Mayoral candidates challenged to reveal their 'State of Mind'
'State of Mind - young Londoners' manifesto for mental health' has been produced by young people involved with several mental health projects from across London including YoungMinds Very Important Kids (VIK) project, Right Here Newham and the Peer Outreach Team from the Greater London Authority’s Children and Young People’s Unit.
At the launch of ‘State of Mind’ London’s Mayoral Candidates will be challenged to include a section on children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in their manifesto’s for next year’s London elections.
State of Mind was created because young people feel that their views and experiences are too often ignored when decisions are made about them and they want to play a part in shaping the services provided for them.
They believe good mental health is vital for young people and having this connects to all areas of their lives from friends, family and coping with life’s challenges as a young person to the difficulties of growing up in London.
Speaking ahead of the launch of ‘State of Mind’ YoungMinds VIK London Regional Support Worker Erin Wright said:
“With three children in every classroom having a diagnosable mental health condition and one in twelve young people self harming there has never been a more critical time for London’s Mayoral Candidates to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
“London is a great city to live in but it has some unique challenges for young people. Good mental health is vital for young people as they grow up in the capital.
“London’s Mayoral Candidates should lead by example and make the mental health and wellbeing of young Londoners high on their agendas.”
Amy Feltham YoungMinds young spokesperson added:
“State of Mind is our manifesto written by young people for all those in London who make decisions that affect our mental health and wellbeing. Too often we are ignored when London’s decision makers come to shape mental health services.
“State of Mind brought together young people from across London who are involved in mental health projects. We feel we have a lot to say about the importance of young people’s mental health and wellbeing in London and want to play a part in shaping the services that affect us.”
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