Good news as celebrities and influencers demand early mental health support for young people

It’s good news as the pressure is mounting for urgent change in getting mental health support for young people.

Celebrities and influencers have joined forces with young people from inspiraitonal mental health charity YoungMinds to demand more early mental health help and an end to the postcode lottery of support.

Television personality and influencer Chloe Burrows, broadcaster Sean Fletcher, R&B group FLO, Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr Alex George, comedian Rosie Jones, musician Mabel and influencer Evie Meg have signed a letter to the Government, calling for investment in early mental health support hubs.

The letter, written by young people who have experience of struggling with their mental health, urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt to invest in early mental health support hubs in every community in his Spring Budget. Early support hubs provide a space for young people to get help for their mental health before things escalate. They can go there without an appointment or a referral and talk to someone about their mental health.

The celebrities and influencers who signed the letter shared a video message to the Chancellor on social media day this week addressing him directly to change the experiences of young people trying to get support for their mental health.

The call for investment has also been backed by youth charities across the sector, including members of the Fund The Hubs coalition, who have signed the letter.

Recent NHS data showed that almost 1 in 4 (22%) of 17–24 year olds has a probable mental health condition¹. For many, the wait for help lasts months and, in some cases, years. Hubs would ease the pressure on the NHS and stop many young people reaching crisis.

Young Minds said: “We are louder together.”