The whole community has been deeply affected by recent tragic events. My thoughts are very much with the family, friends and the teachers of those involved.
Having spoken to local Heads and our local NHS providers and the County Council I have also been in direct contact with the Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health: the local agencies are very focussed and working closely together to support our young people.
I also recently met with a group of young people who are concerned about mental health in young people, current pressures on them and how these may have been exacerbated by Covid.
A huge amount of vital work has been undertaken to ensure that people are aware that mental health is just as important as other aspects of our wellbeing. The Government for some years has been pushing hard the principle of “equality of esteem” for mental health services and this has been backed up by financial support. Extra resources have been made specifically available in response to Covid and there are different points of support locally including the YES service for young people. An additional investment of over £2.3 billion a year is being made into mental health services by 2023/24.This is coming through in extra funding locally with CAMHS services in Sussex looking to fill a significant number of new posts.
Whilst this is very welcome and needed it has taken time to increase the number of professionals available with the specialist skills to meet this national expansion in services. These professionals are now coming through the system and CAMHS locally are very focussed on recruitment to boost their services – especially focussed on their links with those undergoing training in Sussex.
There is a dedicated website for CAMHS services which has a range of self-help tools and information for young people, parents and professionals: www.sussexcamhs.nhs.uk
www.youngminds.org.uk www.e-wellbeing.co.uk and www.place2be.org.uk can also provide specific young person focussed support.
The health needs of our community in all its aspects are very much in focus. The vaccine roll-out is having the desired effect of reducing hospitalisations and the take-up, the best way to keep us all safe, has been deeply impressive in every age group. Covid is currently a far less likely cause of death than for example flu and pneumonia – a mark of the huge success of vaccination and social distancing. I fear we all however must recognise the ongoing pressure on the NHS as so many health issues need to be tackled as we, hopefully, emerge from the pandemic.