Piers Day Coaching Calls on Labour to Tackle Teen Mental Health Crisis
Piers Day, an award-winning mental health coach committed to assisting teens, adults, and parents, has voiced strong support for Labour’s newly unveiled Child Health Action Plan.
The political plan lays out a comprehensive strategy to address key issues affecting the health and wellbeing of children, focusing on integrating mental health support, improving dental care, and preventing childhood obesity.
The proposed significant investment in the plan underscores a critical recognition of the severe mental health crisis that has emerged among teenagers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, the number of children and young people experiencing mental health issues has increased by 35% since the onset of the pandemic, with a notable rise in conditions such as anxiety and depression, highlighting an urgent need for intervention. The plan’s commitment to providing specialist mental health support within schools and establishing preventative mental health hubs is a pivotal step in addressing this growing crisis.
The necessity of financial investment in these areas cannot be overstated. The plan’s funding strategy, which includes measures such as closing tax loopholes and clamping down on tax evasion, is a progressive approach that ensures resources are directed towards essential services rather than lost to financial evasion. This approach aligns with the broader need for systemic changes in how mental health support is funded and delivered.
The proposed transformation of NHS services to enhance accessibility and efficiency is also vital. By expanding preventative care and increasing the availability of mental health resources, the plan aims to alleviate the pressure on existing services and address the root causes of mental health issues among children. The establishment of Young Futures hubs and the recruitment of trained mental health professionals will provide a much-needed support network for young people, helping to mitigate the long-term effects of the pandemic on their mental health. Current statistics from the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition indicate that over 40% of young people wait more than a year for appropriate mental health services, further stressing the need for reform.
Moreover, the plan’s focus on eliminating dental deserts and enhancing oral health through increased appointments and supervised tooth brushing initiatives is a commendable effort to tackle broader health issues that often intersect with mental health. Similarly, the push to curb childhood obesity through stricter regulations on junk food advertising and the introduction of breakfast clubs demonstrates a holistic approach to improving child health.
Piers Day, founder of Piers Day Coaching, said: “As someone deeply involved in supporting young people through stress and anxiety, I am profoundly heartened by Labour’s Child Health Action Plan. It is clear that the plan is not only designed to address the urgent, immediate needs of children grappling with mental health issues but also takes a thoughtful and proactive approach to long-term prevention and support. This dual focus on urgent care and sustainable solutions is exactly what we need to tackle the growing mental health crisis among our teenagers.”
Visit www.piersday.com to explore different support options available through Piers Day Coaching.