Youth Mental Health Day - 22/09/2022

A blog written by Elaine Day

It is more important than ever that young people have access to mental health services and support.
Elaine Day – Operations Manager and Young Person’s Advocate

Youth Mental Health Day encourages understanding and discussion of mental health in young people, enabling them to live happy and healthy lives all year round. Each year, the day aims to get young people, and those who support them, talking about how to improve mental health.

Mental health concerns for young people have multiplied in recent times. Today, 1 in 6 5-16-year olds have a diagnosable mental health disorder, with 6 in 10 young people saying they are experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviours. Yet only a third are able to access any effective treatment.

Sadly during and following the Covid-19 pandemic many children became more anxious, unhappy and isolated. Missing out on school and education and the structure this provides combined with the lack of face-to-face friendships and relationships has had a lasting effect on our younger generations.

It is more important than ever that young people have access to mental health services and support.
Advocacy can provide a bridge between people and appropriate support particularly when services have been refused or people do not understand their rights and entitlements.
Enquire now about how Advocacy Matters could support you or your child or read more about #YMHD at www.stem4.org.uk/youthmentalhealthday