Caring for Young People

During the pandemic, many concerns were expressed about the wellbeing of our young people. The statistics make for grim viewing: One in six children were identified as having a mental health problem in 2020, up from one in nine in 2017; It is thought that nearly a quarter of 14 year olds have self-harmed and that the average age self-harm begins is 12; The leading cause of death in 5 to 34 year olds is suicide.

In schools, 40% of young people (nationally) said there was no counsellor available to support them, and that mental health deteriorated further after they returned to school after the first lockdown. The average waiting time for support through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is 2-4 months.

Youth groups provide vital early mental health support. As a Youth Minister, I’ve had nearly 8 years’ experience as the primary point of pastoral care for a huge variety of young people. To back this up, the church has enabled me to become a Youth Mental Health First Aider.  The aims are to recognise symptoms, preserve life & provide comfort, provide initial help & enable access to professional help, promote recovery, raise awareness and reduce discrimination.

The training course gave me the confidence to bring up challenging topics with young people and to ask tough questions. I was able to put what I’d learnt into action straight away.

If you think a young person may have ill mental health, don’t stay quiet - speak to myself or another trusted adult. If your own child needs support, it’s worth checking if you have an Employee Assistance Provider (BUPA, Perkbox etc), as it may cover your family and enable professional support in as little as one week.  If you’re interested in MHFA training, visit mhfaengland.org.