Experiences

Empowering Lives as a Wellbeing Advisor

March 28, 2025

This month’s blog comes from our Wellbeing Advisor Laura, who supports children and young people across the UK via Hope Online. Here’s what she has to say about her role:

In a world that often feels overwhelming, the importance of accessible, compassionate and dedicated support cannot be overlooked. At Hope Support Services we’re driven by a singular mission: to support young people facing some of the toughest times of their lives. As a Wellbeing Advisor with Hope Support Services, I have the privilege of supporting young people as they navigate some of the most difficult and uncertain times. My role centres on helping young people discover their inner strength, build resilience and hold on to hope in the face of adversity. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, but every interaction confirms the transformative power of empathy, understanding and compassionate support.  

What is Hope Support Services? 

Hope Support Services is a lifeline for young people and families affected by a loved one’s serious illness. When life feels uncertain, we provide a space for individuals to feel heard, understood and supported. Through a blend of in-person and online support, Hope creates a community where young people can share their experiences, access advice, and find comfort. Our online services ensure that no matter where a young person is in the UK, they can still connect with someone who genuinely understands and wants to help.  

This support is an essential part of what makes Hope special – providing a non-judgemental environment for young people to open up.

The Wellbeing Advisor role  

Being a wellbeing advisor is so much more than just offering advice – it’s about listening, understanding and being a consistent presence in someone’s life when everything else feels uncertain. On any given day, I might: 

• Provide emotional support to a teenager whose parent is battling cancer. 

• Guide a young adult through coping mechanisms for stress caused by their family health situation.  

• Connect a young person to practical resources and tools that help them process their emotions. 

• Celebrate small victories, like someone opening up for the first time or practicing self-care.  

• Provide emotional support to a child as young as five, whose sibling is battling a serious illness. 

• Give advice to parents on how to support their child with attending a funeral.  

These are just a few examples of the way in which we support young people, but each conversation is unique, and the work requires empathy, patience and flexibility. Young people don’t always come to us with neatly articulated problems – they might be unsure of what they need or be reluctant to talk. Part of the role is to meet them where they are and create a space where they feel heard and supported, and where they can feel comfortable enough to talk about the rollercoaster of emotions they are feeling.  

The amazing impact of Hope’s work 

One of the most inspiring things about Hope is the visible impact it has on the lives of the young people we support. It’s in the messages we receive, thanking us for simply being there. It’s in the progress we see as someone moves on from feeling hopeless and overwhelmed to confident and empowered. It’s in the moments where the young people realise they no longer need our support, when they see how far they have come and how much they have achieved.  

Here’s why the work we do matters so much: 

1. Breaking isolation: Many young people feel isolated in their struggles, especially if they’re dealing with a situation that their peers can’t relate to. We create a community of understanding and solidarity.  

2. Empowering young people: Through tailored advice and consistent support, we empower young people to take control of their own wellbeing and develop coping skills for the future.  

3. Providing accessibility: Our online services mean that geography or mobility isn’t a barrier to getting help. Hope can be a source of support.  

Why I’m passionate about this work 

Working with Hope has taught me the power of connection. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is remind someone that they are not alone – that there is someone who cares and is willing to listen. It’s a humbling experience to be trusted with someone’s story and to walk alongside them, even if just for a short time.  

I am constantly inspired by the resilience of the young people we support. Despite facing immense challenges, they show courage, vulnerability, and a desire to grow. Helping them tap into their own strengths is one of the most rewarding parts of this role.  
Being a Wellbeing Advisor is about offering a hand to hold during the storm, a listening ear when the world feels heavy and a reminder that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.  

To every young person out there who might be struggling: you don’t have to face it alone. We are here, ready to support you whenever you need us. And to everyone else, the parents, family, friends, teachers, professionals  – let’s continue to work together to make sure no young person has to navigate life’s toughest challenges without someone by their side.