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Dear Department for Education…
This week, young people from Anna Freud, #BeeWell and the Fair Education Alliance stood up for the wellbeing of children and young people across England. They delivered powerful letters to the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, calling on the government to take urgent action to better understand and address the low wellbeing of children and young people across England.
It’s no secret that the wellbeing of children and young people in the UK is at an all-time low. The latest data from PISA shows that 1 in 4 children report low wellbeing. Behind these numbers are real people and real stories.
(Emily & Grace in front of the Department of Education)
Sharing their personal stories, our young people have asked the government to ensure the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill includes a commitment to a national wellbeing measurement programme.
“Children and young people’s mental health is in crisis. There are many important ways to address this, but, the most important is getting the measures of our wellbeing right, by listening to us, and acting on what we tell you. ” – Grace, Anna Freud Young champion
“Mental health issues are indiscriminate and deeply affect everyone.” – Daniel, #BeeWell Greater Manchester Youth Steering Group
“We need data—surveys that capture real youth voices and reveal how experiences differ across communities. Only by understanding these gaps can we begin to take meaningful action. If nothing changes, our futures are at risk. Without positive environments that protect our wellbeing, we cannot build a positive future.” – Ayisha, #BeeWell Greater Manchester Youth Steering Group
Only by listening to young people and what they tell us about their wellbeing, can we begin to understand why children and young people in the UK have the lowest wellbeing in Europe, and how we can address this. Regular, youth-centred, confidential measurement is the key to understanding what’s really happening in young people’s lives. Capturing the voices and experience of young people in every part of England, this would enable the development of national insights based on robust research, giving policymakers the insights they need to ensure all young people can thrive.
We need your help
As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill moves towards its final stages in Parliament, we need your help. Encourage your own youth groups, students and youth steering groups to add their voice to this campaign by writing their own letters to the Department of Education. Every letter adds weight to this campaign and shows how important this issue is for children and young people.
Download template letters here: Young person letter to the Secretary of State for education.
(Emily & Grace in front of Big Ben)
