YoungMinds

Physical and mental health are not separate. 💡 fightthroughmentalhealth

Long delays (up to three years) for children's care are 'creating a forgotten generation’, according to health leaders. They say it’s so severe that lifelong hard is being caused. We urgently need services that meet the needs of young people. The Department of Health have responded, saying: “It is unacceptable that too many children and young people are not receiving the care they deserve, and we know that waits for services are far too long. We are determined to change that.” We will hold them accountable. https://lnkd.in/eqcnZGqU

An invaluable reminder for anyone who works with young people

We’re excited to share the news that Nas Morley has been appointed as our Director of Income Generation! Nas has extensive experience leading income generation in welfare and healthcare charities, including the Aldridge Foundation supporting marginalised young people. Having held a number of senior director roles, she brings a depth of leadership and people development experience, alongside her vision and values. “Over the last four and half years of freelancing, I’ve had the privilege to work for many inspirational charities and have learnt so much. But one thread has run through all of them. That those who are most marginalised are disproportionately affected by the problems that plague our communities and society today. That sadly includes young people and their mental health. When I met YoungMinds, I knew straight away that this was the role and organisation where I wanted to put down roots again. I feel honoured to be joining a charity that puts anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of all their work to ensure that they are there for all young people but especially those that need their help the most"

Today was the Kings Speech, where King Charles set out the new Government’s plans for the coming year. This is what was said about young people's mental health. 1/ Children’s wellbeing in schools. The Government committed to “put children and their wellbeing at the centre of the education and children’s social care systems”. 2/ Reforms to the outdated Mental Health Act. This means young people who are sectioned will gain more rights. It'll also aim to address the disproportionate amount of Black people who are likely to be detained. At the moment, this is 4 times the number of white people. 3/ Ensure mental health is given the same focus as physical health. They will reduce waiting times, focus on prevention, and improve mental health provision for young people. We’re hopeful about these promises. This could be the start of real change for young people’s mental health. We hope the Government keep up this energy and push for more - we need bold long-term thinking. Every young person should get the right care for them, as soon as they need it, no matter what. Keir Starmer, you promised to roll out early mental health support hubs in every community. Let's get started with that. There is no time to waste.

Always important to remember 💡 colormehappii

Love this from TheTypeWriterDaily on Instagram. It reminds us of this advice from Laura, 21: “Each morning, I mentally check in with myself to assess my mindset for the day ahead. This habit enables me to recognise my feelings, which helps me to better manage my emotions throughout the day. Also, I like to write my feelings down each morning to ensure that I continue my day with a clear and decluttered mindset.”

If a young person you are working with begins to feel their breath getting quicker and out of control, use this activity to help them slow down their breathing and calm down.

Our education system needs to change. Instead of piling academic pressure on young people, it should prioritise mental health, encourage creativity and properly prepare them for the next stage of their life. These are the urgent changes we’re asking the Government to make.

You never know what is going on under the surface. 📷 steinbergdrawscartoons