YoungMinds calls for more support to aid recovery for children with mental health problems
21/10/2008
Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that more needs to be done to support children with mental health problems. Thirty per cent of children diagnosed as having an emotional disorder in 2004 still had the disorder in 2007.
YoungMinds believes that these children need ongoing support, not just from the medical professionals, but from schools, teachers and their families, to help recovery.
Sarah Brennan, Chief
Executive of YoungMinds
said: “The children’s workforce; teachers,
youth workers and health visitors all need to be trained to support children in
distress, understand normal child development and recognise signs of mental
health problems. We are not calling for everyone to become a therapist but to
simply understand the role they can play in supporting children’s emotional
wellbeing.
The ONS survey of emotional development and wellbeing of children and
young people also shows that factors such as strong networks of friends and
families, participation in clubs and groups and perceived safety in the
neighbourhood were strongly linked with emotional wellbeing.
Brennan added “It is important that young people’s needs are taken into account they are being treated for distress. This means looking at the therapies and medications that are available, and also considering the child’s diet, exercise, relationships within their family, peer support and involvement at school and after school clubs.”
Ends
For immediate release: 21st October 2008
Notes to editors
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Sarah Brennan is available for interview
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For further information please contact Hannah Smith on 020 7336 1451 or at Hannah.smith@youngminds.org.uk
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Three years on: A survey of the emotional development and wellbeing of children and young people is available at www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/article.asp?id=2063
