AS the nights draw in, children across Devon will be waiting to see their loved ones, waiting for the joy of opening a stocking. 

But many of those who are suffering with anxiety or depression are simply waiting to be seen and heard.

While schools can provide vital support for young people, right now they are overstretched. 

In England one in six children aged five to 16 were identified by NHS Digital as having a probable mental health condition last year.

We estimate that 7,197 young people aged five to 19 are struggling with their mental health in Devon.

Only 26 per cent of students in England have access to a mental health support team at their school or college which leaves vast numbers of young people struggling alone.

Last year, The Children’s Society supported 63,000 young people in many different ways. 

This Christmas, children can’t wait for mental health support and we want to help change things for the better. 

If you want to help us influence the Government to expand mental health support teams in schools with long-term funding go to our #Childrencantwait campaign childrenssociety.org.uk/childrencantwait .

The need is great and every campaign action taken makes a real difference.   

Mark Russell 

Chief Executive

The Children’s Society