Last Wednesday (30 January), Rt Hon Sir David Evennett MP joined representatives from the Action for Children charity to support the Parliamentary launch of ‘Build Sound Minds’, which is a campaign to help children and teenagers build good mental and emotional wellbeing.

At the event, Sir David heard from your people who have experienced mental health and wellbeing problems and learnt that a third of 15 to 18-year-olds assessed by Action for Children were found to be suffering from mental health issues. Pupils in need of support have been taking part in the Blues Programme, the first ever UK-wide early help intervention for teenage depression.

Sir David commented: “for too long people suffering with poor mental health failed to receive the same access to services as those with physical problems. The Government has been working hard to address this injustice, including by increasing funding for mental health services.

“Acting early is vital to help stop problems developing further and I am therefore delighted to be able to support this campaign to help highlight to young people the importance of looking out for their own wellbeing and to seek support if they’re struggling.”

Julie Bentley, chief executive of Action for Children, said: “just like our physical health, our emotional wellbeing needs care and attention. And the first step in doing this is to create a positive conversation about mental health.”