Biggest ever drive to tackle mental health problems among British children, teens

With an average of three children in a typical English school classroom suffering mental illness, the biggest ever campaign to help them was announced Sunday.

Britain's Department for Education has recruited the first ever mental health champion for schools to help raise awareness and reduce stigma around young people's mental health.

The champion, Natasha Devon, a television pundit and writer, suffered from an eating disorder as a teenager. It led to her working with young people to give them practical tips on dealing with mental health and body image concerns.

Devon's Self-Esteem Team and the Body Gossip Education Program has already delivered classes to more than 50,000 teenagers, as well as parents and teachers.

The new initiative comes as part of a five year government drive costing nearly two billion U.S. dollars to improve children and young people's mental health.

Alongside this, the Department of Health, working with NHS England, is to invest 231 million U.S. dollars so young people with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, who need help can be seen within four weeks or one week for urgent cases by 2020. The very worst emergency cases should find support within 24 hours.

Devon said: "At present, three children per average classroom has a diagnosable mental health problem, with many more struggling with undiagnosed conditions such as anxiety.

"This has a tangible impact not only on their happiness, but also on their potential. It's therefore vital that we can improve the support available for children and teens.

"This is a cause that's very close to my heart, and I know from personal experience, as well as from the young people I have met, how crucial this work is."

Education and Childcare Minister, Sam Gyimah, said: "Ensuring young people have access to good mental health support is vital. That is why we are promoting greater use of counselling in schools and improving teaching about mental health.

"We know there is more we can do. Natasha is an inspiration to many young people and I'm delighted to have her as our first mental health champion. Together we can make a real difference in encouraging more young people to talk openly about mental health."

Health Minister, Alistair Burt, who is responsible for mental health, said: "This fantastic initiative will help tackle stigma and help improve the mental health of every child and young person in this country." Endit