- During Children’s Mental Health week, the PM has appointed
Dr. Alex George as Youth Mental Health Ambassador
- He will play an important role in shaping children’s mental
health education and support in schools
- Part of government plans to build back fairer from the
pandemic and ensure all children and young people are supported
with their mental health and wellbeing
The Prime Minister has today appointed Dr. Alex George as a Youth
Mental Health Ambassador to advise government and raise the
profile of mental health education and wellbeing in schools.
Dr. Alex is an A&E doctor and has been a passionate online
campaigner for children’s mental health since he tragically lost
his brother to suicide last year.
As Youth Mental Health Ambassador, he will use his clinical
expertise and personal experience to champion government’s work
on children’s mental health and shape policy on improving support
for young people in schools, colleges and universities.
Thanks to his huge social media following among young people, Dr.
Alex is well placed to signpost the support that is already
available, as well as provide input and feedback to government on
what more can be done.
He will also sit on the new Mental Health in Education Action
Group, chaired by Children’s Minister and
Universities Minister – which will look specifically at how we support
young people with their wellbeing as they return to school and
university after this difficult year.
Prime Minister said:
“Children and young people have heroically adapted to save lives
and protect our NHS. This has understandably had a huge impact on
their mental health, so I want to shine a spotlight on this vital
issue ahead of their return to school. I’m delighted that Dr.
Alex George will be working with us as we do everything in our
power to improve people’s mental wellbeing.”
Dr. Alex George said:
“The last year has been unimaginably difficult for all of us, but
particularly for young people who have sacrificed so much.
“I am honoured to be appointed for this role where I’ll be
working closely with government to make mental health an absolute
priority and hope to have a positive impact on the lives of young
people and their education for good.
“Right now young people need a voice in government, and I hope
that through this role I can advocate for meaningful change in
this area.”
Dr. Alex will also provide input on the issues being faced by
children and young people and how this can be reflected in the
tools and support teachers will need in order to provide
high-quality advice and care to their students who need it, and
what more could be done to ensure the mental health curriculum
meets the standard children need.
His appointment comes on top of the existing support government
is providing to ensure children’s mental health is a priority –
including the Wellbeing for Education Return project, which
provides funding to councils so they can offer training and
advice from mental health experts to schools and colleges on how
best to support their pupils.
The NHS, in collaboration with the Department for Education, has
also overseen the introduction of over 180 Mental Health Support
Teams in England, with more currently in training.
These teams provide counselling for students, and also assist
with training parents and teachers to help children and young
people improve their mental wellbeing. During lockdown these
teams have continued to work virtually.
Claire Murdoch, Mental Health Director, NHS England and
NHS Improvement, said:
“I welcome the appointment of Dr Alex George as a Youth Mental
Health Ambassador, and look forward working closely with him on
this important issue.
“I met Dr Alex recently and was struck by his commitment to the
NHS and to the mental health of our nation.
“Children’s Mental Health Week couldn’t be a more important time
to come together and help our youth improve their wellbeing.
“It has been a tough year, but the NHS is here for children’s
mental health, and with the help of Dr Alex and our partners in
health, education and charities, we will keep working hard to
make sure every child in this country get the mental health
support that they deserve.”
Dr. Alex will start his role immediately, and will work within
the Department for Education. He will remain independent of
government and it is an unpaid position.
