Youth Access

12/11/2025

✨ NEW from ARC: Five FREE guides for parents and teens ✨

🧠 A Mental Health First Aid Kit - Quick strategies and tools to manage anxiety, panic, and low mood.

💬Decoding Teen Talk – A practical guide for parents on modern teen slang, emojis and hidden meanings in digital communication

🪞Body Image in the Online World – Helping teens navigate filters, perfection pressure and comparison culture

📱Digital Overload - The effects of digital engagement on mental health and how to manage it

💕Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health – Spotting early signs, setting boundaries, and improving communication at home

Download PDFs here 👉 https://arcweb.org.uk/factsheets/

11/11/2025

Remembrance Day ❤️

Today we honour all who have served, those who gave their lives, and those who came home carrying invisible wounds.

For many veterans and their families, the impact of war is lifelong. Memories, loss, and trauma can quietly shape everyday life in ways that others may never see.

We remember their courage, their pain, and their strength.
And we stand with those still fighting battles that cannot be seen.

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, grief, or loss, please remember that support is out there. Talking helps, and you never have to face it alone.

08/11/2025

Life can be confusing. One week you’re fine, the next everything feels overwhelming, and you can’t even explain why. This video is a reminder that support is out there and reaching out is a strength, not a weakness. 💪

For 50 years, Youth Access has been championing and supporting youth advice and counselling services. Our national network is formed of brilliant members up ...

07/11/2025

We’re so proud to see Waingels recognised with the Excelling Kite Mark for mental health delivery by Innovating Minds 🏆

A huge well done to the incredible Wellbeing Team for their dedication to creating a supportive, thriving environment for students, parents, and staff. It’s been a privilege for ARC Counselling to collaborate on such meaningful initiatives that make a real difference. 💙

07/11/2025

ADHD isn’t about attention; it’s about regulation.

You know that version of yourself who’s creative, funny, and full of energy, the one who makes life feel exciting and easy?
That’s you when your nervous system is regulated.

And the version that feels foggy, flat, or frozen?
That’s dysregulation — not laziness, not lack of willpower.

For people with ADHD, the difference between thriving and barely coping isn’t motivation. It’s how regulated the brain feels.

🧠 When regulated: you’re empathetic, inventive, expressive, and the world feels alive.
🌪 When dysregulated: focus disappears, energy drops, and everything feels too heavy to start.

It’s not two different people.
It’s one nervous system shifting between safety and survival.

✨ ADHD isn’t a motivation problem. It’s a regulation challenge.

06/11/2025

💛 Every young person deserves somewhere to belong.
If you or someone you know has additional needs, there are amazing groups across Wokingham that offer safe, supportive spaces to connect, have fun, and build confidence.

Here’s what’s happening locally 👇

✨ Whether it’s socialising, building life skills, or getting extra support - there’s something for everyone.

01/11/2025

🌱 New Month, New Mindset?

As we head into November, Wokingham Recovery College has a brilliant line-up of free mental health and wellbeing courses - perfect if you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or simply want to explore new ways of supporting your mental health.

✨ Try something creative like Art for Wellbeing: Songbird
🧠 Learn tools to manage anxiety or boost self-esteem
🎯 Set goals for the future with the Vision Boards workshop
💬 Or join a friendly peer support group - because no one has to do recovery alone.

Whether you’re taking your first step or building on your progress, these sessions are a safe, welcoming way to reconnect with yourself and others.

📅 Courses start early November - spaces are limited, so don’t wait to sign up!
👉Register with the Wokingham Recovery College here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/900bccf340c546dfb1d59109eaf35765

30/10/2025

LGBTQ+ Youth Groups

✨ Safe spaces. Real connection. Just be you.
Whether you’re looking to make friends, talk things out, or simply hang out somewhere you can be yourself - these local LGBTQ+ groups are here for you 💬💛

💬 ARC “Chill Out” – for ages 14–17 in Wokingham
💬 Support U – for ages 13–25 in Reading

Both offer inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone’s accepted exactly as they are 🌈

29/10/2025

💬 Looking after your sexual health = self-care.

Free, friendly, confidential clinics are open across Berkshire - whether you need advice, testing, or contraception. 💛

✨ Walk-in or book online - no judgment, just support.

Stay informed. Stay safe. 💊

26/10/2025

🎃✨ Get ready to SLAY this Halloween at our Chill Out Spooktacular Party! 👻🏳️‍🌈

This isn’t just any party—it’s a night where you can be yourself! Dress up, unwind, vibe with amazing people, and celebrate in a space that’s safe, inclusive, and full of love and laughter. Whether you’re serving spooky glam, campy chaos, or cozy comfy, costumes of ALL kinds are welcome! 💅🧛‍♀️🧙‍♂️

🕸️ What to expect:
💥 Chill vibes + killer beats
🎭 Costume fun (dress up encouraged, not required!)
🎲 Games, snacks & spooky surprises
🌈 A supportive, judgement-free space to relax, connect & be YOU

Bring your friends, bring your energy, and let’s make some hauntingly wholesome memories together. 🖤

📅 Date: 31st October 2025
🕕 Time: 4pm until 5:30pm
📍 Location: The Bradbury Centre, Wokingham

No pressure. No drama. Just q***r joy, cozy chaos, and Halloween magic. ✨
Come as you are—or who you dare to be. 🕷️💜

22/10/2025

Looking for something fun to do after school?

There are loads of friendly, free or low-cost youth groups running locally - perfect for meeting new people, playing games, or just hanging out in a safe space.

Here’s what’s on across the Wokingham Borough 👇