The Prime Minister has appointed Dr Alex George as Youth Mental Health Ambassador to help shape our work on mental health in schools, colleges and universities, as we do everything in our power to support the wellbeing of our youngest generation after this difficult year.

In marking Children’s Mental Health Week, the Government know young people have heroically adapted to the challenges we all have faced, but it has understandably had a huge impact on their mental health.

That is why the Government have appointed Dr Alex George as our Youth Mental Health Ambassador to help shine a light on this crucial issue and shape policies to support their wellbeing. He will have a role working alongside our new Mental Health Education Action Group chaired by the Children’s Minister Vicky Ford and Universities Minister Michelle Donelan.

Dr. Alex will start his role immediately, and will work within the Department for Education. He will remain independent of Government and it is an unpaid position.

The NHS, in collaboration with the Department for Education, has also overseen the introduction of over 180 Mental Health Support Teams in England, with more currently in training.

These teams provide counselling for students, and also assist with training parents and teachers to help children and young people improve their mental wellbeing. During lockdown these teams have continued to work virtually.

As we build back better and fairer from the pandemic, we want every child and young person in this country to be able to get the mental health support they deserve to improve their wellbeing.