Release date: 29 August 2024
“The importance of listening to children and young people, and the richness of information and understanding that comes from local voice cannot be overstated. Children and young people’s voice should shape our thinking, planning and delivery of local services and projects.”
This is one of the insights highlighted in the latest annual report from the West Sussex Director of Public Health.
The report, which covers the period 2022 to 2023, focuses on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in a changing world, and provides a retrospective snapshot of the services and work undertaken by West Sussex County Council and partners during this time.
It identifies the importance of listening to the voices of children and young people to better understand their experiences and explores what we know locally and nationally to generate insight that can help inform future actions to meet those needs.
The report covers many areas, including:
- What we know about children’s mental health and wellbeing
- Early years and childhood development
- The impact of Covid-19 and support provided
- Young people’s voices
- Navigating a digital online world and staying safe online
West Sussex County Council’s Director of Public Health Alison Challenger said: “Data shows us that nationally, the majority of children and young people are thriving. However, we also know that for some children and young people, mental ill-health is a significant challenge, and there are many different reasons for this. We have seen significant increases in the demand for mental health support for children and young people, both nationally and locally, with this increase starting before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There are, however, early signs that mental health conditions in children are beginning to stabilise, albeit at high rates. We are committed to continuing to work closely with our health and care system partners in Sussex, including the NHS, district and borough councils, the voluntary and community sector, Healthwatch West Sussex, and more, to make a difference to children and young people’s lives across the county.
“The report acknowledges the great strides made collectively to improve awareness of mental health and wellbeing throughout society. Whilst recognising there are areas for improvement and continuous learning, which will inform our future work.“
Councillor Bob Lanzer, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing added: “I welcome the Director of Public Health’s report and the collective work we have undertaken to support children and young people and improve awareness during this time. There have been many changes over the past few years, such as the pandemic and ways of working that have impacted our residents and communities in different ways, particularly children and young people during this time.
“Listening to children and young people’s voices is a reoccurring theme throughout this report, highlighting the importance of understanding their views and including them in the thinking and planning for local services to meet their needs.
“This work will contribute to the delivery of Our Council Plan priorities, as well as the Sussex Health and Care Improving Lives Together Strategy.”
Further work in the form of an all-age Public Mental Health Needs Assessment will soon be available on the council’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) website.
You can find support information and online resources for children’s mental health on the Your Mind Matters webpages westsussex.gov.uk/YourMindMatters
