Scunthorpe mum urges children and young people to speak about mental health after her daughter was bullied

It comes as a local charity says we need to speak more about well being

Teenager
Author: Andy MarshPublished 3rd Feb 2022

A Scunthorpe mum has set up a fundraiser after her daughter experienced mental health problems from being bullied at school.

Having to isolate during the pandemic has meant she has missed out on social events and activities.

Donna Cook is holding a masquerade ball this September, she tells us things are still hard despite going back to face to face learning.

She's set up a Facebook page too.

"Unfortunately for all these 16 year olds that have gone to college they didn't get the open days we all had".

"My daughter for one, when she first started at college they weren't allowed to talk to each other".

"If you didn't know anyone like she didn't, you couldn't meet new people".

"I watched a steady decline in my daughter's mental health".

"At 15 you see a child going from a really bubbly individual suddenly becoming subdued and not wanting to do anything -that's hard."

It comes on "Time To Talk" day encouraging more of us to speak out about our well being.

We spoke to East Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire MIND about the issue.

Jack Moore from the branch of the charity told us they're seeing an increase in children and young people experiencing mental health issues.

Also more of them need support.

He says "for children and young people we know the last few years has been really difficult".

"The figures show around one and a half million may need additional mental health support and we're going to work with our partners to ensure we're there for all young people in our area."

He says todays Time to Talk day is "about encouraging friends, family members, colleagues and even complete strangers to just be really open and have a positive conversation about mental health".

"It's just about listening and being there for people when they need you".