the North West, Yorkshire, and Staffordshire, and through its partnerships with Mind, SAMH, and Inspire to support mental wellbeing.

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme is 'anxiety', with the Mental Health Foundation encouraging everyone to share their experiences and coping strategies using the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.

Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation, said, "We all experience anxiety, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

"This Mental Health Awareness Week we're encouraging everyone to get involved...We hope the week helps people feel more confident talking about anxiety and how it affects them."

Individuals and communities are encouraged to get involved by sharing their experiences, taking on challenges such as a charity skydive, or running a 'Wear It Green Day' to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.

For more information about this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw.

If you or someone you know needs support, visit coop.co.uk/SupportYoungPeople

For help, you can also contact:

• Mind (England and Wales) – 0300 123 3393
• Young Minds – 020 7089 5050.
• Or Text 'SHOUT' for support anytime, anywhere, to 85258