CHILDREN and young people across the Midlands have been receiving targeted mental health support.
The move came ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week which began on Monday and runs until Sunday (May 12 to 18).
Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), which operate in in schools and colleges across the region, are specially trained NHS staff that offer help and treatment for children and young people with their mental health, anxiety and depression.
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year – as set by the Mental Health Foundation – is ‘community’.
The Midlands now has 121 Mental Health Support Teams in schools and colleges.
The Midlands has an average number of 216 children and young people who have contacted a MHST (with at least one attended appointment) for support from December 2023 to November last year.
This is above the national average of 214 contacts per team.
‘Support is vital’
Giles Tinsley, programme director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “During Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond, it is vital children and young people in the Midlands receive the help and support they need at school and college.
“By having support, students will gain confidence which so important for their education, relationships and home life.
“As well as helping them to thrive in the next steps of their education.”
Parents and carers can help to look after a child or young person’s mental health.
‘Tips for mental wellbeing’
On the theme of the awareness week, the Mental Health Foundation is calling on people, groups, and organisations across the UK to celebrate the communities which support good mental health and wellbeing.
And it has issued a series of tips for people to help them improve their mental health.
Among them are for people to undertake activities they enjoy and maybe join a club or group focusing on their interests, such as sport, music, reading or gaming. Residents can meet others with similar interests to themselves.
It is suggested people spend more time outdoors – nature is well documented as a mental health improver and it can also lead to social interactions. People are advised to go for walks, runs or bike rides – all proven to boost mental wellbeing.
People can meet other like-minded individuals who share the same interests, beliefs, faith or values and showing kindness to others – this gives a sense of belonging, as well as boosting the recipient of the kind act. It could be as simple as starting a conversation or forging a friendship.
People often think about others’ kind acts but never say – expressing appreciation can boost the mental wellbeing of both people in these situations.
Caring for the local community and environment, such as participating in litter-picks, community gardening or organising local events can make people happier.
And welcoming new members to communities can also help. It could be as simple as people saying hello to a new neighbour, introducing themselves to a new colleague, inviting someone to a community event or recommending positive activities in the local area.
Other tips include becoming part of an online community – for those who cannot get out or have mobility issues and volunteering or giving to charity. Helping others improves the sense of community and assisting at charity shops, foodbanks or rescue centres can lower stress and make people feel happier.
And for people who do find themselves struggling, there are support groups out there – help from peers can help when going through a difficult time.
Go to: mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw for more on Mental Health Awareness Week.
People can visit the ‘Every Mind Matters’ website at: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/ for more information.
Further plans for the development of children and young people’s mental health care have been outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan. Visit: longtermplan.nhs.uk for more details.
