IT’S been hard to ignore the number of posts on social media about Netflix’ latest series 13 Reasons Why – whether in the form of news stories or adverts.
It is a series that has gripped its young audience, telling the story of the central character, teenager Hannah Baker, through double-sided cassette tapes which have been received by her friend, and former crush, Clay.
On each tape, she talks about an individual who played a part in breaking her – featuring some dark, tough issues including rape – and how they each became one of 13 reasons why she decided to take her own life.
While there is a clear message about being kinder to one another, there have also been a number of criticisms levelled at the show.
These are mainly because of the potentially triggering graphic portrayal of suicide, the fear that youngsters might be inclined to copy the actor and the lack of advice for teenagers experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The NSPCC has already reported how it has been providing an increased number of counselling sessions for children after the series had triggered memories of suicidal thoughts, while other mental health charities have voiced their own concerns.
According to Mind, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year and in England, one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.
The news earlier this month that the Everton midfielder, Aaron Lennon, was detained under the mental health act for his own safety only further highlights how mental health issues can affect people, no matter their career or popularity.
And, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve asked the county’s mental healthcare teams what is on offer so that both parents and children know where to turn in Herefordshire.
Elaine Cook-Tippins, Operational and Clinical Manager, Hereford Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Mental health problems affect about one in 10 young people; that’s three in every classroom. The emotional wellbeing of children and young people is just as important as their physical health and it’s vital that young people get support and help when they need it.
“We are continuously working to reduce the stigma around mental health, so that young people can feel able to talk about how they feel and seek support when they need it.”
The trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Herefordshire provides specialist mental health services for children and young people in the county, as well as their families and carers.
The team receives referrals from people who work closely with children and young people, such as GPs, school nurses, health visitors, social workers, specialist staff within schools, and paediatricians.
More information can be found online at 2gether.nhs.uk/our-teamsand- services/camhs-herefordshire/
Meanwhile, the three Hereford colleges are also armed with their own specialist support teams. At Hereford Sixth Form College there is a wellbeing centre, comprising a counsellor, student well-being adviser, chaplain and student finance officer.
Hereford College of Arts also has an independent counsellor on site as part of its health and wellbeing service while Herefordshire and Ludlow College has a Learner Services team.
Bullying, meanwhile, is taken very seriously at the county’s schools.
A spokesman for Herefordshire Council said an anti-bullying officer works directly with schools to provide up-to-date advice and information regarding bullying and available useful resources.
“The officer also maintains our schools bullying and racist incident reporting system. The system allows us to see the number of reported incidents across the county and if there are any patterns of behaviour developing, which can in turn be addressed,” the spokesman said.
The Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSCB) also works with schools on issues such as child sexual exploitation.
Other sources of support are available include:
• Young Minds - youngminds.org.uk
• Childline – 0800 1111
• Strong Young Minds - thesymproject.org
• CLD Trust - thecldtrust.org
• Samaritans – 116 123
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