Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is highlighting the mental health resources available to children and young people after questioning representatives of organisations providing them in Parliament last week.
James is concerned that despite there being an array of excellent resources providing personalised mental health support for children and young people, many people are not aware of them.
During last week’s meeting of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, he asked representatives of organisation providing mental health support to the younger generations, what is being done to promote their resources.
Questioning Lynne Green, Chief Clinical Officer at Kooth, which is commissioned by the NHS, Local Authorities, charities and businesses to provide anonymous and personalised mental health support for Children and Young People, he said:
“Can you give us an idea of the degree of prominence of those resources among young people? Where do they find out about them? Are they promoted adequately through schools? As a GP, I recommend them, but I do not think that all my colleagues do. Is there more work to do on that front?”
James was told that Kooth “would love to get our services out there more widely”, and that in addition to providing an online service, also provide some face-to-face services in schools.
Speaking afterwards, James added:
“As Lynne said, “there is no point having great services unless people know about them.
“Sadly, 1 in 5 children and young people suffer from mental health illness in any given year. During the pandemic, it is likely to be even more.
“Young people and children have had their lives turned upside down in the past 12 months, their education has been severely disrupted and they have been unable to meet up with friends. It has been a very isolating time for many of them and I am keen to ensure that anyone whose mental health has been impacted is aware of the support that is out there.
“Kooth regularly survey children and young people, so their resources are very much tailored to what their services users want. They are digital and can be easily accessed anonymously. They are also free of charge.
“Young Minds also have an array of resources which can be accessed through their website, including tips, advice and guidance on how young people can get support for their mental health during the pandemic.”
For further information on the support available to children and young people struggling with their mental health, visit Digital Mental Health Care - Kooth plc or YoungMinds - children and young people's mental health charity
