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PRAISE FOR CHESTER CHARITY WORKING HARD TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
Chester MP Chris Matheson has praised the work of a local charity in supporting the growing numbers of children and young people in the area who are struggling with mental health issues .
The MP for City of Chester joined representatives from Platform for Life at Blacon High school to find out more about how the Chester-based charity helps young people and their families cope with the impact of mental illhealth on their health , relationships and life prospects .
Established in 2017 , the charity provides children and young people in low-income families , and their parents / carers with a range of free , easyto-access therapy support within their own communities .
The Platform for Life team receives referrals from schools , GPs , health visitors , social workers and other local organisations across Blacon and Lache .
“ There ’ s an epidemic of poor mental health amongst children and young people locally and across the UK , made worse by the impact of Covid ,” commented Platform for Life CEO , Ceri George .
“ It ’ s now estimated that five children and young people in every school classroom are affected . This is almost double the estimate of three people per classroom just five years ago , with many falling through the net of current mental health provision . Since most are unable to afford private therapy , they are denied the support they so desperately need .”
Ceri added : “ We recognise that parental trauma and adversity can have a significant impact on children and young people . Our goal is to stop the cycle of poor mental health being passed down from one generation to the next . Through our early intervention , we want to stop poor mental health becoming a life-long disability .”
Chris Matheson praised the commitment of the Platform for Life team and the outcomes being achieved by the charity . “ The effects of poor mental health can last a lifetime and often create a spiral of disadvantage . Ceri and her team are providing what can literally be a lifeline to these children and young people and their families .”
Half of Platform for Life ’ s clients are children and young people and the charity works closely with local primary and high schools , offering therapy sessions in a school environment that pupils are familiar with and which minimises disruption for them . Other local community locations are offered to children and young people who for different reasons , may not be attending school .
The charity has forged a strong relationship with Blacon High School , who recognise Platform for Life as a vital part of their pastoral support to young people . Assistant Headteacher Adrian Carr shared “ Education has the potential to transform the lives of young people and communities but for an increasing number , poor mental health means they ’ re unable to access school fully . Platform for Life has become our main source of support to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our young people , therefore allowing them to access their education more fully and reach their potential . The key to the charity ’ s success is undoubtedly the flexibility in their provision . They ’ re also a needs-based service that provides support until all parties feel confident and enabled to move forward . This is so important for our young people and their families .”
Working alongside Blacon High school , the charity is currently piloting an option for young people to refer themselves into the service . As well as giving pupils increased autonomy , it is hoped that the self-referral option will help reach those pupils who are struggling silently with mental health issues without parent , school or GP being aware .
Ceri concluded : “ Over the last two years Platform for Life has doubled its capacity to cope with a massive increase in demand for our service and this continues to gather pace . We ’ re reliant on grants and donations to fund our work and welcome any offers of financial support that will help us continue to make a difference .” wirrallife . com 15