Increase mental health support for vulnerable teens
The Issue
My son, at just 15 years old, found himself trapped in the darkness of mental health struggles. Like too many teenagers, he self-harmed and eventually took an overdose. His vulnerability was painfully clear, yet due to outdated policies, he couldn't access medications like antidepressants that might have provided some relief. The school, where he should have found a supportive safety net, unfortunately, failed to offer the help he desperately needed.
In December of 2025, after taking an overdose, my son spent four harrowing days in the High Dependency Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. It was only after this life-threatening incident that CAMHS finally intervened. While their involvement was a step forward, it highlighted a shocking delay in their response to a crisis that should have been addressed much earlier.
My son’s story is just one among countless others that highlight the urgent need for increased mental health support for young people. Teenagers in crisis must have access to comprehensive mental health assessments, counselling, and, when necessary, appropriate medication without age restrictions that risk their wellbeing. Schools must also be equipped with resources and training to identify and support at-risk students effectively.
According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately one in five teenagers suffer from mental health issues. It's a silent epidemic that schools and mental health services are currently ill-equipped to manage. We need systemic change to ensure that every child and teenager receives timely and effective mental health support.
Our petition calls for:
1. Lowering the age restrictions for access to necessary mental health medications under medical supervision.
2. Mandatory mental health training for teachers and school staff in Reading and across the UK, to better support students’ mental wellness.
3. An increase in funding for CAMHS to allow faster and more efficient response to young peoples’ mental health crises.
Together, we can make these changes happen to support our young people before they reach crisis points that lead to preventable tragedies. We cannot ignore the cries for help from vulnerable teens any longer. Join us in advocating for a future where no child has to suffer in silence. Sign this petition to urge our leaders to take immediate action for change. Your support can save lives.
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The Issue
My son, at just 15 years old, found himself trapped in the darkness of mental health struggles. Like too many teenagers, he self-harmed and eventually took an overdose. His vulnerability was painfully clear, yet due to outdated policies, he couldn't access medications like antidepressants that might have provided some relief. The school, where he should have found a supportive safety net, unfortunately, failed to offer the help he desperately needed.
In December of 2025, after taking an overdose, my son spent four harrowing days in the High Dependency Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. It was only after this life-threatening incident that CAMHS finally intervened. While their involvement was a step forward, it highlighted a shocking delay in their response to a crisis that should have been addressed much earlier.
My son’s story is just one among countless others that highlight the urgent need for increased mental health support for young people. Teenagers in crisis must have access to comprehensive mental health assessments, counselling, and, when necessary, appropriate medication without age restrictions that risk their wellbeing. Schools must also be equipped with resources and training to identify and support at-risk students effectively.
According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately one in five teenagers suffer from mental health issues. It's a silent epidemic that schools and mental health services are currently ill-equipped to manage. We need systemic change to ensure that every child and teenager receives timely and effective mental health support.
Our petition calls for:
1. Lowering the age restrictions for access to necessary mental health medications under medical supervision.
2. Mandatory mental health training for teachers and school staff in Reading and across the UK, to better support students’ mental wellness.
3. An increase in funding for CAMHS to allow faster and more efficient response to young peoples’ mental health crises.
Together, we can make these changes happen to support our young people before they reach crisis points that lead to preventable tragedies. We cannot ignore the cries for help from vulnerable teens any longer. Join us in advocating for a future where no child has to suffer in silence. Sign this petition to urge our leaders to take immediate action for change. Your support can save lives.
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Petition created on 26 October 2026