Talents and interests are the things you like doing in your free time – things you are good at or enjoy.
Having a talent, or things you are interested in, can make you feel good. They:
- give you a sense of identity and belonging
- can improve your mood
- can lead to other opportunities
- give you enjoyment and a reason to feel good about yourself
- be a way to make new friends
Having a talent that you focus on or something that really interests you can help to protect your emotional and mental health and build your resilience.
Is there something you used to love doing but you don’t anymore? Why is that? Think about what interests you, what you are good at, what you might like to try.
- There might be opportunities at school. Speak to school staff. If you can’t currently find a club or activity that suits your interests, try and find out if other people might like the same things as you.
- What activities do you know of outside school?
- Are any of your friends already involved in things you’d like to try? Speak to your friends, find out where the activities are run, if they cost anything to attend, how you could get there (maybe another parent could help out if travel is difficult)