Find support that works and build a supportive society
Three out of four mental health conditions emerge before age 25, yet the majority of children in England with a diagnosis get no help at all. Young people are being let down because we don't understand what treatments work best, why this is happening or how to prevent it.
Children, parents, teachers and professionals have told us what questions they need the answers to. They want to know how to prevent mental health problems, how they can get early access to help, what treatments are most effective, how families can find support and what training education staff can get and more. And they want a society that recognises and supports them while they recover, without making things worse.
Your support could help researchers and young people work together to find answers
The University of Birmingham has created the UK's only centre dedicated to youth mental health research, to investigate the complex causes, find the best treatments and the policies that can end the distress. We will find out how to spot those at risk earlier, and trial new treatments, including medicines, online therapies and peer support. Your gift will also empower young people to become the advocates who will support the next generation, and create policy changes that prevent mental health issues.
Young people need your support
'When I told my GP that I was pretty sure I had anxiety, it was overlooked. It's easy to diagnose a broken leg, but not something going on in your head. One thing that can be done to tackle that is to involve young people in the research.'
A member of the Institute for Mental Health Youth Advisory Group
Researcher Matthew Broome needs your support
'We need to support young people early and develop the right kind of flexible, non-stigmatising services they really need. We also need to continue changing how society responds to mental health, so there is greater understanding and compassion as they leave home and enter the workplace.'
Tackling bullying: a preventable root cause of mental ill health
The University of Birmingham, HSBC UK and Birmingham Children’s Hospital have joined forces to take action on childhood bullying. Together they are investigate the scale of bullying in schools and piloting an internationally-recognised intervention programme that reduces bullying.
Implementing anti-bullying techniques in schools
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