Free mental health programme for military children launches

The new programme will provide free one-to-one psychotherapy sessions and community therapy groups for young people with parents in the British Armed Forces, delivered by qualified therapists from The Owl Therapy Centre.

The services will be delivered free across England and are funded by the National Lottery Community fund, allowing for the provision of individual therapy sessions for 100 children, and 50 group sessions.

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The one-to-one therapy sessions will be open to young military children up to the age of 18, and will include six hour-long therapy sessions with one of the Owl Centre’s psychotherapists.

They will be delivered in-person either at the child’s home or in an agreed upon local space.

The course will allow the child to explore their feelings on topics, including emotional regulation, relationships, uncertainty and change.

Referrals opened on 1 October, and can be made by parents, schools, community groups or welfare workers.

The programme also offers group sessions for teenagers from military families, which involves a psychotherapist visiting local community youth groups, such as cadet units and after school clubs.

Group leaders can apply for sessions involving up to 10 children.

Children with parents in the armed forces face challenges, such as having a parent deployed, and frequently moving house or school, according to Little Troopers.

The number of referrals to The Owl Centre for all children has increased since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Nicola Lathey, the centre’s managing director, highlighted an increase in referrals from military families, where one family member is about to be or has been deployed.

Lathey said: “This programme will help alleviate and manage some of the feelings and emotions these children and young people experience, and we simply can’t wait to get started”.

The launch of the programme coincides with World Mental Health Day (10 October), which seeks to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Many youth work organisations have taken to twitter, using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay to show support for young people struggling with their mental health, and to share resources and contacts.

Whatever you're going through, you're not alone.

We're here for you this #WorldMentalHealthDay and beyond.

Please like and retweet this post so we can reach someone who really needs to see it 💙 pic.twitter.com/Lm9GhOno7l

— Mind (@MindCharity) October 10, 2022

YoungMinds is encouraging people to wear yellow today, to “show young people how they feel matters”, and is urging people to tweet their outfits using the hashtag #HelloYellow, and donate to the charity.

Today we are saying #HelloYellow for #WorldMentalHealthDay!

Together, let's show young people how they feel matters.

1/ Wear yellow
2/ Post on social media
3/ Donate

Use #HelloYellow and tag us @YoungMindsUK - we'll be retweeting your posts throughout the day 💛 pic.twitter.com/Gr3ZmD1xf4

— YoungMinds (@YoungMindsUK) October 10, 2022

The National Autistic Society also shared some useful advice for those who are neurodivergent and needing mental health support, including how to cope with sensory overload and anxiety.

To mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, we're sharing tips on how you can look after yourself when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is support and help available: https://t.co/eV4ncm65dB pic.twitter.com/NbIYJiR76S

— National Autistic Society (@Autism) October 10, 2022