Understanding Young People

 Understanding Young People's Mental Health Needs

Understanding and addressing the mental health needs of young people is crucial for their overall well-being and development. This responsibility falls on various stakeholders, including parents/carers, teachers, and the students themselves. Effective support systems can significantly impact a young person's ability to thrive both academically and socially.

 

 Challenges in Understanding Mental Health Needs

One of the primary challenges in understanding young people's mental health needs is the stigma associated with mental health issues and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This stigma can lead to hesitation among parents/carers to engage with their children's mental health needs, which can result in negative outcomes such as misdiagnosis or lack of support. For instance, children with undiagnosed ADHD or autistic behaviours might be unfairly placed in isolation or labelled as disruptive, further exacerbating their difficulties[Mind, 2024].

 

 Disparities in Support

The issue of mental health support is particularly pronounced in Black communities. Despite being more likely to be identified as having SEND, Black children often face disparities in accessing adequate support. This gap highlights the need for culturally sensitive approaches and better resource allocation to ensure that all children receive the help they need [NHS, 2023]. The Global Black Maternal Health report (2024) underscores the importance of understanding and addressing these disparities to improve the well-being of Black pre-teens.

 

 Key Themes for Effective Support

Several key themes emerge when considering how to effectively support young people's mental health:

 

  • Identification and Intervention: Many children "fall through the cracks" due to a lack of timely identification and intervention. Early detection and appropriate support are essential to prevent long-term negative outcomes.
  • Addressing Stigma: Overcoming the stigma associated with SEND and mental health issues is crucial. This involves educating parents/carers and communities about the importance of mental health and advocating for the acceptance and inclusion of diverse learning and support needs.
  • Communication: Effective communication between parents/carers and teachers is vital for understanding and addressing children's needs. Sharing information ensures that both home and school environments are supportive and responsive to the child's requirements [WHO, 2024].

 

 Recommendations for Improvement

To better support young people's mental health, several recommendations can be made:

- Integration of Services: Improved multi-agency working and integration of services can prevent children from falling through the cracks and ensure comprehensive support.

Black Child SEND report was produced by Global Black Maternal Health and highlights the experiences, including barriers, faced by Black and mixed heritage children with SEND and their families. Click here: https://www.blackchildsend.com/_files/ugd/6e0914_096b4feb22b84593bf7db08f3c23ef26.pdf

- Peer Support Networks: Establishing peer support networks can provide young people with a sense of community and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation.

Black SEN Mamas is an organisation that supports over 1,000 Black SEND mothers in the UK. Click here: https://blacksenmamas.com/

- Access to Care: Enhancing access to mental health care through schools, community centres, and online resources can make it easier for young people and their families to seek help when needed.

Black Child SEND is a subsidiary of Global Black Maternal Health that focuses on improving access to SEND provision for Black and mixed heritage children and advocates for policy change. Click here: https://www.blackchildsend.com/

 

By utilising these resources and implementing the recommendations, the community can better understand and support the mental health needs of young people, ensuring a brighter future for all.

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[1]: (https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/introduction-to-mental-health/understanding-mental-health/) [Mind,2024] 

[2]: (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/mental-health-support/supporting-a-child-or-young-person/)[NHS, 2023] 

[3]: (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health)[WHO, 2024]