Why children’s mental health should be factored into employee benefits

By Tracey Ward, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Generali UK Employee Benefits

Untreated mental health problems during childhood or adolescence can lead to a multitude of problems in adulthood; from impaired mental health and lower life satisfaction to poorer health-related quality of life, according to research. Access to appropriate support in childhood could minimise or even prevent such outcomes in adulthood. Such support might well be found in your existing employee benefits programme.

It’s probably fair to say that employee benefits wouldn’t be top of mind for most when looking for mental health support for children and/or their parents. But with Children’s Mental Health Week in mind, this could represent the perfect time to investigate what’s already there – via added value services as part of Private Medical Insurance or Group Income Protection, for example – while also raising awareness of such support across the workforce.

It’s estimated that around 1 in 29 children have experienced the death of a parent or sibling.

Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) 11-16 year-olds in the UK experience at least one of their close relatives or friends dying, according to the children and young people’s bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

Winston’s Wish helps children, teenagers and young adults, up to the age of 25, find their feet after their world has been turned upside down by grief. In recognition of the scale of need, we launched a dedicated helpline – providing access to a bereavement support worker – in January, in partnership with Winston’s Wish. This is now available to all young adult employees of our Group Life and Group Income Protection policyholders. And, also, to dependent children of employees.

Louisa Hancox, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Winston’s Wish, comments: “The death of someone important to a child can affect their physical, and mental well-being, sometimes with significant lifelong consequences. Often, the impact extends beyond the loss itself to include all the additional changes it brings, such as adjustments to family routines, new childcare arrangements, or even moving house or school.

“Bereaved children and young people need to know that they are not alone with their grief and that support is available. We are delighted to partner with Generali UK Employee Benefits, to help bring our support to more bereaved children and young adults who are struggling with their grief.”

Jo Enright, Senior Business Development Manager, Generali UK Employee Benefits, adds: “We’re really thrilled to be announcing this partnership. Winston’s Wish is an amazing charity and we’re honoured to partner with them to help extend this essential service to more grieving families.

“The statistics speak for themselves when it comes to the need for such support. The 1 in 29 figure quoted here equates to roughly one child per class in the UK. So, this will undoubtedly touch many workplaces.

“Bereavement counselling and support can help support children to understand and come to terms with their loss; to develop a language that shapes their grief experience.”

Disclaimer:

All information contained herein represents the views and opinions of the author as of the date of writing and is provided for general information only. Nothing herein constitutes or is intended to constitute financial or other form of advice and no individual should rely upon the information provided in making a specific investment decision without first seeking independent professional advice.