A new anxiety support group at a primary school in Hackney is aiming to reduce the increasing levels of mental health problems in children.
This is the first time that such workshops are being offered to parents across schools in Hackney, and will take place at Jubilee Primary School in Upper Clapton. The six-week session will cover topics including understanding your child’s fears, encouraging independence and suggesting a step-by-step approach to overcoming fears.
The latest NHS Digital data show that 18% of children aged 7-16 had a mental health disorder in 2022, up from 12% in 2017.
The groups are being facilitated by Joshua Wilton and Natalia Little, from the Mental Health Support in Schools Team.
“We empower parents to connect in group form so that they can share stories and insights related to their child,” said Little.
“They can leave feeling more informed and confident in identifying challenges for their child and pragmatic ways to face them. It is important to ensure that the members of the community learn to destigmatise mental health and make it more accessible”
Wilton has urged schools to host MHST events so that, “they can help and support this increasing need through a varied, evidence-based and progressive approach.”
The group has been organised by the City & Hackney Mental Health Support Team (MHST) who bridge the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and schools.
More details about the event can be found in Eventbrite.
