NCH calls on government to improve children’s well-being

Children and young people are struggling to cope with the pressures of modern life and need support to develop emotional well-being, say campaigners. 

According to the children’s charity NCH, poor emotional well-being is the cause of many social problems in the UK today. 

Whether the issue is social exclusion, social mobility or deprivation, NCH argues that these problems won’t disappear until the government tackles emotional well-being in childhood.

Research from the United Nations Children’s Fund this year found that children in the UK had the worst emotional well-being in the developed world. 

And data from the Office for National Statistics highlighted that 44% of children with emotional disorders fell “significantly” behind in school while 35% found it difficult to make friends.

In response, NCH launched a campaign today, Growing Strong, setting out 10 steps to address this issue.

It is calling on the government to review its policies to support and develop well-being in children and young people. 

Clare Tickell, chief executive of NCH said: “Policies on poverty, social exclusion, education and health will continue to be fatally undermined if the chronic lack of provision for the emotional needs of children is not address. The cycle will keep spinning from generation to generation.”

NCH is urging the government to develop “inner strength, resilience and self-esteem” in all children and young people by following its 10 steps.

The 10 steps include ensuring that all children and young people do two structured activities each week, develop services to help children at critical points of their lives, or provide advice services for parents.

More information

Growing Strong campaign