Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group has released a series of short films for families about how to have healthy

conversations around mental health.

The films are freely available to all, and contain tips and strategies from healthcare professionals about how to support young people's mental health at home, including while they may be waiting for input from mental health services.

Released to coincide with this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, which begins today ( May 10 ) and feature real-life stories from young people talking about how the services they've accessed have supported them and improved their quality of life.

Esther Schmidt, Children's Commissioning Lead, said: "We are really excited to release these films for Mental Health Awareness Week as they will help young people understand what treatment options are available if they are struggling through difficult times.

"The films are also a great resource for parents and carers to watch again and again, to help guide the language they use in their interactions with young people.

"The way families talk about mental health can make an enormous difference to how situations are handled and the outcomes for those who are struggling."

National research has shown children and young people's mental health is suffering more than ever.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists analysed data taken between April 2020 and December 2020, which showed a 28 per cent increase in the number of referrals to mental health services compared with the year before.

James Fortune, Head of Service at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), said: "It is important that we take care of our mental health in the same way we do our physical health.

"We would encourage young people, and also their parents or carers, who are worried about their mental health and wellbeing to access these helpful resources, as well as make use of the wide range of materials that are available on our recently

updated website."

The films can be viewed online on the CCG's YouTube channel, (above) Locally there is a helpline for Bath and North East Somerset

9am – 5pm on a weekday: 01865 903 889

5pm – 11pm am on a weekday or 9am – 11pm weekends: 01865 901 000

Other useful sources of support in your area: Off The Record: HERE : their web site