No Health without Mental Health-Support YoungMinds

The biggest news to update you on isn't great I'm afraid - unfortunately after 21 years the Parents Helpline is facing a funding crisis and may need to close if we don't raise additional funds this year. This is happening because the Department for Education which gave a substantial donation every year has indicated that despite us exceeding targets and getting excellent feedback (more below) they intend to withdraw funding.  Funding for child and adolescent mental health services have been cut in many areas recently with some services having been withdrawn completely. 

As you may be aware the Helpline offers free and confidential support to any adult worried about the mental health or emotional wellbeing of a child or young person under 25 years old.  Volunteer advisors and a team of child and adolescent mental health professionals give reassurance, information about mental health problems, and practical advice on how to help your child - including the best way to get further (or better) support where appropriate.

Last year was a milestone for us because we helped over 10,000 callers, far more than ever before.  We also commissioned an independent evaluation of the Helpline which gave us confidence that callers are taking on board our advice, making changes and seeing a real improvement as a result.  For example,:

• 96% of callers changed their approach to their child's behaviour and made the recommended changes
• 95% said talking to the Helpline was beneficial
• 1 in 3 said it was a lifesaver

“It was amazing, absolutely amazing. The information she gave me, in that short phone call, was more helpful than 10 years of asking people to help.”

“I used the Helpline over 9 years ago and have never forgotten the kind voice during my darkest time. My daughter is now happily married with a career and children due in no small part to the help and support I received on that night.”

Thank you so much for your support of YoungMinds which has been invaluable.  I would like to call on you now to see if you have any ideas on ways that we can save the Helpline, or think you can help.  Please do let me know.  (Just say that it is with regards to the Helpline appeal please when you contact us.) 

Links:

• Find out more about the Parents Helpline

Well, it was a great launch for HeadMeds with supportive talks by both the comedian Jo Brand and Dr Ranj.  The site has been endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners and the College of Mental Health Pharmacy, and NHS England's National Clinical Director for Mental Health, Dr Geraldine Strathdee, said " I hope everyone who works with young people spreads the word about HeadMeds so that it becomes the go-to resource about mental health medication for young people."

HeadMeds provides young people with accessible and useful information about mental health medications during a time which is often confusing, frightening and isolating.  It includes information about potential side effects, when you should go and get help, and provides answers to some difficult questions young people may have but don't feel comfortable going to their GP about such as 'Will it affect my sex life?', or 'Can I drink alcohol with it.'  Complete with real life stories HeadMeds gives young people knowledge, and knowledge is power.

Speaking at the launch Sarah, a young person, said "Taking medication for mental health problems is not just about taking a pill; it can be an emotional and physical rollercoaster too.  It's so important young people feel they are not alone, that somewhere, someone else, has faced a similar battle, a similar whirl of emotion."

In other news, YoungMinds Vs, is proving very successful with loads of progress made.  For example, Jasmine 18, has just launched her appeal for better sex education.  Jasmine says "When I was 13 many of my friends were getting half naked pictures sent round of themselves, one of my good friends was raped and many people in my year were having sex.  By that age I was made to feel that by not watching porn or by not having sex that I was doing something wrong.  My sex education in school consisted of watching an out of date film and no chance to discuss anything that mattered."

As a small charity, your donations make an enormous difference in our ability to help children, young people, and their families.  We couldn't do it without you. Thanks for your support. 

Links:

• HeadMeds website
• Jasmine Vs Sexual Pressures
• YoungMinds Parents' Helpline