Health and wellbeing – Page 33 – The NEN

Burnt Out Britain?

NEW polling reveals 1 in 2 workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding

“Gruelling” work intensity is a growing problem in “burnt out Britain”, with workers reporting that they are working harder and longer now compared to previous years, the TUC has warned.

The TUC says increasing work intensity means workers are having to pack more work into working hours – with work often spilling over into their private lives.

The warning comes as the union body releases new polling, conducted by Thinks Insight (formerly Britain Thinks) which reveals:

More than 1 in 2 (55%) workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding.
And 3 in 5 (61%) workers say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days.

The polling also reveals workers feel the situation is getting worse. Compared to the previous year (2021):

More than a third of workers (36%) are spending more time outside of contracted hours reading, sending and answering emails.
1 in 3 (32%) are spending more time outside of contracted hours doing core work activities.
4 in 10 (40%) say they have been required do more work in the same amount of time
4 in 10 (38%) say they are feeling more stressed at work

The TUC says women face greater work intensity than men.

The polling shows that compared to men, women are more likely to say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days (67% to 56%) and that work is getting more intense (58% to 53%).

Women are overrepresented in sectors such as education and health and social care. These are sectors where staff shortages and other factors, such as burdensome scrutiny and long working hours, have led to increased work intensification.

And women continue to shoulder most of the caring responsibilities at home, which can further add to time-pressures on them.

Burnt-out Britain

Recent TUC analysis revealed UK employers claimed £26 billion of free labour last year because of workers doing unpaid overtime.

3.5 million people did unpaid overtime in 2022, putting in an average of 7.4 unpaid hours a week.

As well as being detrimental to family life, long term-ill health conditions caused by overwork include hypertension and cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, and long-term effects on the immune system, increasing risk of causing autoimmune disease diagnoses.

When workers are tired, or under excessive pressure, they are also more likely to suffer injury, or be involved in an accident.

Perfect storm

The TUC says there are several factors are combining to create a “perfect storm” for work intensity. This includes:

Surveillance technology and algorithmic management: Algorithmically set productivity targets can be unrealistic and unsustainable – forcing people to work at high speed. Algorithmic management can also force workers to work faster through constant monitoring, including monitoring the actions they perform and their productivity.
Staff shortages: Low pay, excessive workloads and a lack of good flexible work are key drivers of the staffing crisis. Staff shortages put huge strain on those who remain as they try to plug the gaps, fuelling excessive workloads and long-working hours. This undermines the quality of our public services, and leads to high attrition and absenteeism rates, worsening the workload crisis.
Inadequate enforcement of working time regulations: The working time regulations contain important rights for workers which could help safeguard against work intensification and the consequential health and safety risks, but enforcement of these rights is inadequate. This is in part down to lack of resources for enforcement agencies. The Health and Safety Executive, which is responsible for enforcement of the maximum weekly working time limits, night work limits and health assessments for night work, has had its budget slashed in half over the past decade.
Decline in collective bargaining: Industrial changes have combined with anti-union legislation to make it much harder for people to come together in trade unions to speak up together at work. This decline in collective bargaining coverage has led to less union negotiation around work organisation, resulting in work intensification.

Ministers are currently looking to water down rules on how working time is recorded by employers in the UK, which they could impose using powers in the controversial REUL (Retained EU Law) Act.

This could significantly weaken our already-inadequate enforcement system even further, making it more difficult for labour market inspectors to prove non-compliance.

Action needed

The TUC says ministers must take urgent action to tackle burnt out Britain, including:

Introduce a new right to disconnect to ensure workers get a proper rest break away from work and make sure that work doesn’t encroach upon a worker’s home life.
Strengthen enforcement of working time regulations – that means funding the HSE properly and ditching proposed changes to how working time is recorded.
Fix the public sector recruitment and retention crisis, bringing down excessive workloads and dangerously unsafe staffing levels, delivering year-on-year fully-funded pay rises and making improvements to working conditions.
Make flexible working a genuine legal right from the first day in a job. People should have the right to work flexibly from day one, unless the employer can properly justify why this is not possible. Workers should have the right to appeal any rejections. And there shouldn’t be a limit on how many times you can ask for flexible working arrangements in a year.
Promote collective bargaining to make it easier for unions to speak withand represent workers – including broadening the scope of collective bargaining rights to include work organisation, the introduction of new technologies, and the nature and level of staffing.
Introduce to statutory duty to consult trade unions before an employer introduces the use of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making systems. This would ensure that both the employer and worker can benefit from the introduction of new technologies and that productivity gains lead to decent pay rises for workers.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “No one should be pushed to the brink because of their job.

