Make a difference in the lives of young people
Stress, Depression and Anxiety, Once Conditions Experienced Mainly by Older People, Now Affect Younger Age Groups.
It is not uncommon for teenagers and young adults to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression as they struggle to complete their education, pass examinations, and survive in complex family arrangements.
In addition, teenagers may be coping with family break-ups, cross-cultural differences, bullying, the need to conform socially, gain work experience and find a job; compounded by the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid peer pressures use alcohol and drugs.
Poor mental health, including depression, is closely associated with major illnesses including heart disease, obesity and addictions. Once smoking is excluded, no other conditions are more closely associated with physical ill health than stress, anxiety and depression. Research by Young Minds a leading UK charity states:
“One in six children and young people have a diagnosable mental disorder, which is equivalent to five children in every classroom”.
“Part of the JCF education programme focuses on raising awareness of mental health and well-being in the classroom and providing simple strategies to help improve early detection.”
It is this group (Tier 1 and Tier 2) who are not currently supported within London Boroughs, that JCF looks to support with mentoring programmes, workshops and youth worker.
Recent current affairs (e.g. the Grenfell tower tragedy and subsequent evacuation of other properties; the Syrian refugee crisis) have resulted in young people across London who are experiencing mental ill health as a result of trauma and disruption to their lives.
As City Bridge Trust itself says on its website, mental ill health is more prevalent in London than in the rest of the UK and the mental health needs of Londoners can be complex. Yet fewer than 40% of teachers are trained to spot a child or young person exhibiting symptoms of poor mental health. Part of the JCF education programme focuses on raising awareness of mental health and well-being in the classroom and providing simple strategies to help improve early detection.
The difference early intervention makes!
Early intervention can stop young people’s mental health conditions escalating and research shows it can also:
- Protect children from harm
- Reduce the need for a referral to child protection services
- Improve children’s long-term outcomes
What are the challenges?
- 50% of mental illnesses in adulthood are seen before the age of 14 and 80% by the age of 25
- One in five children between the ages of 13 and 18 is affected by a mental illness
- It can take up to 10 years between a young person developing the first symptoms and the first intervention
