Burton and Uttoxeter’s MP, Kate Griffiths, has asked the Government what more it is doing to support children and young people struggling with their mental health during this difficult period of lockdown and the Coronavirus crisis.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in mental health support services, particularly for children and young people, but during this unprecedented period of uncertainty it is expected that the need for these services will grow.
Using a Parliamentary Question, Kate was able to obtain a response from the Mental Health Minister, Nadine Dorries MP, about what more the Government is doing to ensure support reaches those that need it. The Minister highlighted that all mental health trusts have been asked to ensure that there is 24 hours a day, seven days a week helpline for people of all ages to access urgent NHS mental health support. In addition to this, mental health providers are also looking at new digital and virtual methods to deliver support to new and existing users.
The Minister added that Public Health England had also updated its Every Mind Matters website which has detailed guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kate has also been in contact with mental health support services in Staffordshire to offer her thanks for the work they do and to ensure that these crucial services are available to children and young people who locally need support.
Kate said, "COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all of us and forced us to change how we live our lives. With most children and young people not attending school it’s vital they are able to receive mental health support in different ways to how they would otherwise be able to.
Locally, I have been in touch with the mental health support services in our area to ensure they have the resources they need and are able to deliver the vital help that our children and young people will need at this difficult time.”
For more information or support visit Every Mind Matters at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/.
