Stars support child mental health advice website launched in Bradford district
This May Help is aimed at parents and carers who may have concerns about their child’s mental health.
Well-known presenters are helping raise awareness for the new national initiative providing mental health advice to parents and carers being launched by Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership.
The website gives easy-to-follow advice to help families manage their child’s mental health. This advice was developed by NHS professionals and parents who’ve been through their own child’s mental health journey. Parents and carers have shared advice that helped them and that may also help other families.
Professionals who work with children are also being encouraged to use the website.
Advice
The advice covered on This May Help includes self-harm, gaming and online activity, teenagers' safety, eating disorders, school avoidance, understanding mental health, understanding teenagers, online threats, building rapport, building resilience, building a support network, self-care tips, managing an emergency, managing in a crisis and preparing for a children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) appointment.
These subjects were chosen by families and young people who have gone through their own mental health challenges.
Therese Patten, Chief Executive for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, and Executive Lead for Children and Young People for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: "This May Help is a great resource not just for parents and carers but also professionals who are in regular contact with children.
We know the past three years have been extremely difficult for children because of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has affected their mental health. Parents and carers are now faced with the cost-of-living crisis, which is likely to impact their child’s mental health.
“The advice on This May Help, which includes helpful tips, has been developed by NHS professionals in partnership with Rollercoaster, the PLACE network at Charlie Waller Trust as well as parents and carers. I want to thank everyone who took part in This May Help advice films, the videos will help us to deliver key advice to people locally as well as nationally.
“This May Help gives us helpful advice on a number of topics which we may feel uncomfortable with or not have much knowledge of, it’s there to help us and knowing it has come from NHS professionals gives us that reassurance that it’s safe to use.”
What the stars said
Myleene Klass, singer, presenter, musician, model and businesswoman:
“I’m a practical person but I know when it comes to a child’s mental health it can be difficult to take action during a crisis. The film I present for This May Help offers parents and carers easy to follow tips and useful strategies. The films are short, to the point, and the advice comes from parents and NHS professionals to be a helpful voice at a tricky time.”
Tanni Grey-Thompson, Paralympian:
“Life can be extremely difficult sometimes but the more resilient you are as a family, the easier it will be to keep functioning both physically and mentally during difficult times. The film I present for This May Help offers down-to-earth advice from parents and NHS mental health experts on how to come together as a family. Stay strong and be resilient. You’ve got this.”
Rickie Haywood-Williams, radio DJ and television presenter:
“The transition from adolescence to independent adulthood is a journey of discovery with lots of risks and rewards attached. It can be hard for parents to stand back without the fear that the teenager might get into trouble or do something that puts them in danger. The mental health advice film I present for This May Help gives five quick tips.”
Andrea McLean, journalist and television presenter:
“I’m delighted to support the NHS and This May Help advice films website. It’s hard enough being a parent at the best of times and This May Help provides much needed practical advice to parents and carers with practical tips to help them and their child manage self-harm.”
Stephen Mangan, actor, comedian, presenter and writer:
“Talking about a problem is such an important first step but often a tricky one. It’s more important than ever that parents are supported in their care for their children’s mental health. The advice film I present for This May Help offers practical tips for parents about how to start a conversation with your child about mental health. I hope many parents will feel less isolated and know there are things they can do to help improve their situation and to know they are not alone.”
