Positive difference

New research today reveals that one third of 15-18-year-olds assessed by our charity partner, Action for Children, are suffering from mental health and emotional well-being issues.

A study based on more than 5,000 questionnaires completed by secondary school pupils across the UK, found that 33% were struggling, with many experiencing problems on a regular basis. Common issues included:

• Feeling depressed
• Restless sleep
• Inability to shake negative feelings, even with the help of friends and family
• An inability to ‘get going’
• Struggling to focus their mind on what they are doing
• Everything feeling like it was ‘an effort’

Pupils who needed early help to prevent these issues from getting worse have been taking part in Action for Children’s Blues Programme, a pioneering initiative to tackle depression and anxiety at an early stage in 37 secondary schools across the UK.

A massive 70% of pupils who have taken part in the programme showed an improvement in their mental health and emotional well-being, with a specific decrease in depression and anxiety. Pupils also reported increased confidence and self-esteem, improved relationships and better engagement at school.

Funded by Royal Mail, the Blues Programme is part of Action for Children’s ‘Build Sound Minds’ campaign which encourages positive conversation and good mental health. The six-week programme is based on cognitive behaviour therapy methods and helps young people understand the connection between negative thoughts, actions and feelings.

Our aim is to raise £2m through colleague fundraising and matched giving. This will allow us to support around 8,000 young people in getting the help they need.

15-year-old Rowan completed the Blues Programme at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff after suffering from low moods and anxiety.  ‘I couldn’t really focus on things properly,’ she said. ‘I tried to keep how I was feeling to myself and deal with the problems alone, but I didn’t know what to do. My friends kept asking me what was wrong.

‘It probably seems quite a small thing but learning how to deal with my problems in a new way has made more of a difference than I could have imagined. I would be in a terribly dark place now if I hadn’t learned how to do this.’

Julie Bentley, Action for Children’s chief executive, said: ‘I’m troubled that so many of our young people are dealing with issues of depression and anxiety – and all too often alone.

‘Getting help early can help stop some mental health problems in their tracks, but without enough investment and targeted support from the government many young people will continue to struggle.’

Kristin Hughes, head of corporate responsibility and community investment, said: ‘As one of the biggest employers in the UK with a daily presence in every community, we understand the importance of addressing mental health issues and raising awareness, especially at a young age.

‘We are proud to be working with Action for Children in funding the Blues Programme. The results from the questionnaires show that this is a huge issue which needs addressing now. The initial results from the programme are extremely positive and show that with the right approach, a positive difference can be made to so many young lives.’