Young people in Richmond Borough could be at increased risk of mental health problems due to the impact of Covid 19. A report from Achieving For Children shows that before lockdown 1 in 9 young people had a diagnosable mental health condition and this has increased to 1 in 6 post pandemic. Twickenham MP Munira Wilson agrees the pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing issues.

 

 “I visited every secondary school in the constituency before the summer, it’s clear that for those already struggling with these issues, it’s made them worse.”

 

“I was very shocked, when I got elected in 2019, that every week parents would come into my surgery or email regarding their children - mainly teenagers but sometimes younger – who were struggling with mental health issues and were struggling to access any treatment or support services.”

 

According to a Richmond And Twickenham Times report in 2016, Richmond is the leading borough in risky behaviours among young people in London with a reported 21.5% involved in activities such as drinking, smoking and substance misuse.

 

Wilson believes these numbers may be high due to the way young people are treated in a predominantly high achieving borough like Richmond.

 

“Whether wittingly or unwittingly, I say this as a parent, we put a lot of pressure on our young people. I think because we are affluent, a lot of young people in the borough have the means to access these substances that are accessible for them and that people who are dealing in these substances know that too and will target these affluent areas.”

 

Wilson believes a borough wide education drive for young people and for those around them would help identify problems earlier and provide the right information to help.

 

“I’d like to see more things for young people to do. I know there are lots of sports clubs in schools and loads of additional clubs and grass roots, but for those who aren’t sporty I haven’t seen much. I was at the Twickenham High Tide Festival and I discovered that there was this whole project that works with disengaged young people across the borough and helps them to make music. There are probably more projects that I am not aware of but that is an area that needs a bit more profiling.”

 

The tragic stabbing of a student from Richmond Upon Thames College in October also left many parents concerned about youth violence and the epidemic of knife crime in London reaching Richmond Borough. Wilson admits it is a worrying development however it is still quite rare in South West London.

 

“I’m grateful that these instances are very rare occurrences. I’m really keen to reassure residents about that and we will find out the facts of this case as and when they are revealed.”

 

“I want to see a more active police presence. That’s how you prevent crime, it’s intelligence led through local relationships that are community grounded.”