Between votes earlier this week I popped into a reception in Parliament hosted by Action for Children, who do excellent work with disadvantaged children. Child and adolescent mental health is a particular concern of mine, and I was therefore very interested to hear about AfC’s early intervention programme in schools.

The Blues Programme, funded by the Royal Mail, is a semi-targeted course aimed at young people who are suffering from, or are at risk of developing, a mental health condition. It combines cognitive behavioural therapy, coping strategies and physical activity, and so far has had great results, with 70% of pupils showing an improvement in their mental health and emotional wellbeing, and with a specific decrease in depressive indicators. I’d like to see similar programmes, available in all schools.

https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/how-to-help/support-our-campaigns/choose-childhood/?fbclid=IwAR3q6OI_KjgBKPa42JU2gdySyEFUtn8nq3anN5ltMTKsbW5NBxQprQw2Tqc