Little Lives UK

*Covid-19 and Youth Mental Health * There has been a lot of news recently regarding child mental health, and how many children are struggling to cope with being away from school and their friends. The impact of all this is substantial, because of this, we want to highlight how damaging a time this has been for young people, and to convey how important it is that they can access crucial support. It was reported last month that there had been a surge in mental health cases amongst young people, particularly in London. The harmful effect of being in lockdown, has resulted in hundreds of children self-harming or overdosing. Clinicians in London have already warned of a looming mental health crisis of young people over the next few years, after the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust saw a 30% increase in calls to its 24/7 crisis lines, compared to before covid levels. The combined negative effect of being away from school, friends, along with the uncertainty of their education and futures is leading to more children than ever seeking mental health support.

Additionally, it was reported at the beginning of January, that children being referred to the NHS with serious mental health problems, reached a record high, with 4,615 per 100,000 children being referred. This alarming statistic was revealed to be an increase of 20% from this time last year. Consequently, this highlights how drastically covid-19 has hugely fuelled what was an already increasing problem, which could lead to a wave of problems for young people, without a considerable amount of support, which they desperately need. This could lead to a young generation having major issues later on in their lives if unresolved now. NHS research have stated that one in six children across the UK now have a mental health problem, compared to one in nine, a couple of years ago. Furthermore, it was reported that there has been a 400% rise in child eating disorders during this pandemic. It is so important that we act now, with many families fearing for their children’s futures, this mental health crisis needs to be addressed now.

How will Little Lives UK help?

Our ethos has always been to aid and support children around London. We understand how difficult a time this is for many families, so we aim to play our part in ensuring that their children can access the required support now, establishing them to go on and enjoy healthy, happy and fulfilled lives. In partnership with the London Children’s Practice, our ‘Someone To Talk To’ project will provide a free accessible mental health service for children and young people, where they can hugely benefit from regular one-on-one times with a therapist. This will offer a safe and protected environment where children can discuss any mental health issues they have as a result of Covid-19. Little Lives UK will do everything we can, to ensure that this generation that faces a mental health crisis, will not suffer any long-term effects due to Covid.

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Now that schools have a set date for reopening, we’re aiming to work with a number of schools across London on our ‘Someone To Talk To’ project.We want to make sure that children and young people receive this necessary support, to help them combat any issues they may be feeling as a result of schools’ closures. You can help make sure that as many children as possible can access our services, so please support our work by donating towards the project. Every donation will be assuring that struggling children can get the appropriate support that they need.

If you want to find out more about the ‘Someone To Talk To’ project please visit our Someone To Talk To Campaigns Hub on our website https://www.littlelives.org.uk/campaigns/someone-to-talk-to-project/ .

As children all across the UK continue to learn at home through lockdown, the uncertainty around their education will be causing stress to both themselves and their families. Unable to attend school or see their friends will undoubtedly be upsetting for many. That is why it is so important that young people have a voice and open up about their mental well-being during these times. Our ‘Someone To Talk To’ project will aim to do just that. We will fund free therapy sessions for students across a number of London schools who want to be listened to.

Why children’s mental health is more important than ever: Covid-19 is affecting all aspects of society at the moment. Schools are set to return on 8^th March, and many children and families will be pleased to see them reopen. However, the long-term effects of schools being shut will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. If left unaddressed, the negative impacts on children’s mental health will worsen as they get older. In fact, 75% of lifetime mental health disorders have their first onset before the age of 18 and the effects of schools being closed is said to have increased mental health issues in young people by 35%. Children and young people may naturally be worried about their futures and their education as a result of Covid-19. It is so important that we act now, by providing them with a safe welcoming environment, where they can simply be heard.

What we aim to achieve: Fundamentally, we aim to guarantee that children receive the necessary support now, in order for them to live healthy, cheerful and accomplished lives. The one-on-one time that children can access, will ensure that they are heard, in a very safe environment, with no judgement. Children and young people often fail to express their true feelings and may choose not to discuss their future ambitions or concerns with their families. By offering this safe space, we want to encourage children to discuss their concerns or feelings with professionals who will listen.

The London Children’s Practice: We’re thrilled to be working on this project together with The London Children’s Practice. They are a multi-disciplinary service that places the child and their family at the centre of the therapy process to see them reach their potential. They provide a number of therapy services, working with children aged 4-16. They have previously worked with many children across London, often seeing significant positive change after these sessions, including better relationships with friends, and better behaviour in school.

We are looking for companies and partners who are as passionate about looking after one's mental health as we are and would love to work together to spread awareness and raising funds to support children. If you think this sounds like your business please email danielle@littlelives.org.uk .

To find out more check out https://www.littlelives.org.uk/campaigns/someone-to-talk-to-project/