Time to engage in the reality of youth mental health - Mind
Speaking in response to the release of Youth Futures Foundation’s report into the drivers of declining mental health among young people in England (financial insecurity, deteriorating sleep quality, social media use and cuts to children's and youth services) Minesh Patel, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, said:
“This report gives us an unambiguous diagnosis of what lies behind the decline in young people’s mental health. And with that diagnosis we can all focus our efforts on policies that will genuinely support young people to thrive.
“Early intervention is crucial. The earlier young people get support for their mental health the more likely it is to be effective and the more likely it is to prevent longer-term mental health problems. This is why it is essential the UK government addresses waiting list, because right now 35,000 young people have been waiting for over two years for support.
“The government has set out an ambitious plan for Young Futures Hubs that will offer vital wellbeing support to young people with emerging mental health needs without the need for an appointment or a referral, as well as other support services. With the rapid decline in access to youth services, the government must bring forward a roadmap for how it will ensure all young people have access to a Young Futures Hub in the coming years.
“What young people need is for policy makers, the media, and others is to engage in the reality youth mental health and commit to meaningful policy change. This is the least they deserve right now.”
