RCPCH Responds to 'Together for Mental Health' announcement

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s Vice President for Education and Chair of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health e-portal Group, Dr Alistair Thomson, said:

'With one in 10 Welsh children aged between five and 16 diagnosed with a mental health condition, Welsh Government’s ‘Together for Mental Health’ strategy is strongly welcomed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

'An important part of tackling the stigma around mental health is creating awareness amongst employers, teachers, social workers and families themselves so they can easily identify a person who might have a mental health condition. It’s only by educating people of the signs and symptoms, that those in need of help can be supported and put on the correct treatment path at the earliest opportunity.

'This is why a Consortium of experts, which includes the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, is embarking on a UK-wide £2.2 education and advice programme which aims to transform knowledge, skills and attitudes towards child and adolescent mental health.

'An interactive e-portal containing a suite of high quality e-learning programmes is being developed in a bid to speed up the time it takes to diagnose a child with mental health issues. It will also ensure the messages given to young people by these professionals are concise and consistent.'

Click here to find out more about the Consortium's child and adolescent mental health programme.