In the UK today, an estimated five children in every classroom have a mental health problem. A quarter of 17-year-old girls have self-harmed in the last year, while suicide remains the single biggest killer of boys and young men.
Young Minds is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and young people's mental health. Their mission is to ensure no young person feels alone with their mental health, and that they have access the to support they need, when they need it, no matter what. They also empower and support adults to help young people in their lives who are struggling.
We awarded a multi-year grant to contribute towards the costs of extending the Young Minds Parents Helpline. This is a practical and emotional support service for parents who are supporting their children through mental health challenges. The impact the service has made is clear in this parent's statement.
“The person I spoke to on first contact was amazing and matched us up with a Professional Adviser. We had our call back today and she was utterly phenomenal - my wife and I are both teachers and we were blown away by her knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. The way she spoke to us and guided us gave us everything we needed to move forward, but most importantly she has given us hope.”