Check against delivery. First delivered at a roundtable event at Conservative Party Conference 2024 in conjunction with Nacro and Prince's Trust.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we gather today to discuss the challenges facing our young people, we must
acknowledge the complex landscape they navigate. The mental health crisis among our
youth is not just a statistic; it's a call to action that we cannot ignore.
One in six children aged 5 to 16 in England are now identified as having a probable mental
health problem. This stark reality demands our immediate attention and concerted effort.
Resilience plays a pivotal role in overcoming barriers. It's the foundation upon which young
people build their futures. To nurture this resilience, we must provide holistic support that
addresses mental health, education, and skills development simultaneously.
One exemplary approach is the "Teach Mental Resilience" program, which guides teachers
through the science of psychological fitness and equips them to teach 'ready to use'
modules. This program uses evidence-based resources to build skills and self-awareness,
forming the basis for effective communication, empathy, and optimism.
To address mental health challenges and build resilience, we need a multi-faceted approach:
1. Early intervention is key. We must equip teachers and school staff with the training to
recognize early signs of mental health issues and build resilience.
2. Integrate mental health education and resilience-building into the curriculum.
3. Implement storytelling activities, as research shows that engaging in therapeutic writing
can improve wellbeing and happiness months later.
For young people with additional needs, successful tailored support programs should be:
1. Holistic, addressing mental health, education, and social needs together.
2. Personalized, with individual learning plans and mentoring.
3. Collaborative, involving schools, health services, social care, and youth organizations.
A best practice example is the "Positive Intervention" (PI) approach implemented in Quebec,
Canada. This program promotes children's social and emotional skills by using strategies
that foster positive mental health. It involves close collaboration between public health
professionals, schools, and school boards to co-construct and personalize interventions.
To help young people turn their ambitions into reality, we must:
1. Provide high-quality careers guidance from an early age.
2. Offer work experience and employer engagement opportunities.
3. Develop soft skills like communication and teamwork.
The "Your Resilience" program by Mental Health UK is an excellent example of a large-scale
initiative focusing on supporting young people's mental health resilience[8]. It provides early
preventative support to equip young people for the challenges of everyday life.
To ensure equal access for all young people, we must:
1. Target outreach to disadvantaged communities.
2. Provide financial support for low-income students.
3. Address digital exclusion.
4. Offer culturally sensitive guidance.
As our economy evolves, we must focus on developing digital skills, green economy skills,
and technical skills aligned to local labor market needs. However, we must not forget the
importance of building resilience alongside these technical skills.
For those needing additional support, we should:
1. Provide foundation learning programs.
2. Offer supported internships and traineeships.
3. Develop clear progression pathways to higher-level qualifications.
4. Ensure adequate funding for lower-level qualifications.
In conclusion, our young people face unprecedented challenges, but their resilience and
ambition give us hope. By working together - government, schools, third sector, and
employers - we can create a support system that nurtures their potential, addresses their
mental health needs, and equips them with the resilience and skills for future success. Let us
commit today to building this ladder of opportunity, ensuring that every young person,
regardless of their background or circumstances, has the chance to develop the resilience
they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Thank you.
