Responding to the UK Government's interim report on Young People and Work, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lade Smith CBE said:
"We welcome the Interim Report of this Government Commissioned review of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs). By engaging with a wide range of affected parties, especially focusing on the views of young people themselves, it means there is a real opportunity for the next phase of the review to find solutions that can bring real, positive change to young people's lives.
"We know mental illness is one of the many reasons young people are not in education, employment or training. Mental illness can be effectively treated with early intervention and engagement, and in many cases people can make a full and long-lasting recovery.
"Improving this situation will require a cross-government approach, including improvements in mental health services. We hope that steps are taken to appropriately address the mental health needs of NEETs, both through clinical, school, training and workplace support.
"This report is a great starting point to improve this situation and we look forward to working with the Review Team in the next phase of their work."
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
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