Almost four children in every classroom have a mental health problem, and half of all mental health problems are established by 14 years of age. Even before the coronavirus pandemic it was estimated that there were 14,477 children and young people struggling with mental ill health in Cambridgeshire. The pandemic has sadly caused a deterioration in the mental health of many children and young people due to its effects, such as school closures, job loss and job insecurity in the family, health worries, and isolation from friends and wider family members.
Staff from Cambridge Assessment, based in central Cambridge, are helping to launch a campaign, called ‘Miles for Smiles’, this weekend by taking on their own walking and cycling challenges to raise money in aid of Blue Smile.
‘Miles for Smiles’ will run during the autumn months this year and Blue Smile is asking Cambridgeshire residents to set their own target of how many miles they aim to walk, run or cycle, and then ask friends and family to sponsor them. To stay Covid-secure, people can take part as individuals or as households.
Jess Manley, Charity Director of Blue Smile said, “The Miles for Smiles campaign will enable us to help children who desperately need us during these challenging times. Every penny raised will help us provide support to local children so that they are happier, healthier and more able to learn in school. It really will help children get their smiles back.”
Vicky Evans of Cambridge Assessment said, “We are proud to support this important campaign to help children experiencing mental health problems. Blue Smile is one of the charities we are supporting this year, alongside SOS Children’s Villages and Mind Coventry. Employees from Cambridge Assessment are passionate about supporting local communities and through partnering with Blue Smile we know we can help make a long-lasting difference for local children.”
During the lockdown Blue Smile provided support to children and families by phone and online. Although the charity is now back in schools supporting children face to face, new procedures are in place to ensure that this is Covid-safe. This includes providing individual therapy kits for each child, and new cleaning and hygiene measures.
More information is available on Blue Smile’s website at www.bluesmile.org.uk