YoungMinds Newsletter – February 2020
We need awareness – but we also need action
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week. Although it is one of many such awareness weeks, the reality is that it’s still very much needed. Every day we hear from young people who have not reached out for support out of fear of being judged, misunderstood or not taken seriously. That has to change. But we also need action to ensure that the help is there for young people when they do reach out. With growing demand on mental health services, it’s clear that we need a new approach.
That’s why we’re calling for early intervention to be made a priority. We want to see a cross-government strategy introduced to address the factors that make young people’s mental health worse. We want to thank everyone who signed our Act Early petition, but there’s more you can do. In March, YoungMinds Activists will be hosting an event in Parliament and we need you to make sure your MP is there. We’ll be in touch soon with details on how you can do this.
Read the latest update on our Act Early campaign
Grab a bargain in our sale
Make the most of the last few days of our shop sale for Children’s Mental Health Week! Enjoy 10% off our products and show you’re fighting for children and young people’s mental health. Sale ends Sunday.
Take part in a Rough Runner for #TeamYM
Have you ever watched TV game shows like Gladiators, Total Wipeout or Ninja Warrior and fancied a go yourself? Now’s your chance with the epic Rough Runner obstacle course! Apply for a charity place with #TeamYM now.
Sign up to receive our school resources
Get great resources like our fun new confidence-building star qualities activity straight to your inbox by signing up to our 360° Schools’ Community.
Complete our GP survey
Are you a GP in the UK? If so, we need your help! Complete our survey to help us understand how early intervention can be improved. The survey should take five minutes.
On the blog this month…
- How to speak to a doctor about your mental health: Speaking to a doctor, therapist or any other professional about your mental health for the first time can be daunting. Honor, 18, shares the tips that helped her feel more confident.
- How seeking asylum and being detained impacted my mental health: As a young man, Mustapha fled his home country to avoid religious persecution. He shares with us how seeking asylum and being detained in the UK impacted his mental health.
- What I wish people understood about eating disorders: Although awareness of eating disorders has increased in recent years, they are still often misunderstood. Rebecca, 20, shares what she wishes more people understood about eating problems
If you’re worried about your child, visit
for advice and info on getting help.
Also this month…
- Are you an experienced fundraiser with a passion for young people’s mental health? We want to hear from you! Apply now to be our new Senior Corporate Fundraising Officer. Applications close on 17 February.
- Book a place on our Early Years Mental Health Training in London on Thursday 27 February 2020 to learn how to promote positive mental health in early years and give children the best start in life.
- We are running our Adolescent Mental Health Training course in Birmingham on Friday 28 February 2020. Book now to get a better understanding of young people’s mental health and how you can support them through their teen years.
At YoungMinds, we’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges.