How we help young people with mental health problems

Right now in the UK, 1 in 8 young people aged 14 to 19 has a mental health problem. A large percentage of these fail to receive the support and treatment they need. We work to make sure all young people have access to the emotional and mental health support they need for a happy childhood.

Young people at risk

Vulnerable young people suffering extreme hardship, abuse and neglect are at a high risk of developing long term mental health problems. This includes young people who run away from home, those who are being sexually exploited and young refugees.  These young people often find it extremely difficult to get the right specialist help. They struggle to get help from the NHS or don’t engage well with this type of clinical support. Left unaddressed, mental health problems can severely limit the life chances of young people, unless they get the support and care that they need.

Nowhere left to turn

We run local services to support young people who are at risk of exploitation or harm, living in care, or let down by the systems meant to protect them. They come to us when they are at their most vulnerable and facing a crisis that can impact on their mental health.  At their moment of crisis we are with them every step of the way, until they’re ready to share their experiences, often for the first time. By offering therapeutic support, befriending, counselling or advice in our services, we get to the heart of their problem, start to repair the damage, and help them get the services they need. We also campaign with, and on behalf of children and young people, who are experiencing mental health problems to make sure they get long term support. We speak out on behalf of vulnerable groups, such as those living in care or those turning 16, who are most at risk of missing out on the mental health support they need.

Show young people you’re on their side

We believe no young person should ever have to suffer mental health problems in silence. With your support, and with help from Anxious Minds and  our volunteers, we can change the lives of many, many more children.