Mind

Under 16s have been banned from social media, the UK Government have annouced today.

We recognise that they want to act in response to the harms of social media.

But this alone doesn’t solve the complete problem and won’t fix the mental health crisis young people are facing.

Young people’s mental health is shaped by a range of factors, from povery, school and the cost of living, to discrimination, family difficulties and uncertainty about the world they’re living in.

The UK Government’s upcoming mental health strategy is a vital opportunity to transform the mental health of the next generation, creating a society where all young people can thrive and reach their potential.

This can't wait.

We asked you for the best piece of mental health advice you’ve received. This is what you told us and the responses are beautiful. They show the best of human connection. Thanks so much for these pearls, and if you’d like to add your own comments here please do!

Recent events in the news show us the world is becoming a more angry place. Please protect your mental health and reach out for support if you need it.

If you're based in Northern Ireland, Inspire are there to support you. You can reach them:
E-mail: [email protected]
Online chat: inspirewellbeing.org (homepage link in their bio)
Telephone: 0808 189 0036

For any mental health support in England and Wales Mind are here:
Support line: 0300 102 1234
Email: [email protected]

Mind welcomed the opportunity to give evidence to the Nottingham Inquiry. Our evidence shows the current mental health system is not fit for purpose.

Valdo Calocane was let down by the mental health system. He was experiencing paranoid schizophrenia and had previous interactions with health services and the police. In 2023, he killed 3 people and seriously injured 3 other people in Nottingham's city centre.

At the heart of this inquiry is a profound tragedy for the families impacted. Our thoughts remain with all those whose lives have been devastated by unimaginable loss.

A lot of the media coverage about the Nottingham Inquiry is stigmatising to people with mental health problems. The evidence shows that people with mental health problems are more likely to be victims of violent crime than commit them.

The mental health system is letting people down. And we know that racialised communities have some of the worst experiences. Racism contributes to poor mental health and makes it harder for people to access proper care early on. This creates a damaging cycle that worsens outcomes and deepens inequalities.

Our mental health system must do more to keep the public safe and ensure people with mental health problems get the right support when they need it.

Send a quick check-in to that person that just popped into your head. You never know it could change their day.

It’s okay, life gets busy. So, this is a quick reminder to drop that person a message. It’s important to check in on people you care about even if they seem happy and well 💙

Day for Thorpey headbands are now on sale. All proceeds go towards Mind Charity’s Bat and Chat projects at local Minds across England.

The legacy of England cricketer, Graham Thorpe continues. More and more people will now be able to access mental health support though Bat and Chat.

Headbands are £5
Or if your attending the day, you can get yours in person at The Kia Oval. Postage and package is £3.99 and delivery can take up to 10 days.

Get yours here: https://shop.mind.org.uk/products/thorpey-s-headband2026?utm_source=facebook&utm_medi[…]m_campaign=thorpey-headbands&utm_content=organic-social-post

If you're a parent or carer or know someone doing exams please remind them of this:

It’s hard and exams can be stressful. But remember your life goes beyond your grades and you can only do the best you can in that moment.

Exams are just a moment in time.

A test.

Your life is full of lots of moments. You may have many moments that test you in the future. But there are still new moments to come. New moments to succeed, new moments to enjoy.

You are more than a single moment in time.

We don't have to accept this.

Children and young people in mental health crisis are waiting up to three days in A&E before they get a bed in a specialist unit, NHS figures have revealed.
Our system needs to change.

We need a mental health system where young people can get access to support as soon as they need it. A system where they feel listened to. Where we seek to understand what's going on in their lives and where they're directed to the right help first time.

This is possible. We've seen it happening in different parts of the country. But it's not okay for only some young people to get support.

All young people deserve to have access to high quality care.

The Supreme Court has announced the biggest roll back of disability rights in a generation. This matters - let us explain.

The context...

Until now, if someone lacked the mental capacity to consent to their care or living arrangements, was under continuous supervision and control, and not free to leave, they were legally ‘deprived of their liberty’. This triggered legal safeguards to keep them safe.

These safeguards have now been stripped away for most. This will affect the lives of potentially hundreds of thousands of people.

Today’s decision devalues the rights and dignity of disabled people in this country. And we stand firmly against it.

To the UK government.
You must ensure disabled people’s rights and safety are protected. You also need to act urgently to give local authorities and healthcare providers the right support.

This judgment sets us back decades and removes safeguards that history shows us are essential. People's safety depends on them.

But this isn't the end. We will keep fighting, through every route open to us.

Pride can bring joy, connection and celebration, but it can also bring fear, uncertainty and difficult feelings. We know that the world around us, from public debates to changes in guidance, can affect how safe and supported people feel.

This Pride, we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone, and if you're struggling we're here for you 💙

Thanks so much to Fight Through Mental Health for this beautiful illustration.