On World Mental Health Day 2024 (10 October), Dr Lindsey Cameron, Reader in Psychology and an expert in diversity and representation in young people, reflects on how young people can shape future mental health policies. She said:
‘Young people’s insights and ideas for solving societal problems are crucial for shaping future mental health policies and services, and we need to listen.
‘Mental health needs are more common in young people in England than ever before, with 1 in 6 young people experiencing a probable mental health condition in 2021, an increase since 2017.*
‘When it comes to young people’s mental health, no one knows it like they do. They live it every day, and who better to explain the everyday pressures and barriers to good mental health than young people themselves.
‘Trailblazing organisations such as Mind, and the Girl Guide Association are leading the way with national surveys that provide crucial and unique insights into young people’s mental health today.
‘Recently, we have seen an upsurge in charity and public bodies commitment to not only gathering young people’s views and experiences, but making sure these views are heard by those in positions of power to make change. The Children’s Commissioner’s ‘One Million Voices’ campaign is a prime example of this.
‘Why should we listen to young people when it comes to mental health policies? We know that when young people have a voice in local and national policies, including mental health, this not only ensures policies and services are fit for the younger. generation, but also empowers young people, boosts confidence and well-being, and sense of control.
‘Recent Nuffield Foundation/British Academy-funded research that I co-led concluded that local councils want to gather young people’s views and involve them in decision making but often lack the formal structures to achieve this with younger children. Therefore, we must put better structures in place for children and young people to have a direct-line to decision makers and policy-makers, to influence local and national policy.’