Although World Mental Health Day took place earlier in the month, there is never a bad time to reminder ourselves to prioritise our own emotional health and wellbeing as well as those of our children too.
Across the country, waiting lists for mental health services are through the roof, and at Childline alone in the last year, their counsellors have delivered over 105,000 counselling sessions to under 19s during which poor mental health was mentioned.
Pettit: Urgency is needed to stop any long-term impact
Aliyah Pettit, NSPCC Local Campaigns Officer for London and the South East said,
“In response to this, the NSPCC is calling for the government to commit to funding and delivering Mental Health Support Teams across all schools and colleges as every child deserves to receive the help they need, when they need it. But currently the government’s target is to reach 50 per cent of pupils by April 2025.
“The charity feels this lacks the urgency that is needed to stop any long-term impact that can happen to anyone suffering from mental health for a prolonged period.”
It’s up to us “to be there for any child that needs us”
Aliyah went on to suggest,
“While we pursue this campaign, it’s up to parents, carers and our counsellors to be there for any child that needs us.
“We know that it can be hard to accept that our children are struggling with mental health issues, however it’s crucial that young people feel supported, reassured and not judged by the adults in their lives.”
Support available
Childline counsellors can be reached by calling 0800 1111, the lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every call is confidential.
Childline counsellors can also be reached online and there they can also access advice for mental health support too.
Aliyah finished by saying,
“Children are not alone and together we can all be there for them.”
