Mental Health & Young People

10% of children and young people have mental health problems (ONS, 2004) but the real figure may be higher, as many young people do not access services. Roughly half of all lifetime mental health problems start by the mid-teens, and three quarters by the mid-20s; therefore this month’s campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health issues among young people, parents and people who work with young people. 

Self harm is a key issue affecting young people; research suggests that in the UK1 in 15 young people has self-harmed. The campaign promotes the Young Minds Self Harm booklet for young people and locally produced guidelines for staff working with young people.

For people with mental health problems, not being able to talk about it can be one of the worst parts of the illness. The national ‘Time to Change’ campaign aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems. Resources are free to order from www.time-to-change.org.uk/shop

A new creative website has just been launched in Leedsas part of the local Time to Change campaign. The website includes short films of people from Leedstalking about their own experiences of mental health. It is aimed at young people to encourage them to be open about their mental health and break down the stigma that surrounds it - www.listenupleeds.org.uk

Stigma relating to mental health means that many people feel uncomfortable asking for help. The campaign promotes a talking therapy service IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies Service) which is people aged 17 and over. People can self refer to the service by calling 0113 2009188. More info here or watch the Life Channel film for more info. (IAPT is provided by a consortium of organisations with Community Links specialising in working with young people aged 17-21)