In response to growing concerns about the mental health of children, the Priory Group has introduced a free nationwide initiative aimed at supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing. This program comes as mental distress among youth has surged, a trend exacerbated by the pervasive influence of social media.
Led by specialists at the Priory’s Southampton center, the initiative provides accessible video and written resources that can be utilized at home or in community settings, such as scouting and guiding groups. The focus is primarily on children in late primary and early secondary school, addressing essential skills like mood and thought management, stress reduction techniques, and adaptability in various situations.
The program incorporates evidence-based psychotherapy methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional coping strategies, and mindfulness practices. Recent statistics from the Children’s Commissioner reveal troubling trends, with one in five young people in England, aged eight to 25, likely experiencing a mental health condition. Approximately 270,000 individuals are currently on waiting lists for assistance, with 40,000 of those waiting over two years for help.
The Priory’s child wellbeing initiative is under review by the Department for Education, with potential for integration into school curricula. It has also been submitted to the Government-endorsed Anna Freud Mentally Healthy Schools hub.
Claire Gask, a CBT therapist and clinical lead at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Southampton, emphasized the program’s innovative nature. “For the first time, we are providing freely accessible, skills-based resources developed by experts to help bridge the gap in emotional resilience among young people,” she stated.
Gask highlighted that many young individuals lack natural coping mechanisms, which can hinder their emotional resilience and contribute to mental health issues, especially in the wake of the pandemic. “The isolation from peers and the rise of social media have created unrealistic standards, leading to long-term impacts on mental health. With demand for support outpacing available resources, it is crucial to offer alternative means of care during these challenging times.”
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