Of course we need to be mindful of our young peoples’ mental health everyday but having a dedicated week focusses everyone to be more aware of what’s going on around them. Adults to be aware of any young people who might be struggling by noticing subtle changes and young people themselves finding the courage and strength to reach out.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has released a video on YouTube – see below
Figures released recently have shown an upward trend with the arrival of Covid-19 and yo-yoing lockdowns, school closures and the impact this brings on support structures and integration.
Cambridge University released figures showing 1:9 children in 2017 experienced mental ill health. This has risen to 1:6 by the end of 2020.
Professor Ellen Townsend of the Self Harm Research Group at Nottingham University showed a three fold increase in young people experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal idealation.
Domestic murders almost doubled according to the Met Police who investigated 22 domestic murders in 2020 up from 16 in 2019. Worryingly still was the increase in child murders by a parent up from 7 in 2019 to 12 last year.
NSPCC released data showing child abuse referrals were up 43% and domestic violence up 49%.
All of these stats are uncomfortable to hear. However, ignoring the issue drives down support for the children and increases stigma exponentially.
Starting conversations with our children, as with anyone, can be difficult. I-act training delivers multiple tools in their accredited training. Including a quote wall. A simple but effective tool:
In addition, lets keep our awareness in tune with silent suffering that might be going on around us.
Jane James's Consultancy Limited 