Advice has a key role to play in improving mental health

[Legal Beagles]

Youth Access today launches the results of the first ever study focussing on the relationship between social welfare problems, mental health and youth.

The Youth Access report 'With rights in mind' reviews evidence on whether advice about social welfare law problems may have a positive impact on mental health, among young people aged 13 to 25. The key findings from the report include:

• There are strong associations between social welfare problems (such as homelessness and debt), mental health and youth, regardless from which direction the relationship is viewed.
• Social welfare problems and mental health problems tend to co-occur and can exacerbate each other.
• Particularly strong associations were found amongst NEET (not in education, employment, or training) young adults and where homelessness was involved.
• The provision of social welfare advice may have a significant beneficial impact on young people's mental health and well-being.

Barbara Rayment, Director of Youth Access, says:” This study provides tremendously important evidence for policy makers to take into account in formulating cost-effective responses to the impact of the recession. For the majority, the worst of the recession may be over, but Youth Access remains deeply concerned that the continuing rise of youth unemployment will lead to major increases in both social welfare problems and mental health problems in the medium to long term."
For more information visit the Youth Access website


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