Leeds' support for children and young people's mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

At the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 24 May), Leeds City Council and the local NHS are reminding children and young people that ‘Support is still here for you’ when they’re in need of support for their mental wellbeing.

Leeds City Council and the local NHS are working with the third sector, to ensure children and young people in Leeds have access to mental health support during the coronavirus outbreak by visiting the MindMate website (www.mindmate.org.uk).

Cllr Fiona Venner, Leeds Executive Board Member for Children and Families said;

“We know that a lot of children and young people will be feeling really anxious with everything that’s going on with the coronavirus outbreak.

“Some may find it easier to talk to their family or friends, others may find it easier to access some support to help with their mental wellbeing. We want them to know there is support available to them if they feel like they need it through the MindMate website (www.mindmate.org.uk).

“The website provides mental health and emotional wellbeing advice and information for children and young people across Leeds. It has a page specifically on coronavirus and how children and young people can look after their mental wellbeing during this difficult time. It also includes a resource section for young people as well as for parents and carers.

“This forms part of the council’s wider support for children and families and I’m grateful to all staff at the council and our partners for the invaluable work they are doing at this difficult time.”

Dr Jane Mischenko, Lead Commissioner for Children and Maternity at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’ve been working hard with our partners as well as the third sector, to make sure that if children and young people needed support for their mental health they still have access to services during the lockdown period.

“With Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 24 May) around the corner, we want children and young people to know that there are several services which they can access for support to help with their mental health and wellbeing. The way they access these services has changed but the support is still available to them, and the MindMate website has a wealth of information which they can access. It includes a section on how to cope with common issues, like stress, panic / panic attacks, self-image and eating disorder.”

ENDS