BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a big step forward for mental health care, England has become one of the first countries to provide 24-hour help for people in crisis via a single phone line. Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency can now contact a trained expert by dialing NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option. This new method is intended to improve access to vital mental health treatments for people of all ages, including children, while also offering timely information on the next steps, such as community support, crisis cafes, or safe havens. Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s director of mental health, emphasized the importance of easy access during crises: “While the NHS made significant progress during the pandemic with local services creating their own crisis phone lines, we want to go a step further by giving people everywhere in England one single point of access via NHS 111.” Murdoch expressed pride in the project, adding that England is now one of the first countries to have such a comprehensive and accessible mental health care system. Bridging the gap: streamlining access to mental health services The creation of a unified crisis line is a direct response to the formerly fragmented system, in which local health services operated their own helplines. This modification seeks to reduce confusion and deliver a more efficient experience for individuals in need. Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness, praised the move, stating, “A mental health crisis is traumatic and disorientating, and getting help as quickly as possible is vital. The last thing people need when they or a loved one is in crisis is uncertainty about where to turn.” This innovative method is especially important in a country with few mental health resources. By including mental health care in the existing established NHS 111 line, the system becomes more accessible to those who might otherwise be hesitant to seek assistance, particularly during times of crisis. Addressing systemic strain While the growth of NHS 111 represents an enormous shift forward, it is not without its problems. Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, expressed concern about the current constraints on the 111 service, which has been seeing increased demand since the outbreak. “It is vital that trusts and their local partners…are given the funding they need to deliver on ambitions around crisis care pathways for people of all ages,” Cordery noted, highlighting the systemic strain and the risk of unmet needs, particularly as waiting lists for mental health services continue to grow. According to recent data, more than 350,000 children and adolescents, as well as almost 250,000 adults, are now awaiting treatment from community mental health services. The addition of mental health support to the NHS 111 service is a great move, but its effectiveness will be mainly dependent on the availability of resources to meet rising demand. The expansion of NHS 111 to cover mental health services is a huge step forward in public health policy, but it also highlights the need for ongoing funding and support. As England takes this bold step, the emphasis must remain on ensuring that the system meets the needs of all who seek it out in their most vulnerable moments.The post NHS 111 expands to provide 24-hour mental health crisis support first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The adjustment from carefree days of summer to the regulated atmosphere of school can be difficult for children. They may experience a mix of enthusiasm, worry, melancholy, and uncertainty when the new school year begins.  Listen and validate: understanding your child’s feelings The first step toward easing into this transition is to listen to your child’s concerns and validate their feelings.  “Some children are great at communicating their feelings, but others may need to be asked specifically how they feel about the transition back to school,” shares Shannon Pickett, an experienced school counselor and professor of psychology. It is critical to reassure your child that it is acceptable to feel a variety of emotions, even at the same moment. According to research, listening to children is important because it makes them feel understood and supported, which is critical for their mental health. Establish a new routine: creating stability and comfort Setting a steady routine is one of the most effective strategies to help your child adjust to the new school year. This includes talking about how the daily schedule will look, from morning wake-up hours to after-school activities. “Having conversations about the new routine reminds children what the day will look like and sets expectations accordingly,” Pickett says. A dependable routine lowers uncertainty and gives you a sense of stability, which is especially helpful during times of transition. Studies have shown that daily routine stability is closely related to childhood learning and academic success, making it an important aspect in your child’s transition to the new school year. Planning ahead: setting up for success Preparation is essential for a good back-to-school experience. If your child is starting a new school, consider attending an open house or booking a tour in advance. Even if the classroom is not open for visits, familiarizing your child with the building can help alleviate their nervousness. Another key component of planning ahead is making sure your child’s summer reading and homework are completed. This ensures that they begin the school year feeling prepared and confident. Additionally, planning attire and packing backpacks the night before can help to avoid tense mornings. “When children start the day stressed out and overwhelmed, it can be hard for them to shake that feeling,” Pickett adds. Research shows that anxiety can have a negative impact on sleep and overall well-being, so establishing a calm morning routine is critical. Building confidence: empowering your child for the year ahead Confidence is an important tool for helping your child handle the obstacles of the new school year. Positive self-talk and praising your child’s abilities are great strategies to boost their confidence. “Instilling the practice of positive self-talk in children cultivates a mindset that they can overcome challenges,” according to Pickett. Research shows that students who practice positive self-talk tend to perform better academically. Allowing your child to make decisions about their appearance, such as clothing or hairdo, promotes a sense of empowerment and self-esteem. High self-esteem is associated with success in many facets of life, including academics and social connections. Seek support: when to ask for help Even with your best efforts, some children may struggle to adjust to the new school year. If your child continues to struggle after a few weeks, it may be time to seek extra help. School adjustment counselors, guidance counselors, and individual therapists can provide the resources your child needs to cope. According to Pickett, referrals for counseling services typically increase in October as parents and teachers examine how their children are coping with the move. If you need outside counseling, options such as school counselors or websites like Psychology Today might assist you in finding a therapist in your region. Preparing your child for the new school year does not need to be a stressful affair. You may assist make the transition as seamless as possible by listening to their concerns, setting a routine, planning ahead of time, strengthening their confidence, and getting support as needed. These tactics not only help your child have a great school year, but they also benefit his or her entire well-being and growth.The post 5 top tips for getting your kids ready for the new school year  first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

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