06 February 2023
During Children and Young People’s Mental Health Week from 6-12 February Islanders are being
reminded of the ways they can increase their own wellbeing and get access to support.
Children and Young People’s Mental Health Week is organised by national charity Place2Be, and
highlights the importance of children and young people’s mental health.
The theme for 2023 is Let’s Connect and focuses on the importance of healthy connections in
maintaining wellbeing and mental health. The theme reflects the impact that COVID had on
children and young people’s connections with friends, family, and their wider community.
During the week, children and young people are being encouraged to re-connect to the networks
and services that can support them. The week also highlights eight ways children and young
people can support their wellbeing. This includes by staying healthy, staying active, setting goals,
and getting involved in their community.
In the UK, an estimated one in six children and young people have a mental health issue. According
to the Jersey Mental Health Profile 2021, more than 21% of people 16 to 34 years say they often
feel lonely. The Jersey Children and Young People Survey 2021 found that in 2021, children and
young people rated their quality of life lower than they had in 2019. It also found that 1 in 4
children have low or medium low self-esteem.
This has been reflected in an increase demand for services. Referrals to CAMHS for mental health
support and neurodevelopmental assessments have increased from 661 in 2019 to 1209 in 2022
The Youth Enquiry Service (YES) held 1,553 counselling appointments in 2022, compared to 1,341
in 2019.
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “Children and Young People’s
Mental Health Week is an important opportunity for us to highlight all the support that is available
for children and young people and encourage them to come forward.
“Over the last few years, more children and young people are seeking support in Jersey and
elsewhere. This is most likely because of the negative impact of COVID, but also because talking
about mental health has reduced the stigma around getting support.
“We have – and will continue – to work with parents, children, and young people to grow, broaden
and improve the support we offer as we work through the Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy.
“But mental health is everyone’s business, and I want to take this week to share some of the ways
that we can all support children and young people manage their wellbeing.”
More information about support services is available online.
gov.je