Vlog or blog for better mental health

Before you begin

• Make sure all of the Explorers have read the guidance around online safety.
• For the grown-ups, there’s general guidance on mental health
• Mind has information about online mental health and telling your story. For more guidance on online safety, check out Get Safe Online, the UK Safer Internet Centre, or the NSPCC.
• If you’re making videos, there are plenty of free options for editing software. There may already be some on your devices or you could download a free app.

Plan it

1. Everyone should decide whether they want to make a vlog or a blog.
2. Everyone should think about what they’d like to share on the topic of mental health. They could think about facts and information, advice and tips for boosting wellbeing, or personal experiences.

If anyone’s thinking of sharing personal experiences, check out the ‘Things to consider’ section below. It can be a big decision to make.

3. Everyone should think about their audience – who will they aim their blog or vlog at? What would they like them to know? How will they engage them?
4. Now they know what they’re making, their topic, and their audience, everyone should plan the content of their vlog or blog. They should decide whether it’ll be funny or serious, and choose a format too. For example, do they want to present some wellbeing tips, create a how-to for a wellbeing-boosting craft, bust some common myths, or tell their own story?

It’s really important that you don’t include triggering content – head to ‘Things to consider’ to find out more about what to avoid.

5. Everyone should think about the skills and equipment they’ll need. Will they need filming equipment, or a laptop to write on? Where will they share their creations (for example, on their group’s social media or by emailing it to Mind, SAMH, or Inspire)? Do they need to think about anything else (for example, images to go alongside writing or props for a vlog)?

Make it

1. Everyone should get stuck in with their camera, keyboard, or pen to create their vlog or blog.
2. Vloggers should set up the camera so it’s facing them. They should try to speak slowly and clearly, so it’s easy to understand them. It doesn’t matter if they don’t get it right first time – it’s usually easy to put clips together with basic editing software. It’s OK if people want an adult to help with this.
3. Bloggers should try to find a quiet space to gather and share their thoughts. When it comes to words, between 400 and 600 words is ideal (though, of course, it all depends on the person and what they have to say). It’s good to find a balance between having enough information and being overwhelming.
4. Once everyone has a solid first draft, they should ask a friend to take a look. Do they have any advice on how to improve it? Making edits is an important part of any creative process.

Share it

1. Everyone should share their vlog or blog as they planned. They could put it online, or just to share it with friends and family.

Things to consider

• Talking about mental health is important, but sharing your own experiences or stories can be a big step to take. No one should share their experiences unless they understand all the potential consequences and feel totally ready and comfortable. Mind suggests that people should ‘feel well enough to share their story’ – and it’s important that people think through the consequences of their story being available to everyone including family, friends, and people they haven’t met yet (for example, future friends or employers).
• Remember that blogs and vlogs can receive comments. What will you do to make sure people aren’t negatively affected? You could refer commenters to MIND, SAMH, or Inspire for more information.
• It’s important that people don’t include content that’s likely to trigger other people, for example, photos, detailed descriptions, or methods when talking about self-harm, disordered eating, or suicide.
• Don’t worry if people don’t have any experiences that they want to share – you could focus on positive wellbeing tips or facts you’ve learned. If making individual blogs or vlogs isn’t right for your group, you could make a group video using a script.

This activity helps contribute towards some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more about the SDGs, and how Scouts across the world are getting involved.