Let’s connect in Lincolnshire for Children’s Mental Health Week

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) is urging us all to connect for Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, from February 6-12. Let’s Connect, organised by national charity Place2Be, is about making meaningful connections for all, to act as a catalyst for better mental health.

1 in 6 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem; many more struggle with challenges from bullying to bereavement. For Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, the campaign encourages children (and adults) to consider making social connections, whether face to face or online. Anything from going for a walk with friends, joining a sports club or local social group, or even meeting for a coffee and a natter can have a positive impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Amy Butler, Head of Service for Children and Young People Services at LPFT, said: “Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can really support our mental health and sense of belonging. We can sometimes feel isolated and lonely without these human connections – which can have a negative impact on our mental health.”

We’re delighted to have recently announced the expansion of our Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to support even more children and young people. MHSTs work with selected education settings to promote positive mental health for children and young people and help them to get the right support whilst remaining in education. New teams have recently been set up in Spalding and the surrounding area, with further teams in Grantham and Sleaford set to go live next year. These are in addition to existing successful teams in Lincoln, Gainsborough, Boston and Skegness.

Online mental health and wellbeing resources also remain important for young people to access, and our Healthy Minds team have created a range of helpful online self-help guides and video workshops for children and young people, covering topics such as anxiety, stress, worry and anger.

For more information on supporting children and young people with their mental health and to access the resources mentioned above, please visit www.lpft.nhs.uk/young-people. The Here4You advice line is also available 24/7 on 0800 234 6342 to support young people, parents and carers.