Description

Children and young people of various ages are currently experiencing changes in their mental, emotional and sometimes even physical wellbeing – with some notable changes in social and behavioural patterns. In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having a mental health problem has increased by 50%. One in six children aged 5-16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in July 2021 - a huge increase from one in nine in 2017.   For many, these changes seem to have come about recently and perhaps as a result of the traumas of Covid-19 and the resulting lockdowns. So, as we as adults continue to move forward – in and around our personal and professional lives; balancing home-schooling, childcare and working from home, it is important that parents and carers receive support to look out for signs of ill mental health and guidance on how to talk to children and young people about these issues.   How might we explore these issues with the children and young people in our lives? And how might we tell if these changes are phases, emotional, physical or mental growth ‘spurts’ – or indeed as a direct result of recent global events? And regardless of the cause – how might we support the children and young people in our lives, and indeed ourselves, with these changes?

We will explore tools and mechanisms for creative, positive and safe conversation around what might feel like ‘difficult topics’. We’ll define what we mean by age-appropriate conversations and language – and how we might communicate around these subject matters differently, with the various ages in our lives. We will explore potential red flags, ‘tell-tale signs’ and presenting behaviours that might communicate to us that the children and young people in our lives are feeling vulnerable enough to perhaps need help, exploration or assistance around their mental and emotional wellbeing.   Darren will share a few personal, professional–therapeutic examples, practical strategies, ideas and interventions and then go on to look at what external support systems, tools, resources and other help might also be available to us and the children and young people in our lives.   The final part of the session will then be open for questions, explorations and reflections.