Help local children and young people find the right support this Children’s Mental Health Week
A guide to help children and young people in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield choose well for mental health is available from the NHS.
Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 6–12 February 2023 and is all about encouraging children and adults to make meaningful connections that support their mental health.
During Children’s Mental Health Week, the local NHS is reminding people about the ‘choose well for mental health’ guide for children and young people, under the age of 18. The guide helps people find the right service for their mental health and wellbeing, gives information about how to access services for help, and lets people know what to do if they, or someone they know, experience a mental health crisis or emergency.
The guide has been developed by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and is also helpful for parents, carers, families and friends who can use the guide to look out for children and young people close to them and help them get the right support and advice.
Information about support and services across Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield are covered in the ‘choose well for mental health’ guide. This includes, practical things children and young people can do to look after their own mental health, emotions and wellbeing, as well as how to access family help and support, and details about how to get in touch with services.
Mark Brooks, chief executive of the Trust, said: “Encouraging our children and young people to be aware of their mental health and wellbeing from a young age is really important.
“By recognising what positive mental health and wellbeing means, people can identify if there are changes to how they, or someone they know, is feeling or behaving and seek the right support. The earlier people notice any changes and get support, the more likely they are to experience positive mental health and wellbeing in the future.
“I believe that the ‘choose well for mental health’ guide is an essential resource for anyone who cares for or works with children and young people. It helps you understand what support is available, and how people can access the right support when they need it.”
You can find out more about the guide on our website: Choose well for mental health – children and young people – South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
