Glasgow kids tell teacher about cost-of-living crisis stress

Martin Broadley works at Milton’s St Monica’s which is in a deprived area meaning parents are struggling with sky rocketing bills.

The 41-year-old has even had a minority of children confessing to feelings of suicide, as YouGov figures for Scotland highlighted that 31% of kids are worried about their family not having enough money.

Mr Broadley is determined to help kids and make a difference (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Broadley told the Glasgow Times: “I think children's mental health has drastically changed since the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

“Never in my career have I experienced so many children talking about suicidal feelings, I think they pick up stress at home.

“In school we have children with issues because of self esteem, anxiety, and confidence which can all trigger mental health problems.

“St Monica’s is based in a highly deprived area and lots of parents are struggling with the cost-of-living-crisis, it is really hard for some families.”

Mr Broadley praised Place2Be Counsellors for helping youngsters at his school (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Broadley spoke out for Children's Mental Health week last week and praised Place2Be Counsellors that work in his school.

The young people's mental health charity provides counselling, mental health support, and training on campus.

Mr Broadley hopes that youngsters can use these tools later in life and cope with their feelings in a healthy way.

He explained: “I think children have always struggled with mental health but when I was at school we didn’t have the language to understand or recognise it.

“We are lucky to have Place2Be Counsellors in the school that can help them and give them the tools to work through their feelings.

“Now we teach children how to process what they are feeling so they can tell us when they need time to calm down or talk about what is wrong.

“Hopefully this means when they grow into teenagers and adults they will have the knowledge and skills to cope better.”

Gillian Wylie, Place2Be Scotland Central Area Manager, said : “We work in five primary schools across the city, creating a safe and creative space in schools for children to talk about their emotions and any difficulties they are facing, so mental health problems don’t grow with them.

“We’re also increasing the capacity of Glasgow’s schools to understand and respond to children’s mental health and wellbeing: delivering our Mental Health Champions training to almost 200 school staff in the city and our Senior Mental Health Leads training to over 80 senior school leaders.

“We’re working beyond the school gates too: supporting student teachers at the University of Glasgow to gain skills and confidence in mental health, and creating a space for schools and social work in the city to come together to support care experienced children and young people.”

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, you are not alone.

Here are helpline numbers for anyone seeking help: Samaritans: Call 116 123.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58.

Childline: Call 0800 1111 the number will not show up on your phone bill.

You can also text Shout to 85258 for 24-hour support in a crisis.