Schools and colleges asked to support key aims for young people’s mental health needs

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership (GMHSCP) Chief Officer Jon Rouse has called on schools and colleges to work with others to both recognise and then tackle mental health issues in children and young people in the region.

Speaking at a recent Greater Manchester mental health conference of some 180 delegates made up of senior leaders from schools, colleges, universities and the voluntary sector, Jon Rouse, praised those in the room for attending and having a plan of action but wanted them to spread the word to others that more needed to be done.

The conference heard that Greater Manchester is no different to other parts of the UK in that:

• 75% of all adult mental health problems start by the age of 18
• Only 25% of young people with mental health problems get access to the right support
• 12% of young people have a long term health condition - this significantly increases the risk of mental health and emotional wellbeing problems
• Young people are one of the highest rising population groups in Greater Manchester

Jon Rouse said: “The challenge is for every school and college to create a framework of support to build up young people’s mental health and resilience, focusing on key attributes such as self-esteem and empathy. We can help them to identify when a young person may be struggling and how to intervene early and effectively.

“If each Greater Manchester place of learning can do this and learn from others then we can begin to build up a powerful network of support and sanctuary. This will improve the lives of thousands of young people and staff and over time will have a profound effect on educational outcomes as well as the social and economic fabric of our region.

“To play our part we are developing a Greater Manchester- wide consistent offer that can be delivered locally for the benefits of young people.”

The GMHSC Partnership, the body made up of the 37 NHS organisations and councils in the city region, which is overseeing devolution and taking charge of the £6bn health and social care budget, has drafted five key health ‘asks’ of schools and colleges to help set a Greater Manchester standard that will be developed to allow others to deliver locally.

These are:

• Encouraging young people to develop healthy lifestyles
• Supporting young people (and their families) in developing core resilience to tackle problems and face issues
• Working with other community organisations to provide a strong support network for children and young people.
• Being a good employer in proactively supporting the health and welfare of staff
• Getting involved in the Greater Manchester work on health and care of young people, so that they can benefit from best practice and mutual support across the region.