Listen: looking after a child with mental health

As schools across the UK welcome students back to their classrooms, a darker, often hidden reality is unfolding behind the scenes. For countless families, the excitement of a new school year is eclipsed by an unrelenting battle to support children grappling with severe mental health challenges. This isn’t just about a few troubled kids—it’s about a national crisis affecting millions of families, pushing parents to their limits and leaving them with little hope for the future, according to a new report from charity Parenting Mental Health.

Imagine waking up every day knowing that your child’s struggles are far from over. For a third of parents, this means spending more than 36 hours a week—the equivalent of a full-time job—just trying to manage their child’s mental health needs. The emotional toll is devastating. An overwhelming 91% of parents in this situation are haunted by guilt and self-blame, constantly questioning if they could have done something differently.

As we focus on the start of the new school year, we must not forget the silent crisis that continues to unfold in homes across the country. For these parents, every day is a battle against a system that is supposed to help but often hinders, a battle against a society that too often turns a blind eye to their struggles. The statistics are staggering, but they only scratch the surface of the deep, personal pain that these families endure.

Ari spoke to Suzanne Alderson, founder of Parenting Mental Health & Julie Ashmore.