Action for Children reacts to Children's Commissioner's annual report into children's mental health services

“The government needs to wake up to the mental health crisis that’s threatening to engulf a generation. Nearly a year of lockdowns, fear and anxiety, disruption to education and uncertainty about the future has added to the already shocking numbers of young people who have nowhere to turn for professional help.

“We know from our services young people are struggling at home without their usual support networks, having to cope with the pressures of remote learning, family health fears, loneliness and pressure in the home – all the while being bombarded by social media and depressing headlines.

“The government must commit to adequate funding and specialist services to tackle the surge in demand caused by the pandemic and stop a generation of children from suffering in silence. Our own school programmes show how vital it is to step in early with support to stop problems in their tracks and dial down the agony these young people face.”

ENDS

Media contact

Arron Williamson – 07718 244 125 / [email protected]

Out of hours: 07802 806 679 / [email protected]

Notes to editor

• Action for Children’s Blues Programme is an internationally acclaimed wellbeing programme for young people aged 13-19. Over six weeks, it teaches emotional resilience, and reduces low mood and anxious thoughts. Crucially, it gets teenagers talking.
• Action for Children protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 476 services in communities across the country, the charity helps more than 370,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers a year. actionforchildren.org.uk