I am Mickenzie Watson-Poulton, a survivor of mental health challenges, which began when I was as young as 12. Today, at 25, I am a testament to the unattended cry of many young people suffering from mental health issues in our schools. I lived for 13 long, agonizing years with no service, no help. My desperate, final attempt to end my life was the wake-up call that led to my receiving the help and medication I needed. But consider, for a moment, a 12-year-old child engulfed by overwhelming emotions, unable to make sense of it all.

Unfortunately, the onset of suicidal ideation is alarmingly decreasing in age, with children as young as 10 affected. This is a harrowing reality that our society must address immediately. Placing therapists and counsellors in every UK school – whether primary or secondary – is a robust and feasible step towards this end. The profound impact that this implementation would have on the mental health landscape is incalculable.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 6 young people aged 16-24 has symptoms of a common mental disorder such as depression or an anxiety disorder. Having readily accessible in-school therapy can help address these issues early and might be the lifeline these children need to navigate challenging emotions.

In the UK, one in 6 CHILDREN aged 5-16 suffer from a mental health disorder. YET, an estimate from the Education policy institute notes that over 133,000 referred to child mental health services were denied treatments in 2018-2019, which is only increasing in 2024. 

Our children’s mental health is an urgent issue. We need to create a caring environment for them, where they feel heard, understood, and helped. For a brighter future for our youth, we plead with the relevant authorities to heed this call for mandatory therapists and counsellors in all UK schools. Please sign this petition and show that you stand with us in prioritising the mental health of our youth.

No coffin should be that small.

Join me in speaking up for ALL our CHILDREN.