Child health

Mental health

While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.

The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS talking therapy guide.

While it is commonly believed that depression only effects adults, around 10% of children in Great Britain aged between 5 and 16 have a recognisable mental disorder; with about 4% of children suffering from an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.

The problem for many is that depression is difficult to spot and often regarded as teenage mood swings. However, if your child is appearing to have an extreme emotional response to a life event or has lost interest in activities which previously interested them they may be suffering from an emotional disorder.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health please visit your GP, who will be able to offer a range of support to help both you and your child. There are a range of talking therapies which are highly effective in dealing with both short term and long term depression, for more information on these therapies please view the NHS talking therapy guide.

Websites
Barnardo’s Mental Health Support for children and adolescents
Mind – Mental Health Charity
Sane – Mental Health Support
Rethink Mental Illness
Kooth (11 – 18 year olds)

  • Rashes in babies and children

    Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.

    The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.

    Website
    NHS: Rashes in babies and children

  • NHS vaccinations and when to have them

    It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.

    Website
    NHS vaccinations and when to have them

  • Start for Life

    Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

    Website
    Start for Life

  • Healthy London Partnership

    Healthy London Partnership have created a toolkit that contains advice and support for parents and carers, schools and health staff. The site contains videos and helpful links to other resources.

    Website
    www.healthylondon.org

Community centres

Community centres cater for all ages. They are often run by and for community residents and provide opportunities through which local people can be involved in shaping and improving their community. They also run social, recreational and educational classes and events – from martial arts and dance classes through to language classes, Saturday school for children, yoga, healthy eating, weight loss, art and music. Some offer more than 100 different classes and activities every week, including drop-in sessions.