Children and young people's emotional wellbeing

Good emotional wellbeing is important for children and young people to grow and live happy, fulfilling lives.

It helps an individual to recover more quickly from physical illness, live longer and reduces the likelihood that they will engage in behaviours which may harm their health.

Children and young people's emotional wellbeing is an essential area of Public Health

The early years of life, from birth to young adulthood (0 to 25 years), are important for promoting and protecting good mental health.

Emotional wellbeing is affected by multiple risk factors and protective factors.

Bad experiences during early childhood can harm mental health later in life, whilst good experiences can help to build resilience.

Protective experiences such as supportive, sensitive and responsive parenting, living in safe communities, and health-promoting education helps to strengthen good mental health and wellbeing.

Children and young people's emotional wellbeing is an area of Public Health focus in Havering

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been large increases in the number of children and young people referred to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) because of mental health concerns.

Financial problems within families arising from the cost-of-living crisis are likely to be worsening this situation.

In a recent survey in Havering – ‘SHOUT We Are Listening’ - more than one in ten children (11.5 percent) said that worrying about money affects their health or emotional wellbeing.

We need to increase awareness of available services to support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

Improving and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing supports the delivery of Havering’s Happy Healthy Lives Plan (2024-27), our shared commitment to ensuring every child in Havering has the opportunity to thrive.

What we do in Havering

Key initiatives

• Development of a joint strategy – there is a local commitment as part of the 'Happy Healthy Lives' Starting Well Plan to develop a strategy to improve CYP mental health and wellbeing.
• Havering Youth Wellbeing Census – we used the #BeeWell survey to collect data from Year 8 and Year 10 students in summer 2023 and 2025. The results help services in Havering understand the wellbeing of adolescents and what actions local partners we can take to support them.
• Applying the national THRIVE framework - use of this framework locally helps us to understand the mental health needs of children, young people, and families.

How you can make a change

Members of the public can:

• look at the local services offered and guide children and young people to them for emotional wellbeing support.
• encourage children and young people to engage in activities that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• speak to their GP or school nurse if you are worried about a child or young person. If there is risk of harm, call 111 or 999 for medical help.

Professionals working in the area can:

• talk to children and young people to understand their emotional wellbeing and views to develop services that meet their needs.
• guide children and young people to appropriate local services.
• use the language of the THRIVE framework and focus on the importance of early support.
• speak to their GP or school nurse if you are worried about a child or young person. If there is risk of harm, call 111 or 999 for medical help.