More children than ever are struggling with mental health difficulties like anxiety, depression or low self-esteem.

Could you be a Blue Smile Hero this World Mental Health Day? Join us in speaking up for and supporting children’s mental health. 

In the 2022-2023 school year, we received our highest ever level of referrals and supported more than 400 children in 30 schools across the county. This reflects a very concerning national picture: according to NHS Digital figures, 18% of children in England aged 7-16 have a probable mental health disorder, up from 12% in 2017. That’s equivalent to five children in every school class.

During the 2022-2023 school year, our data shows that:

· Our therapy teams supported 408 children in 30 schools across Cambridgeshire, up from 341 in the previous year.

· 255 children received 1:1 therapy; on average, children had 31 therapy sessions. 

· 90% of parents felt their child had made progress towards their identified goals by the end of therapy and 61% children were more engaged in school life.

·  Children accessing 1:1 therapy were facing a range of challenges including family breakdown (49%), family mental illness (27%), domestic abuse (21%) and bereavement (20%); 29% were facing 4 or more of these “adverse childhood experiences”.

· 153 children were supported in small groups, designed as early intervention for emerging mental health issues.

As a leading children's mental health charity in Cambridgeshire, our specialist teams work with children in primary schools, using proven arts-based therapies to help them to organise their feelings and process traumatic experiences. We also support teachers and parents to better support children’s mental health in the classroom and at home.

Support children’s mental health and be a Blue Smile Hero today:

·  Speak up for children this World Mental Health Day! Click the share buttons above to spread the word, or share @BlueSmileCam posts on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram or LinkedIn.
·  Donate now or take on a fundraising challenge to fund 1:1 therapy and support for children.
·  Does your workplace, school, sports or social club support good causes? Get in touch, we love partnering with Cambridgeshire organisations to support children’s mental health!