During Children and Young People’s Mental Health Week which has been taking place this week and runs until 11 February, young Islanders are being reminded of the ways they can access mental health support.
The theme for 2024 is “My Voice Matters”. The campaign’s aim is to highlight to all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, to be able to say – and believe – “My Voice Matters”. It is committed to strengthening the voice of young people and highlighting the significant role of mental health in their development and wellbeing. Their wish is to emphasise the importance of listening and providing a supportive and understanding environment for children and young people to express their voices.
Young people face a number of challenges which can impact upon their mental wellbeing, ranging from school work and exams, bullying, concerns about their appearance, home difficulties and of course, the pressures that come with living a life online. With the pressures of daily life, it can be easy for parents to miss the early signs indicating their child is struggling with their mental health. Equally it can also be challenging to the find the time and space to sit down and properly talk to a child about their thoughts and feelings. However, it is essential these discussions take place to encourage children and young people to use their voice and name their concerns.
Over recent years, Jersey has seen an increase in referrals to The Child, Adolescent Mental Health Service (“CAMHS”) for mental health support and The Youth Enquiry Service’s (YES) number of counselling appointments continue to rise. Whilst it is positive to see young people seeking assistance, perhaps it also indicates more young people are impacted by mental health struggles than previously.
There are a number of support services available to parents, children and young people in Jersey, including school-based counsellors, Mind Jersey, The Bridge, together with the following services:
- CAMHS: offers support to young people, their families, and to other professionals. They help young people between the age of 10 to 18 years old who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health or want to explore assessments to learn more about their brains, emotions and behaviours. This can be the way you think and feel, how you feel on the inside or the emotions that you feel and how much they affect you.
- Youth wellbeing drop-in; is a free informal service to have a confidential chat, have a cup of tea or coffee, or just browse what’s on offer.
- YES: provides free, independent and confidential information, advice, support and counselling to anyone aged 14 to 25.
- KOOTH offers online counselling and support for anyone aged 11 to 25. This is an online service available 24 hours and offers bookable counselling sessions from Monday to Friday 12pm to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 6pm to 10pm.
Let’s keep the wellbeing of our children and young people in mind this week and every week, no matter the age of a person, as we all deserve mental health support.