Youth mental health ambassadors call for more support

BBC journalist Catherine Burns recently interviewed a group of young mental‑health ambassadors who urged a significant increase in mental‑health support for young people. The ambassadors, all aged between 16 and 24, highlighted gaps in current services and stressed the urgent need for more accessible resources and funding.

During the conversation, the ambassadors outlined specific areas where support is lacking, including after‑school programs, crisis helplines, and school‑based counseling. They argued that expanding these services would help reduce the rising rates of anxiety, depression and self‑harm among their peers. Burns recorded their testimonies on the BBC’s youth‑focused platform, ensuring the voices of these young advocates reached a broad audience.

The interview concludes with a call to action for policymakers and health authorities to prioritize mental‑health funding and to implement evidence‑based interventions that address the unique challenges faced by young people today.