A new report from a number of charities linking to children and mental health has called on the government to overhaul the benefits system.
This comes with the aim of tackling poverty and improving children’s mental health.
The report, titled A Dual Crisis, was published by the Centre for Mental Health, Save the Children UK, and the Children and the Young People’s Mental Health Coalition and outlines how living in poverty is devastating children’s mental health across the country. The main driving force behind this, according to the report, is the inadequate levels of benefits, as well as the use of sanctions.
Also discussed in the report was the state’s inability to combat the ‘dual crises’ of poverty and mental ill health leading to the call the children are being ‘failed.’ Reviewing evidence and conducting research with parents and children, the report identifies a steep rise in the number of children living in poverty – now 4.3 million – as well as concerning increases in the number of children living with mental health difficulties – now 1 in 5 people between 8 and 25.
According to the evidence presented in the report, more deprived children are four times more likely to encounter mental health difficulties than the wealthiest by the time they get to the age of 11. By supporting families to come out of poverty, the government would begin to improve mental health outcomes for children and their parents. The authors of the report have recommended that this be done by reforming the benefits system, stating that the assessment process relating to claiming Universal Credit causes anxiety and stress – as well as guilt that parents are unable to provide essentials for their children, including food and heating.
The Centre for Mental Health’s Chief Executive, Andy Bell, said:
“Poverty casts a shadow over a child’s mental health, and it’s a shadow that can last a lifetime. Effective action from the government can start to turn this around. Protecting children and families from poverty and its ill effects on their lives is just not good for the economy. It’s a health intervention, and a vital one at that. For a mission-led government, it will open the door to improved child health, preventing illnesses, boosting business, and strengthening communities.”
Another factor that was outlined in the report was that some children are ‘overexposed’ to the risks that poverty brings, with poverty rates being twice as high amongst Asian and black families than they are for white families - this higher risk of poverty also aggravates the effects of racism and discrimination.
The Local Government Association has also responded to the report, with Chair of the Economy and Resources Board Cllr Pete Marland, commenting:
“No child should ever grow up in poverty. Mental health problems are closely associated with poverty, poor housing, homelessness, disability, long-term illness and experience of violence or abuse.
“The most effective way to support low-income households is through an adequately resourced national safety net and sustainable long-term funding for vital council services, such as advice services, local welfare assistance, housing and employment support.
“We look forward to working with government on its proposed Child Poverty Strategy.”
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