Mayoral Candidates challenged to reveal their ‘State of Mind’
Today (Monday 10th October) to commemorate World Mental Health Day young people from across London will come together at City Hall at 4pm to launch ‘State of Mind’ created for all those in London who make decisions on their mental health and wellbeing.
‘State of Mind’ has been produced by young people involved with several mental health projects from across London including YoungMinds Very Important Kids (VIK) project, Right Here Newham and the Peer Outreach Team from the Greater London Authority’s Children and Young People’s Unit.
At the launch of ‘State of Mind’ London’s Mayoral Candidates will be challenged to include a section on children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in their manifesto’s for next year’s London elections.
State of Mind was created because young people feel that their views and experiences are too often ignored when decisions are made about them and they want to play a part in shaping the services provided for them.
They believe good mental health is vital for young people and having this connects to all areas of their lives from friends, family and coping with life’s challenges as a young person to the difficulties of growing up in London.
Speaking ahead of the launch of ‘State of Mind’ YoungMinds VIK London Regional Support Worker Erin Wright said:
“With three children in every classroom having a diagnosable mental health condition and one in twelve young people self harming there has never been a more critical time for London’s Mayoral Candidates to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
“London is a great city to live in but it has some unique challenges for young people. Good mental health is vital for young people as they grow up in the capital.
“London’s Mayoral Candidates should lead by example and make the mental health and wellbeing of young Londoners high on their agendas.”
Amy Feltham YoungMinds young spokesperson added:
“State of Mind is our manifesto written by young people for all those in London who make decisions that affect our mental health and wellbeing. Too often we are ignored when London’s decision makers come to shape mental health services.
“State of Mind brought together young people from across London who are involved in mental health projects. We feel we have a lot to say about the importance of young people’s mental health and wellbeing in London and want to play a part in shaping the services that affect us.”
London is a great city but it has some unique challenges for young people living here:
- The Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Be Mindful’ stress survey found that London is the most stressed city in The UK, with 54% of people feeling stressed daily or weekly
- London has the lowest rate of employment in the UK which is thought to contribute to the high rate of mental health problems
- The recent riots have shown us that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with living in London. London has areas of extreme wealth situated next to areas of extreme poverty, constantly reminding people of what they don’t have.
- Over 330,000 children live in overcrowded accommodation placing severe pressure on their mental health and wellbeing
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The launch of ‘State of Mind – Young Londoners Manifesto for Mental Health’ will take place on World Mental Health Day (Monday 10thOctober) at 4pm outside City Hall. All London Assembly Members have been invited to attend. Media welcome to attend.
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children and empowering their parents and carers. For further information go to www.youngminds.org.uk
Right Here Newham works to the principle of "nothing about us, without us". The project works across Newham and aims to make sure BAME young people have a say in the support that is provided to help them look after their mental health. The youth panel at Right Here Newham make key decisions about all areas of the development and delivery of the project.
The Peer Outreach Team are young people who work within the Children and Young People’s Unit at the GLA. They are advocates for Young Londoners and have a direct say in shaping local and London wide youth strategies and projects
For a copy of ‘State of Mind – Young Londoners Manifesto for Mental Health’ please e-mail chris.leaman@youngminds.org.uk
For copies of letters to London Mayoral Candidates (Boris Johnson, Ken Livingstone, Brian Paddick and Jenny Jones) please e-mail chris.leaman@youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544
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020 7089 5066 or chris.leaman@youngminds.org.uk
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children and empowering their parents and carers. For further information go to www.youngminds.org.uk
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