Please read. You have time. This excellent editorial provides an insight into the impact of the Covid crisis on the health of young people, whilst also exploring how the current situation is creating profound worry and uncertainty. The piece also explores coping strategies and recommendations for well being. The MIndEd Trust remains committed to improving the health of young people through and beyond this crisis.
The current crisis has severely disrupted the lives and stability of millions of children and young people. Now, more than ever, we must pay especial attention to the wellbeing of the next generation. Please take a moment to study these guidelines. What happens when we are young resonates throughout life, so let's do our utmost to support those who will have to weather this crisis and then grow up in the shadow of Covid-19.
In these difficult times, we must all look after our mental wellbeing as well as our physical health, together with that of our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. The Government has issued comprehensive and useful guidance to assist in our collective fight against mental illness. Be safe and well and please seek help if needed. The MindEd Trust extends best wishes to all our supporters and friends in these challenging times.
In these extraordinary and challenging times of anxiety and isolation, we must all maintain and improve our mental wellbeing where possible. If you are finding life challenging or are worried about a loved one, please seek help. A range of signposts are in the link below. Be safe and well.
In these most challenging times, we must ensure that we look after our minds as well as our bodies. We should all look after our mental health and help those who are finding life difficult. Some good advice here.
A powerful reminder form the Children's Commissioner of how far we have to go before mental health services for young people are acceptable and of a high standard. Much has been achieved over the past five years with more focus and more investment starting to produce some positive results. However, access to care remains unacceptable in most areas and we must not falter in our ongoing drive towards improvement.
The drive towards improving mental health support everywhere for everyone continues. Every community will have a locally developed 24/7 mental health and crisis care programme by next year. Let's give the NHS less to do by focusing on prevention and early intervention in education, the workplace and the community, ensuring that the everybody gets round-the-clock support.
Coverage of our Zero Suicide Alliance event in London yesterday. The revolution starts here...
 After four years of grief and two years of hard work and petition, The MindEd Trust, as co-Founder, in conjunction with Mersey Care, is hosting the inaugural conference of the Zero Suicide Alliance in London tomorrow.
Following many months of representation, research and long sessions in Committee rooms involving The MindEd Trust and several, marvellous sector advocates, the recent NHS Long Term Plan sets out a dramatic increase in mental health spending for young people, a reduction in waiting times, better community care, the ratification and funding of the national Zero Suicide Alliance, the redefinition of young people to be those aged up to 25 and crucially, the creation of support after suicide services in every part of the country. It is a Plan and plans need implementing, but there is more in this document and vision regarding mental health and suicide prevention than there has ever been before. The photo below (of the National Suicide Prevention Group) shows some of the dedicated campaigners, thought leaders, academics, civil servants and politicians who have made this happen. It is not glamorous. It is hard work, emanating from bone-crushing tragedy. Nor is it by any means perfect. If realised however, many lives will be saved and much misery averted. In the memory of our dear son Edward Mallen, please share.  |
