01 Aug 2025
Shops in St Albans are being encouraged to sign up now to join a week-long awareness campaign for local mental health charity Youth Talk.
In what’s believed to be a first for the city, shops are being urged to show their united support for Youth Talk, which provides free counselling services for young people aged 11-25 in the area. Those taking part will be asked to give up a small area of their shop window between October 6-12 as part of an initiative to coincide with this year’s World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The scheme is the brainchild of Taylor Walton solicitors, a long-standing supporter of Youth Talk.
Head of marketing Emily Waddell explained: “We wanted to support Youth Talk and to highlight the excellent work they do for young people in and around St Albans. Many of the people they help will be customers of these shops now or in the future.
“By standing together and showing support ahead of World Mental Health Day we hope to help break the taboo of young people asking for and receiving help and support. We can make a real impact locally if we all stand together.”
October can be a very stressful time for many young people as they embark on new schools, college or university courses or their first job in the workplace or preparing for mock exams. The October half-term is typically a time when there is a spike in demand for Youth Talk’s services, which then continues throughout the academic year.
David Barker, chief executive of Youth Talk said: “We’re so grateful to Taylor Walton and the brilliant local businesses joining this campaign. Awareness like this is vital – not just to let young people know we’re here, but to show them that their community genuinely cares. Every shop window taking part helps break down stigma and send a powerful message: it’s okay to talk, and we’re listening.”
To take part in the campaign, email events@taylorwalton.co.uk
The initiative coincides with this year’s Great St Albans Challenge, which will see the city wbursting with capes, masks and heroic missions on on Sunday October 12.
Teams of everyday superheroes will take on a fun-packed GPS treasure hunt through the town centre, starting at the Cathedral and finishing with a special finale at the Alban Arena. Along the way, they’ll face superhero questions, photo and video challenges and be on the lookout for the special shop windows supporting Youth Talk.
Find out more about getting involved at www.greatstalbanschallenge.org.uk
