The worrying link between school budget cuts and children’s mental health problems
Since 2010, 70% of schools in England have faced real-term budget cuts. It’s estimated that at least £12.2 billion is needed to restore schools’ spending power. And the knock-on impact for mental health must not be underestimated.
Budget cuts and funding limitations mean many schools don’t have the resources to spend on vital support services for their students. And then there’s the impact of the pandemic. Post-COVID and the easing of lockdowns, the likelihood of children experiencing mental health problems has risen by 50%, leading to 1 in 6 children (aged 5-16) likely to have a mental health problem.
It’s also estimated that 50% of mental health problems are established by the age of 14, affecting young people into adulthood. It’s crucial that those children experiencing mental health problems get support at an early age when these issues first appear, preventing them from becoming a lifelong burden.
Mental health problems can often be overlooked for other more visible, although equally important, needs and struggles. The rising number of children and young people experiencing mental health problems, and the lack of funding for schools for resources to help their students, means more and more children and young people can’t access the mental health support they desperately need.
That’s where Platform for Life comes in.
What we do
Platform for Life is committed to providing life-changing support to those who need it most, to families who are not able to afford private services and where NHS waiting lists are long. Our aim is to provide support at a young age, helping children and young people develop strategies and resilience to overcome current and future mental health challenges.
We provide therapy services to children and young people (aged 4 and up), many of whom wouldn’t otherwise be able to access appropriate support. We work directly within our partner schools, providing art therapy, play therapy and counselling. Children and young people can access as many sessions as they need, working with their therapist in a safe, confidential space.
The impact of our work
Stats from the past couple of years tell us that…
88% of young people feel more positive about their future after therapy with us
96% of young people noticed positive changes in their life since therapy with us
92% of children feel happier since accessing therapy with us
These are a few comments from or about some of the children and young people who’ve engaged with therapy at Platform for Life…
Marcus began attending lessons every afternoon. His mental health had much improved. He had developed a self-care routine, eating healthily, exercising regularly, meeting up with friends and his mood had improved..
From struggling to attend school, Marcus now has a 95% attendance rate.
...she is now able to identify and manage these [anxious] feelings using the tools she has learnt throughout the therapy sessions.
Mum shared that the whole family was getting on better, and Frances and her sister were doing activities together for the first time in a long time.
If you're struggling with your mental health, then Platform for Life is a good place to come.
But we need your help
Children and young people should be looking forward to this magical time of year. But mental health challenges don’t pause at Christmas and we need your help to continue providing vital support to children in Chester.
We were delighted when ex Liverpool footballer John Barnes and OMD’s Andy McCluskey heard about our work and wanted to get involved. You can hear what they had to say here:
By making a donation to our 181 Christmas appeal, you’ll help us continue providing support for children, young people, and their families in Chester struggling with their mental health. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us sustain our services.
Please donate today and help us make a difference. Thank you.
