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Child Neglect
UK News

Church youth workers urged to back new mental health campaign

'In Your Corner' is encouraging youngsters to be more supportive of their friends affected by things like depression and anxiety, and be more open about their own struggles.

Rachel Newham, a Christian and the founding director of mental health charity Think Twice, told Premier she would "definitley" point youth leaders towards the initiative.

She said: "I think it's really important that our young people not only know what it's like to be a good friend, but actually to know that when it comes to mental health issues, it's not their job to try and fix their friends.

"It's their job to, as the campaign says, be in their corner and support them."

In Your Corner encourages children to reach out to one another in small ways, such as a text or phone call, and not to judge but instead be available to listen.

Estimating that three children in every classroom are affected by a mental health issue, organisers of the initiative are sending resources including films and posters to 800 secondary schools.

Jo Loughran, Director of Operations at Time to Change, said: "When young people are struggling with their mental health, negative reactions from others can make things much harder and prevent them from doing everyday things that are part of teenage life, such as going out with friends and attending school."

"Through this campaign we hope to show that you don't have to be an expert to be there for a friend."

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Rachael Newham:

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