More than two thirds of young people believe the pandemic will be harmful to their long-term mental health according to new research.
As a result, STV Children’s Appeal has launched a new fundraising campaign focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s children and young people.
A new TV campaign voiced by long-time trustee Lorraine Kelly has gone on air. It asks viewers to consider the impact of a year of lockdowns on youth mental health, and donate to support the recovery phase.
The campaign highlights the particularly detrimental impact of the pandemic on the one in four children currently living in poverty in Scotland. Most lifelong mental illness begins in childhood and those living in deprivation are three times more likely to experience it, according to the British Medical Association.
Every penny counts
100% of the money raised will be quickly distributed by STV Children’s Appeal to fund vital counselling sessions and peer support groups in communities right across Scotland. It will also support local projects which give children access to sports, art, music and other means of essential peer-to-peer connection, of which they might otherwise be deprived.
Providing the right support at the right time is essential
Place2Be seeks to improve children’s mental health and is a project currently being funded by STV Children’s Appeal. Their Scotland Director Jacqueline Cassidy said:
“For some young people, this pandemic has been a nightmare. We are seeing increased levels of anxiety and emotional worry within the schools and wider communities in which we work. Our evidence shows when young people get the right support at the right time, their school performance improves and so do their life chances. And that stays with them as they grow.
“Thanks to STV Children’s Appeal, we have been able to provide specialist support for parents and carers in Glasgow, as well as training for youth workers across Scotland to build their skills and confidence in responding to the mental health needs of children and young people. We are hugely grateful for STV Appeal’s support which means we can reach many more young people across Scotland before it’s too late.”
Lorraine Kelly, STV Children’s Appeal Trustee, said:
“It’s so important we help to raise funds and awareness of our children’s mental health. They’ve been through such a lot and we need to make sure they are looked after with kindness and compassion.
“I’m always so inspired by the response of the Scottish public who are incredibly generous and I’m sure we will be able to make life so much better for all the children who need that extra support.”
You can help a child struggling to cope with their mental health
A donation of:
- £10 could provide a young person with a wellbeing pack which helps them to learn, play or connect with friends and family
- £30 could provide a young person with a professional counselling session
Donate online or text TEN to 70607. Texts cost £10 + your standard network rate. STV Appeal receives 100% of your donation. You must be 16+ and have the bill payer’s permission. Full terms and conditions.