“Gruelling hours, pace and expectations at work are growing problems up and down the country. This is a recipe for burnt out Britain.

“Chronic staff shortages, intrusive surveillance tech and poor enforcement of workers’ rights have all combined to create a perfect storm.

“It’s little wonder that so many feel exhausted at the end of their working day.

“It’s time to tackle ever-increasing work-intensity. That means strengthening enforcement so that workers can effectively exercise their rights.

“It means introducing a right to disconnect to let workers properly switch off outside of working hours.

“And it means making sure workers and unions are properly consulted on the use of AI and surveillance tech, and ensuring they are protected from punishing ways of working.”

On public sector overtime and the recruitment crisis, Paul added: “Public sector workers can’t keep going on gratitude alone. Staff are getting burnt out and leaving public services in droves.

“It’s time ministers got serious about fixing the recruitment crisis blighting our NHS, our schools and our public services.”

Seven Days to Stamp Deadline – Make a ‘Card Commitment’ to boost positivity

Use expiring stamps to bring a moment of joy

It’s seven days before millions of non-barcoded Royal Mail stamps become invalid, and the UK’s Greeting Card Association is asking Brits to use one of those stamps this week to change someone’s life.

Before the 31 July expiration date, the GCA, which is proud to represent many local high street card retailers, is encouraging people this week to make a ‘card commitment’, using one of those stamps to bring the power of thoughtfulness to someone who really needs it.

“Sending and exchanging cards promotes wellbeing and mental health, lighting up the life of recipients and senders alike,” said GCA chief executive officer Amanda Fergusson.

“What’s more that simple act nurtures local independent businesses on the high streets we all love, supports local charities and organisations in the communities we care for and helps protect the Royal Mail delivery service we all treasure.

“The use of an expiring stamp next week to connect with someone who would love to know you’re in their thoughts, would be a small act that may have an incredible impact,” added Amanda.

The GCA will encourage Brits making a #Cardmitment this week to share their card-sending stories on the GCA’s Instagram site and social media feeds of its 500 members – from small high street card retailers to some of the largest publishers in a creative industry worth over £1.5bn to the UK economy.

The altruistic act of sending a card can be powerful, reducing the sender and recipient’s negativity, stress and loneliness, and promoting positive mental health.

Sending greeting cards can be a way to spread kindness and positivity, and doing so makes the sender and recipient feel connected, and better about themselves.

The suggestion marks the beginning of a significant GCA #Cardmitment campaign that, over the coming months, will highlight how powerful the simple, British act of sending a card can be to individuals, communities and society.

#Cardmitment

Scottish charity is on the hunt for Edinburgh Health Walk Volunteers

Public invited to step forward to community roles after post-covid decline

SCOTLAND’S national walking charity has encouraged Edinburgh locals to become Volunteer Walk Leaders to lead Health Walks in the area.

Paths for All supports a network of more than 800 short, social, and accessible low-level walks which are led by trained volunteers.

However, since the end of the global pandemic, the charity has recorded a decline in Walk Leaders throughout Scotland.

The Stirling-based organisation has launched a recruitment campaign to tackle the shortage and encourage Scot’s up and down the country to become volunteers in the Scottish Health Walk Network.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer of Paths for All, said: “Walk Leaders are the most integral part of a Health Walk and the time and care they give to the local communities they serve is extremely valuable.

“Health Walk Volunteers help to support the health and wellbeing of local people by providing a safe, fun and friendly space for people to be active, socialise and enjoy the outdoors. But volunteers experience many benefits too – exercise, getting outside and a having a good blether, all while helping others.

