At the moment three children in every classroom will be struggling with a mental health problem. My constituents often tell me what a big issue children and young people’s mental health is for them and their families, which is why I’m wearing yellow to support YoungMinds this World Mental Health Day.
YoungMinds, the UK’s leading children and young people’s mental health charity, is encouraging communities, schools and offices across the country to wear something yellow this World Mental Health Day (10th October).
The charity is also hoping to inspire more than 10,000 mental health messages on the day, which will take the form of drawings, advice or inspirational quotes, and to raise thousands of pounds to support its work.
This year I'm is joining over 1,000 schools and colleges, as well as hundreds of businesses, to raise money and awareness about young people’s mental health within their constituency.
Recent research shows the scale of mental health problems affecting young people. According to the Millennium Cohort Study, published in September, almost a quarter of girls and one in ten boys report symptoms of depression at the age of 14.
Diane Gault, Director of Fundraising at YoungMinds, says:
“We know that young people growing up today face a huge range of pressures. When these pressures become overwhelming, it can be an incredibly isolating experience, and the smallest gesture of support can make a huge difference.
“#HelloYellow will be a positive and fun way for people to share the message that it’s okay to reach out for help. By wearing yellow, people can show their support, and raise money at the same time.”
YoungMinds is a charity partner of Heads Together, the campaign spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to end the stigma around mental health.
The charity also recently launched its Wise Up campaign, which calls on the government to rebalance the education system to make the wellbeing of students more of a priority in schools [2].
To find out more about #HelloYellow, visit www.youngminds.org.uk/helloyellow. You can also donate by texting YMHY17 £3 to 70070
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact [email protected] or call 0203 861 2072.
