Ant and Dec helping to tackle crippling decline of children’s mental health across the UK

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are doing their part to address the UK’s children’s mental health issue.

The Geordie presenters are part of a new ITV and STV venture from Britain Get Talking, the UK’s most well-known mental health campaign.

Following the discovery that over 40% of schoolchildren’s mental health has deteriorated, celebrities will join forces with the broadcaster to push every school in the country to assign a new form of homework ahead of this year’s World Mental Health Day on October 10.

The activity, created in collaboration with a children’s clinical psychologist, will serve as a cue to encourage children to talk about what is on their minds, as well as to assist alleviate any tension or worry they may be experiencing.

To further promote this message, ITV has designed a moving commercial that will air across the suite of ITV channels and ITVX.

The short video stars a cast of youngsters from throughout the UK, and it serves as a strong rallying cry for the adults in their life to talk to them about what’s on their minds.

Ant and Dec will be joined by other prominent personalities during the campaign to encourage Britain to Get Talking, with the goal of reaching every British school and sparking an essential national discourse.

ITV is also planning two one-off special programmes as part of this year’s Britain Gets Talking campaign.

Ant and Dec will also appear in an assembly film that instructors may use to explain assignments to their students as well as their parents, guardians, or carers.

‘ITV’s historic Britain Get Talking campaign has resulted in over 100 million new or important conversations since launch, yet mental health has decreased in over 40% of British schoolchildren,’ said Susie Braun, Director of Social Purpose ITV.

‘This year, we’re continuing to focus on young people, as simply asking a child what’s on their mind can be key to them opening up and easing their worries. And this is homework for the adults too, so kids can finally get their own back! Come on Britain, Get Talking.’

Laura Bunt, Chief Executive of YoungMinds added: ‘Whether it’s exam pressure or the climate crisis, body image or bullying, it can be really hard for children and young people to open up about what’s troubling them.

‘And it can be hard for adults to know how to start those conversations – talking about what’s on your mind can help. We hope this simple homework exercise initiates thousands of helpful conversations across the country.’

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, also said: ‘It’s so important we hold space to ask the children in our lives, “What’s on your mind?” That’s why we’re proud to support ITV’s Britain Get Talking campaign.

‘Talking isn’t the whole solution, but it can help us feel more able to cope and encourage us to seek support if we need to. And we know that the earlier a person can get support for their mental health, the more effective it’s likely to be.’

According to statistics, the programme has resulted in 100 million new or more significant discussions among Britons since its inception.

It has included celebrities such as Sir Captain Tom Moore, Susanna Reid, Maya Jama, and Shirley Hancock.