The toxic effect of poverty on children’s health | Poverty

In the past 18 months, I found myself responding to the affirmations that the culture of mental health has gone too far, that we have diagnosed too much mental health problems and that we simply medicalized the ups and downs of life. I hope that the report of the children’s commissioner (children in England “ living at almost Dickensian poverty ”, July 8) is a moment for everyone to think about what the “ups and downs” of life look like too many young people: to go without food, cold and moldy houses, and not feel safe in the region you are experiencing.

There is a toxic relationship between poverty and mental health. A fact reinforced by the latest NHS data, showing that mental health problems in adults are at record levels, with people in the most disadvantaged areas.

As the report itself quotes, young people are naturally concerned about the expectations of mental health treatment. And for reason – 35,000 young people have been waiting for over two years for mental health support. The fight against mental health waiting lists and poor mental health engines must now be a priority for this government.
Dr Sarah Hughes
CEO, Spirit

Many readers must have been shocked by the report that the children of the United Kingdom live “almost Dickensian poverty”. The abolition of the limit of two children on the advantages would eliminate a lot from poverty. The cost of this was estimated by the Foundation resolution at 3.5 billion pounds sterling. It may seem a lot. However, each year, 23 billion pounds sterling of benefits are not claimed, according to policy in practice. Why not use this money? This would benefit children, their families and in the places they live.
Jan Pahl
Professor emeritus of social policy, University of Kent