Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.
The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.
Open Minded is Camden’s child and adolescent mental health service, which aims to support the emotional health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. The service is staffed by highly-trained practitioners and therapists specialising in the emotional needs of children and young people. The children and young people we see might be struggling with:
- relationships at home, with other young people or with teachers
- bereavement, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, stress or worries
- more serious issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, depression or even suicidal thoughts.
Some may be at risk of exclusion from school.
Young adults’ emotional health and wellbeing
The Hive is a space for young people in Camden to meet new people and gain skills, as well as get help and information about local services. There are spaces for group activities as well as a social enterprise where young people can get experience to help build their CVs. Axis is a borough-wide health and wellbeing service based at The Hive. Axis is designed to help young people aged 16 to 24 in many areas of their lives, including education, employment, housing, social care, health and wellbeing.
Camden Rise is a resource for young people to find activities, support, and opportunities. Their page on emotional wellbeing provides information about mental health support services and how to access them.
You might like to read personal blogs and stories about young people and mental health from the charity Time to Change.