Youth Wellbeing Champions: Piloting Mental Health Peer Support for Young People in Uganda

Mental health problems affect 10–20% of children and young people (CYP) worldwide; 90% live in low-middle income countries (Kieling, C., et al., 2011). Evidence shows life-long risk factors associated with institutionalization, including violence, abuse and neglect, all of which heightens mental health issues. CYP with experience of institutional care are more likely to face serious barriers to access services: a recent study shows 35% CYP received no support once they left care (UCL, 2019).