As the days grow shorter and the winter months settle in, mental health challenges often become more pronounced. For Oxfordshire Mind, this year’s 2024 Winter Appeal offers a chance to highlight a particularly urgent issue: the mental health of children and young people (CYP). This decision wasn’t made lightly. With insights gathered from youth forums, worrying statistics, and a growing awareness of the unique pressures facing today’s younger generation, Oxfordshire Mind is bringing much-needed attention to an aspect of mental health that is too often overlooked. Here’s why young people’s mental health is at the heart of this year’s campaign.
Amplifying Young Voices: The Feedback That Sparked the Appeal
One of the driving forces behind this year’s focus on young people’s mental health was the feedback from youth forums. Oxfordshire Mind engaged directly with over 40 young people aged between 11 and 18 across Berkshire West. These forums revealed a significant disconnect between the mental health needs of young people and the understanding of adults in their lives.
Young people described feeling dismissed, with many adults viewing their mental health struggles as “just a phase.” They spoke about the generational gap in understanding, particularly regarding the pressures of social media, cyberbullying, and academic expectations. In their own words, they feel they carry the weight of the world home with them every day. This feedback highlights just how misunderstood and under-supported young people feel, making it clear that their voices need to be heard and their mental health needs addressed.
The Mental Health Crisis Facing Children and Young People
The statistics surrounding young people’s mental health paint a worrying picture. According to recent research, 1 in 5 boys and 1 in 3 girls have experienced an episode of depression by the time they reach Year 13. Additionally, 19% of students reported self-harming, with over half of those starting before the age of 12. These figures are deeply concerning, especially considering that 70% of children who experience mental health problems do not receive early intervention.
The OxWell Survey revealed that 18% of young people in Oxfordshire often feel lonely, and 1 in 4 reported always feeling sad or empty. With waiting times for mental health services stretching up to two years in some cases, children and young people are left without the immediate support they need. The lack of timely interventions can have lasting consequences, making early support crucial to preventing further deterioration in their mental health.
Breaking the Silence Around Youth Mental Health
Young people today face unique challenges that previous generations did not. From the pressures of social media to the complexities of modern-day family dynamics, young people are navigating a world that many adults struggle to understand. Cyberbullying, online comparisons, and the constant pressure to succeed academically or fit into social expectations weigh heavily on young minds.
Despite these challenges, mental health issues among young people are often brushed aside, either because adults feel uncomfortable addressing them or because they don’t know how to help. Oxfordshire Mind’s 2024 Winter Appeal seeks to break this silence. By highlighting the mental health struggles of children and young people, the charity hopes to dismantle the stigma and create a more open, supportive environment for these crucial conversations.
Why Now? The Importance of Acting This Winter
Winter can be an especially difficult time for young people struggling with their mental health. The cold, dark months often exacerbate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. With the holiday season adding its own pressures—whether from academic exams or complicated family dynamics—young people need support more than ever.
By focusing their winter appeal on CYP mental health, Oxfordshire Mind aims to raise both awareness and funds to expand their services. These services, including Supported Self Help in GP surgeries, peer support groups, and mental health workshops in schools, provide critical lifelines to young people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
A Call to Action: Building a Better Future for Young People
Oxfordshire Mind’s appeal is not just about raising funds—it’s about raising awareness and fostering a culture of support. The youth forums made it clear: young people want adults to be educated about mental health, not criticised or blamed. They want better communication between generations, where parents and teachers can understand and respond to their needs without judgement or ignorance.
By supporting this winter appeal, the community can play a pivotal role in building a brighter, more hopeful future for young people. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply starting a conversation about mental health, there are countless ways to make a difference.
Conclusion: A Generation in Need of Support
Oxfordshire Mind’s decision to focus on young people’s mental health for the 2024 Winter Appeal is both timely and necessary. The voices of young people have made it clear: they are struggling, and they need help. Through this appeal, Oxfordshire Mind aims to ensure that no child or young person has to face their mental health challenges alone. Together, we can provide the support, understanding, and resources needed to build a generation that is resilient, empowered, and mentally healthy.