10 Oct 2026
Young people would much rather talk face-to-face with a counsellor than turn to online support when they are struggling with their mental health, according to research from St Albans charity Youth Talk.
The findings are being highlighted for World Mental Health Day, which this year has the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.”
Youth Talk’s Growing Up Survey asked more than 1,200 young people aged 11–25 about the challenges of growing up today, what helps them and what kind of support they would want if they were struggling with their mental health.
When asked which type of professional support they would most prefer, 42 per cent chose face-to-face, one-to-one counselling in a private room – by far the most popular option.
By comparison, 13 per cent chose text or chat-based support, 13 per cent chose talking to a trusted adult such as a teacher, youth worker or coach, and just four per cent chose online one-to-one counselling by video call.
Only two per cent chose mental health apps or online programmes as their first choice.
The preference for face-to-face support becomes even stronger among older young people, rising to 64 per cent among 19–25-year-olds.
The survey also shows how important human connection is more broadly when young people are struggling.
If they were sad or struggling with their emotions or mental health, 74 per cent said they would be likely or very likely to talk to a friend and 72% to a parent.
Young people also had a clear message for adults about how best to support them: listen properly. Again and again, respondents asked adults to listen without judgement or interruption, take their feelings seriously and not rush in with solutions.
One 16-year-old boy told the survey: “Be calm and just listen. Sometimes people don’t want advice straight away, they just need to unload their thoughts.”
Another respondent, a 14-year-old girl, said: “To properly listen and simply be there for support rather than trying to immediately find a solution to the situation the young person is in, which isn’t always needed and can cause more pressure instead.”
Chief executive of Youth Talk David Barker said: “What young people are telling us is really clear. When they need professional mental health support, many of them want to sit down with another person, face-to-face, in a private space where they can talk and be heard.
“That matters, because there is a lot of focus now on digital support, apps and online tools. While these can all play a part in supporting young people, what our survey tells us very clearly is that human connection still matters enormously. Young people want to be in a real room, with a real person, as close to home as possible.
“At Youth Talk, that is exactly what we provide – free, confidential counselling with experienced professionals who give young people the time and space to talk about whatever is going on in their lives.”
For one young person who has received counselling through Youth Talk, that support has made a huge difference.
They said: “Since starting counselling with Youth Talk, my life has completely changed. I cannot describe what an impact this opportunity has made.
“I truly believe that Youth Talk has transformed so many young people’s lives, and it’s so important for people to understand the extent of how much their help, donations and contributions will allow a young person to access the help they deserve.
“Access to these types of services has given me and my family hope for the future. Thank you so much to every single person who is making this possible. You have changed more lives than you know.”
Youth Talk provides free, professional and confidential counselling to young people aged 13–25 who live, study or work in St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding areas.
The charity currently supports around 120 young people every week through individual and group counselling.
As Youth Talk approaches its 30th anniversary in July 2027, it is now asking more people in the local community to help ensure that support continues through 100 More.
The charity is looking for 100 more local people to become regular givers and help make sure Youth Talk can continue to be there for young people when they need someone to talk to.
Jim Lewis, head of fundraising and partnerships said: “World Mental Health Day is about listening to people’s real experiences and making sure those voices lead to change.
“Young people have told us the kind of support they value. Now we need the community behind us to help make sure that support is there when they need it.
“We’re looking for 100 more people who want to stand alongside local young people and help us continue providing the face-to-face support they are telling us matters.”
To find out more about 100 More and stand alongside local young people, visit:
