This week (6th-12th February) Joel is supporting Children’s Mental Health Week, created by Place2Be. Joel is encouraging schools, families, and communities across Wales to initiate a national conversation about mental health and the help available.
The theme this year is “Let’s connect” with Place2Be urging individuals to establish positive and significant relationships with others. This theme aims to help children and adults to look at how we can make meaningful connections.
NHS data suggests that 1 in 6 children and young people have a probable mental health condition with the numbers growing each year. Although data is limited on the mental health of children and young people in Wales, Public Health Wales revealed in 2022 that children living in the 20% most deprived areas of Wales have almost double the rate of mental health issues, compared with those living in the 20% least deprived area. Schools are at the heart of communities and can provide the ideal setting for early intervention.
Speaking in support of this awareness week, Joel said:
“No child or young person should have to face mental health problems alone.
“We know that having strong relationships with family and friends is essential to our mental health. COVID and the subsequent lockdowns have had a significant impact on everyone but especially children who require meaningful social interaction for their development.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we pay closer attention to the mental health of our young people and ensure they have access to the help and support they need.”
