CHARITY YOUNG MINDS, together with over 30 organisations, has written an open letter to the government urging action to limit the long-term impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health.

The letter, written to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week which began yesterday, (May 18) follows the publication of a  Young Minds survey of  more than 1,850 parents and carers, in which respondents expressed worries about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on their children’s mental health, and described the challenges they face in finding support.

The survey results show that:

• 67% of respondents agreed that they are concerned about the long-term impact of the coronavirus on their child’s mental health. This rose to 77% among parents and carers whose children had required mental health support in the previous three months. [2]
• 29% of respondents disagreed that there was enough support (information, helplines and resources) available to help them and their child get through this time. 24% of respondents said that they would not know where to turn for advice and information on supporting their children’s mental health during this time.
• Among respondents whose children had received mental health support in the previous three months (through the NHS, private providers, school counsellors, charities and helplines) 25% said that their child was no longer able to access it, but still needed it.

The letter, which was signed by Emma Thomas, Chief Executive, YoungMinds and others such as Javed Khan, CEO, Barnardo’s, Dr Ruth Allen, CEO, British Association of Social Workers, Andrew Radford, Chief Executive, BEAT and Sarb Bajwa, Chief Executive, British Psychological Society said: 

“The crisis is affecting many young people in ways that will risk long-term consequences for their mental health. One in eight children and young people already have a diagnosable mental health condition, and research suggests that the majority of those believe that the pressures created by the crisis are exacerbating their needs. 

“Many others – including those who have experienced bereavement, abuse or domestic violence – are also likely to require additional support. 

“The fear of becoming ill or seeing a loved one become ill, the loss of routines, the difficulties of social connection, the impact of loneliness, the disruption to education and the challenges of living in difficult or dangerous situations are creating additional pressure for young people across the country.”

The letter continued: “Young people who belong to groups that are already marginalised or disadvantaged may be particularly at risk.

“That is why your government must take a clear and coordinated approach to tackling the impact of the pandemic on children and young people, launching a recovery plan that enables the growth and continuity of support as restrictions change.”