The Department of Health and Social Care has introduced crucial information for public health professionals and beyond to protect the mental health of babies, children and young people (BCYP).
BCYP mental health of course influences future mental and physical health, affecting wider life chances and outcomes.
Influencing factors covered by the framework start at the individual level including premature birth; adversity and trauma; and behaviours such as substance misuse, screen time and gambling.
These levels then expand to consider interpersonal relationships, local community, and wider environment and society.
The framework also highlights the groups most at risk, including LGBTQ+ youth, young carers and those with special educational needs.
Some of the intended uses for the framework include:
- Informing the content of local BCYP mental health strategies
- Identifying and addressing gaps in local provision
- Considering which groups should be the focus of targeted support.
Examples of strategies already in use that address the issue of BCYP mental health include the basis of most Unite-CPHVA members’ work – the Healthy child programme, and Every Mind Matters.
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