This year’s World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, came at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The past months have brought many challenges for students and young people, adapting to taking classes from home, with little contact with teachers and friends, and anxious about their futures and for people with mental health conditions, many experiencing even greater social isolation than before. And this is to say nothing of managing the grief of losing a loved one, sometimes without being able to say goodbye. At Nightingale, we joined thousands of schools across the country to promote positive mental health by participating in the Young Minds charity’s #HelloYellow event. Click here to find out more.
It is expected that the need for mental health support will substantially increase in the coming months and years. The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families offers a range of specialist advice to support parents – click here to download an introductory leaflet to find out more information. Trying to figure out what kind of treatment might be most effective for your child and family can be an overwhelming task. The Anna Freud Centre work closely with parents and families to identify the type of support that might be most helpful for you.