By Sharon Coleman | Senior Fundraiser
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 My sex education in school consisted of watching an out of date film and no chance to discuss anything that mattered."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.
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