Topic: Parents Helpline, Coronavirus and mental health
Leading charity for young people’s mental health, YoungMinds, saw a rise in demand from parents and carers on its digital support services in the last two years. In the period between 2019 and 2021, demand for its email, webchat and crisis text line rose by 48% [1].
YoungMinds' Parents Helpline supports parents over the phone, on email and through their dedicated webchat service, providing information and signposting to help parents and carers with their child’s mental health.
In a survey among parents and carers at the height of the pandemic, two-thirds (67%) of parents and carers were deeply worried about the long-term impact of the pandemic on the young people in their care, and didn’t know where to turn for advice and support[2].
During the pandemic, the charity created a dedicated hub on their website with advice for parents on how to support their children. Its helpline also continued to operate, offering free advice for any parent or carer worried about a young person under 25.
To show young people they’re not alone with their mental health, YoungMinds is encouraging friends, colleagues and schools to come together this World Mental Health Day to celebrate the little things we can do to look after ourselves and support each other.
On 8 October, classrooms and workplaces across the country will be taking part in Hello Yellow, by wearing something yellow in support of YoungMinds. Retailers and restaurants including Wagamama and Wickes will be getting behind the day along with thousands of schools planning activity for assemblies and in classrooms.
“We know from parents who have been using our digital helpline services how hard life has been for many children over the last year. Some have struggled to cope with isolation, anxiety, fears about the future, bereavement or traumatic experiences – and others are finding the return to school and previous routines really challenging. Children who are already experiencing inequalities are likely to continue to be disproportionately affected.
“We’ve all felt the stress of lockdown, been worried about our families and felt uncertain about the future. It's been difficult watching the young people in our lives struggling too. Often it can be the little things we do in our day to day lives that can make a big difference to young people’s mental health to remind them that they’re not alone. Whether that’s morning walks, watching a Netflix show together or having a heart-to-heart with someone. Wearing an item of yellow for Hello Yellow is one little thing we can all do to support the young people in our lives, but also to raise vital funds for YoungMinds so that we can ensure no young person feels alone with their mental health.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information and for interview requests please contact press@youngminds.org.uk or call 0203 861 2072.
[1] YoungMinds helpline, 2021
[2] YoungMinds surveyed 1854 parents and carers between Thursday 9th April and Sunday 10th May 2020. The survey was hosted on surveygizmo.co.uk and promoted on social media.
About YoungMinds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for young people’s mental health. For more information please visit www.youngminds.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter @YoungMindsUK and Facebook
The charity previously published results from surveys with young people about the mental health impact of COVID-19
For free advice and support for parents, call our helpline on 0808 802 5544
About YoungMinds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for young people’s mental health.
Follow us on Twitter @YoungMindsUK and Facebook.
For free advice and support for parents, call our helpline on 0808 802 5544.
