World Mental Health Day is tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 October) and, in our borough, a #HelloYellow campaign will be supported.
This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.’
Ealing, however, will be specifically aligning the day of awareness with Thrive LDN and Young Minds UK’s #HelloYellow campaign.
Ealing Council is providing mental health awareness training for all schools and supporting schools to adopt a joined-up approach to mental health, with high schools appointing ‘mental health first aiders’ and ‘mental health ambassadors’.
Coming up on 7 February 2019, is the youth conference, ‘Let’s Talk: Mental Health’ with planning already under way thanks to mental health ambassadors from Alec Reed Academy, as seen above.
We all go through times when we feel down or worried. When it starts to feel difficult to do things like spending time with friends, doing work or doing the things we normally enjoy, this could mean we have a problem with our mental health.
Mental health problems include depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and eating disorders, and dealing with these can be tough.
Councillor Binda Rai, cabinet member for health and adult services, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Young Mind’s #HelloYellow campaign this World Mental Health Day as the mental health of young people is a priority for the council.”
Councillor Yvonne Johnson, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Whether as family or friends, teachers or healthcare professionals, we all have a role to play in supporting young people through challenging times. Campaigns like #HelloYellow are so important.”
Want some support?
If you are experiencing problems, it is important to know that you are not alone and there is plenty of help out there to improve your mental wellbeing.
The first place to get help is your GP. They are best placed to offer you initial advice on how to deal with your symptoms and talk to you about available support services in your area.
West London NHS Trust provide services aimed at children and young people up to the age of 18 years. To find out more, visit westlondoncamhs.nhs.uk.
The council’s Youth and Connexions Service provides services via www.youngealing.co.uk to empower and inspire young people to make positive life choices.
In a crisis?
If you need help in a crisis, and are 18 years or over, you can call West London NHS Trust on 0300 1234 244, 24 hours a day, seven days per week. If the situation is urgent or you believe you or a child are at immediate risk, you should go to your nearest A&E and ask to be referred to the Liaison Psychiatry Team or a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) professional. In an emergency call 999.
Although the theme this year is focused on young people’s mental health, of course mental health needs can affect anyone of any age, and there are places to seek support in our communities. If you or someone you know needs help please visit ealingccg.nhs.uk and ealing.gov.uk.
Useful sources of information
Children and young people:
youngminds.org.uk
The UK’s leading charity for children and young people’s mental health. Find resources and help for parents and young people.
headmeds.org.uk
All the information you need about mental health medication
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
The UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf.
mindkit.org.uk
Wellbeing and mindfulness resources for young people 14- 25 years
nhs.uk
NHS information about mental health problems
Parents:
mindedforfamilies.org.uk
Information for parent/carers, created by specialists and parents together.
nhs.uk
NHS information about mental health problems
youngminds.org.uk
The UK’s leading charity for children and young people’s mental health. Find resources and help for parents and young people
westlondoncamhs.nhs.uk
The west London children and adolescent mental health service- advice for parents
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
The UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf.
rcpsych.ac.uk
Resources for parents worried about their child’s mental health
Schools:
minded.org.uk
Free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults
egfl.org.uk
Useful information and resources developed by Ealing’s health improvement team
mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk
Quality assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote mental health and wellbeing
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
The UK’s leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf.
