AN Isle of Wight GP who has been dealing with patients for 30 years is running the London Marathon to raise cash fror the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.

Dr David Henderson has spent 15 years in practice in Sandown

Dr Henderson said he was acutely aware of the importance of mental health care – especially for young people.

He said: “In primary care we are heavily reliant on the excellent specialist support offered by The Youth Trust in providing these services. It is of paramount importance that we nurture the wellbeing of our youth in order to prevent further problems as they progress into adulthood.

Dr Henderson said: "As a charity the Youth Trust helps greatly and dedicates it’s time to the provision of these services.”

Isle of Wight Youth Trust CEO Jo Dare commented: “Behind the numbers and statistics about youth mental health are our Island children, our students, our neighbours, friends, family and peers.

"The Youth Trust is committed to responding to the mental health needs of our young Islanders, so they can live their best lives, and look to the future with hope.”

“We are extremely grateful that Dr Henderson has chosen to raise funds for the Youth Trust.”

Some facts and figures about Isle of Wight youth mental health

  • With 50 per cent of mental health conditions being established by the age of 14 and 75 per cent by the age of 24, the importance of supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is clear.
  • One in six young people now have a probable mental health condition, potentially five children in every class of 30.
  • On the Island that represents in excess of 5000 children and young people who could need support with their mental health and wellbeing at any one time.
  • The Youth Trust provides Island young people aged 4 to 25 with free specialist support and counselling, helping them to manage a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, low mood, anger, self-harm, trauma and disordered eating.
  • While many children and young people are referred to the Youth Trust by their GP’s, they are also able to contact the trust directly – by phone or on their website – to access support and make a referral.
  • Children and young people’s mental health has been unquestionably impacted by the events of the past 3 years and has resulted in increasing numbers reaching out for support.
  • In 2021 the Youth Trust received 1000 referrals and delivered in excess of 4600 counselling sessions to 755 young Islanders.
  • This year, mental health services provided by the Youth Trust have already received almost 900 referrals.