Released on = February 1, 2007, 11:42 am

Press Release Author = Sheffield Hallam University

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = Children are increasingly suffering from mental health
problems but little is being done to help. Sheffield Hallam University are providing
a unique service to help children lead happier, healthier lives.

Press Release Body = A new initiative to help make schoolchildren happier and
healthier has been launched.
Experts from psychology and education at Sheffield Hallam University are working
with schools and some children\'s services in the region to create special programmes
to look after youngsters\' mental health and well-being.
The most recent survey concerning children\'s mental health indicated that one in ten
children aged five to 16 have a clinically recognised disorder, such as anxiety,
depression, attention deficit disorders and autism. That translates to 6000 children
alone in the Sheffield area.
Professor of Health Psychology Ann Macaskill fears this is just the tip of the
iceberg. She said: \"Although we do not have any individual figures for the Sheffield
area, the estimated number is likely to be a lot lower than the true figure. These
are children with clinical levels of illness. There are a great deal more suffering
in silence with a variety of mental health issues.\"
She blames an increase in educational pressure from a young age and a lack of
opportunity for free time and relaxation.
\"Often people don\'t realise that children have special needs, particularly in the
area of mental health. The University can play a pivotal role in helping to address
their mental health and emotional needs of children. We can offer knowledge of the
latest research developments together with expert training to help schools and
services devise the best initiatives to help their children.\"
All of the schools and services that work with children and young people in the
Sheffield region have been invited to participate in workshops at the University.
Professor Macaskill hopes that by working together with top experts, schools will
begin to tackle the growing problem of disturbed young minds.
\"We all want happier children. The emerging field of positive psychology claims that
happier people make better citizens and even live longer. With so much focus on
young people\'s anti-social behaviour and unhealthy eating habits, surely we should
start with looking after their emotional well-being if we really want to make a
difference.\"
Professor Macaskill is working with Dr Ann Walker, Dr Janet Empson, Dr Lisa Reidy
and Dr Janice Haigh.
If you would like more information about the initiative please contact Dr Ann Walker
on 0114 225 5814 or Professor Ann Macaskill on 0114 225 2497.
For press information contact Suzanne Lightfoot in the University's press office on
0114 225 4025.


Web Site = http://www.shu.ac.uk/

Contact Details = Suzanne Lightfoot
Sheffield Hallam University
Unit 11 Science Park
Sheffield
UK
0114 225 4025
s.lightfoot@shu.ac.uk