Mind responds to Alan Milburn's Interim Report 'The system is failing a generation'
Today Alan Milburn publishes his interim findings on Britain's youth employment crisis. His verdict: the system is failing a generation. Nearly one million young people out of work, education and training.
Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind says:
“We’re encouraged by the interim report’s clear message that we should not be blaming young people for the immense challenges they face every day, when it is an overwhelming lack of opportunity and fractured support systems that are holding them back. Young people who are struggling with their mental health want to live well and, where possible, be in education, training or work, but right now too many are being let down by systems and services that should be helping.
“We know that a growing number of young people are experiencing mental health problems and, for too many, the support they need from the NHS and other services is simply not available quickly enough.
“We agree that the benefits system can feel like a barrier rather than something that helps young people to thrive. Too often it fails to build genuine trusting relationships or to give people the confidence to take steps towards work without worrying about losing financial support. Fixing that needs real, deep reform, not simply cutting benefits or adding tougher conditions.
"We stand ready to work together with the Review team to translate their comprehensive analysis into a plan of action to make sure that young people who are struggling with their mental health are given the respect, opportunities and support they deserve.”
