Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of people had experienced a mental health problem or seen a loved one struggle with their mental health. Research by Bupa UK found that 82% of adults experienced at least one symptom of poor mental health during the first lockdown, yet just one in twenty (5%) sought help from a medical professional, while four in ten (44%) told no one that they were struggling – this is twice the 2019 rates.

In October 2020, the NHS published a follow up report to the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey of 2017. You can read the key findings here...

Teens in Crisis (TIC+) conducted a piece of research looking at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people. You can read the report here...

Mental health problems are usually invisible, but can have huge effects on people’s lives. Many organisations have raised the profile of Mental Health in recent years and there have been several campaigns to try and reduce the stigma around mental health problems but there is still a way to go before all the stereotyped views about mental health problems are changed. Many people still believe that all people with a diagnosed mental health problem are violent or dangerous - this lack of understanding and misbelief adds to the stigma. It is important to remember that there is no set method for dealing with a mental health problem. It can help to talk to family and friends and seek help from professionals. It’s healthy to know and say how you are feeling.

At Deer Park we look at mental health and strategies to support mental health in GC and PSHE lessons in Years 7-11 and pupils receive appropriate support for their mental health when needed. Assemblies week commencing 4 May 2021 focused on mental health and pupils were signposted to Kooth, an organisation that can help with mental health.

If pupils wish to talk with someone outside of their household about something that worries them, they can contact their tutor or year leader, or their teacher if the questions are curriculum-based. Parents can contact our Pastoral team - go to Staff for contact details.

Useful Links:

• Young Minds - Find help
• NHS Every Mind Matters
• Kooth
• TIC+  counselling services in Gloucestershire
• NHS ChatHealth
• NSPCC Learning - supporting children’s mental health during coronavirus
• NSPCC
• Samaritans
• Childline
• Mind - Mental Health Awareness Week
• SANE