Despite my best efforts, there’s no avoiding my looming half century. In two weeks I’ll be marking the occasion by hiking to Petra in Jordan. Instead of celebrating with my kids, I’ll be camping out for five days in the desert with a group of strangers for a cause close to my heart: tackling the mental health crisis in young people. 

There has been a steep rise in mental distress among young people, which has been exacerbated by the uncertainty, isolation and loss that has come with the pandemic. 

Mental health support services for children and young people are struggling to meet the weight of demand due to a lack of funding and sustainable government strategy.

CAMHS is stretched. Schools are overwhelmed. Teachers, key workers and the medical community are under-resourced. 

Close family and friends of ours have been deeply affected, often struggling to access the support they so desperately need. This is why I’m taking on this tough challenge through the desert in aid of Beyond, a fantastic charity set up by mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin. 

Beyond is committed to making a difference to the mental health of young people up and down the UK by providing help to schools that are currently lacking in mental health provision. Beyond gives funds so that they can bring in the right services to give the urgent help to young people which is so desperately needed. By giving young people the support they need now, they will have the tools to help them have a brighter future.

I know times are extremely tough right now, so really appreciate anything you are able to spare to help make a difference. 

Thanks so much, Lianne