County council and Mind combine to support children’s mental health
West Sussex County Council and mental health charity West Sussex Mind have teamed to provide parents and carers across the county with free online workshops to help them support their children’s mental health.
The initiative is designed to meet the needs of parents and carers who are supporting a young person struggling with their mental well-being.
The pandemic, successive lockdowns and periods of school closures have taken their toll on many children and young people.
West Sussex Mind CEO, Katie Glover, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this free training to parents and carers after what we recognise has been an incredibly challenging two years for children and young people across West Sussex.
“We hope that our workshops will help parents and carers to recognise problems early, open conversations with their young people and develop ways to help them with greater confidence.
“Three-quarters of diagnosed mental illnesses develop by the age of 18.
“Therefore, greater awareness and openness about mental health – and, if necessary, early intervention – are crucial to prevent problems later in life. We hope that these workshops can play a small part in that.”
West Sussex County Council commissioned West Sussex Mind to deliver the free training through a series of online workshops, which are running every month until the end of March 2023.
Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Supporting the well-being and resilience of our young people is a major focus for us as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are proud to be working with West Sussex Mind to offer these free courses which give parents and carers greater confidence and awareness around mental health issues in friendly and relaxed workshops.”
West Sussex Mind has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly during the pandemic.
It is supporting more people than ever before with their mental health: it supported 4,671 people from March 2020 to April 2021.
It supports people with their mental health, provides specialist mental health training and campaigns to improve understanding.
For more information or to book a workshop go to eventbrite.co.uk/o/westsussex-mind-8288439768