• Mental Health and Wellbeing

Useful Information & Links 

Resources for Mental Wellbeing

The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Children and young people with good mental health are more likely to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them; thus, grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

Mental health problems in children and young people can include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.

In a sneak preview of the resource bank that will be available soon, the Early Help Hub would like to share the useful resources that have been gathered by our EHPs, We hope that these resources will help professionals when looking for support when working with children or young people who may be experiencing a range of difficulties that are impacting their mental health and wellbeing.

• Young People – Wellbeing – Barnardo’s
• Build Sound Minds – Action for Children
• The YoungMinds resources library
• Understanding Autism
• Understanding ADHD
• Low mood, Anxiety, Sleep problems
• Information about various mental health issues affecting young people

Self-harm

• Childline
• Family Lives

Bereavement

• Dealing with Bereavement – Barnardo’s
• Bereavement and Young People - NHS
• Winston’s Wish – Giving hope to grieving children
• Grief Encounter - Supporting bereaved children and young people
• Hope again – young people living after loss

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Children and young people’s wellbeing research report

The Department for Education (DfE) has published a report looking at the wellbeing of children and young people in England. This report evaluates wellbeing in children and young people, including:

• Statistics on the wellbeing of children and young people in England
• Wider indicators on their happiness with their relationships, self-reported health and experiences with school
• An in-depth analysis of psychological wellbeing in teenage girls

Key Headlines & Findings

Mental Health & Wellbeing:

• Anxiety Spike: Anxious feelings increased for both primary and secondary pupils compared to 2020/21, especially among older secondary students (Years 10-13).
• Older Teens Hit Hardest: Probable mental disorders rose significantly for 17- to 19-year-olds (1 in 4 in 2022, up from 1 in 6 in 2021).
• Early Self-Harm: Around 3.9% of primary-aged children (7-9) self-harmed in 2021-2022, reports show.
• Sleep Issues: Struggling with sleep was linked to a higher likelihood of having a mental disorder. 

Education & School Life:

• Mixed School Feelings: Most secondary students felt safe, motivated, and enjoyed school, but low happiness with school increased.
• Motivation & Concentration: Most secondary children managed concentration and felt motivated to learn. 

Broader Concerns & Inequalities:

• Cost of Living Crisis: Global events, including the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis, were significant worries.
• Environmental Worries: The environment was a major concern for 4 in 10 children.
• Support Gaps: Professionals reported a loss of community responsibility and inadequate, inconsistent support services, leading to long waits. 

Positive Trends (with caveats):

• General Bounce Back: Overall subjective well-being recovered from pandemic lows, but inequalities persist, with poorer outcomes often seen in older children and girls. 

Source: Department for Education 

Date: February 2023

Download the report: State of the nation 2022: children and young people’s wellbeing research report (PDF)