(UK) Expert calls for more mental health services for primary school children

May 18, 2018, (UK) INews, London: Counselling at primary schools would boost mental health and benefit economy https://inews.co.uk/news/counselling-primary-school-children-mental-health-economy/ Counselling for primary school children could reduce mental health problems in adulthood and boost the economy, a growing body of evidence suggests. At least 10 per cent of children aged between five and 16 in the UK experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Mental ill health accounts for more than 12 per cent of the total NHS budget, as well as around 70 million lost working days. Expert opinion Psychologist Dr Nora Andriopoulou, of Manchester Metropolitan University, says that if untreated, problems in childhood can lead to issues such as drug abuse, suicide attempts and criminality in adolescence and adulthood. Psychologist Dr Nora Andriopoulou, of Manchester Metropolitan University, says that if untreated, problems in childhood can lead to issues such as drug abuse, suicide attempts and criminality in adolescence and adulthood.