“Training is provided so volunteers feel confident and ready to lead the walks, for all ages and abilities, in their communities.”

Individuals who are looking to give back to their community, enjoy the outdoors and keeping active, or are already part of a Health Walk are encouraged to apply.

Charlotte Mackenzie, Health Walks Project Manager for Highland Third Sector Interface helps to coordinate over 200 walkers across 30 Health Walks across the Highlands.

She said: “Health Walk Leaders are the backbone of Walking Groups. For many individuals, particularly those who live in remote communities, being part of a Health Walk can be the highlight of their week making it extremely important that Health Walk Leaders are there to guide and arrange regular outings.

“Being a Walk Leader has so many benefits. I often ask the leaders I work with what they find to be the best part of their role and the feedback is normally very similar; they feel a positive change in their mental health, confidence as well as their self-esteem- which is fantastic.

“For anyone considering becoming a Health Walk Leader, I would highly recommend it. Not only will you see so many benefits for yourself but it’s great opportunity to have a positive effect on your local community. “

To find out more about becoming a Health Walk volunteer and to register your interest, visit www.pathsforall.org.uk/volunteering

Paths for All has a clear and simple aim, which is to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere. Walking outdoors is a fantastic way to boost your mood, clear your head and benefit from fresh air in local parks and greenspaces.

For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/

New plans to boost health in the workplace to keep people in work

Plans to boost UK employment through widening access to high-quality health support in the workplace are being unveiled today by the Westminster Government

Ministers are urging employers to do more to keep workers healthy and reduce the numbers out of work due to long-term sickness
Consultation launching on measures to increase employer uptake and widen reach of Occupational Health
Plans include a new standard for businesses to adopt to boost health in the workplace
Better workplace support expected to grow the economy and tackle inactivity by improving productivity and preventing health-related job losses

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are today publishing a consultation on ways to increase uptake of Occupational Health provision.

Employers will be encouraged to take up Occupational Health offers to help employees access vital mental and physical health support at work, particularly for those working in small and medium-sized enterprises.

These proposals include introducing a national “health at work” standard for all employers to provide a baseline for quality Occupational Health provision, which includes guidance, an option to pursue accreditation, and additional government support services – for example outreach workers to support SMEs to meet the standards.

It also seeks views on developing longer-term workforce capacity to help meet any increased demand for Occupational Health services in the future by:

Encouraging NHS leavers or those who are considering a career change to pivot towards the Occupational Health specialism
Developing a longer-term, multi-disciplinary workforce to provide Occupational Health services

The consultation will also ask employers to share their examples of good Occupational Health provision to help inform other businesses and encourage them to provide the same.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “This Government is investing billions in getting people back to work and growing the economy. We need employers to keep playing their part too.

“Healthy businesses need healthy workers – employers will benefit from higher retention rates, more productive workers, and fewer work days lost due to sickness. Improving health in the workplace is a vital piece of the puzzle in our drive to increase employment.”

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Long-term sickness is a huge contributor to economic inactivity, and while of course some people are unable to work, better accommodation of health problems in the workplace will open up a wider workforce to employers and support employees with a range of needs.

“Many small and medium-sized business owners already invest significantly in the health and wellbeing of their workforce, but this will be a gamechanger in identifying and removing obstacles to people with health conditions starting, staying and succeeding in work.”

To also help keep people in work, the government will today also publish a separate consultation looking at options to increase investment in Occupational Health services by UK wide employers through the tax system.

This follows its announcement at the Spring Budget where it committed to consult on incentivising greater provision of Occupational Health through the tax system.

The government wants to explore the case for providing additional tax relief to businesses on their Occupational Health costs.

In particular, the consultation asks respondents for their experiences of providing Occupational Health, including what services they provide and any barriers they experience. It also asks for evidence on the effectiveness of existing tax incentives and asks respondents for their views on the merits of expanding the existing Benefit-in-Kind relief, and thoughts on any alternative tax incentives.

Tax reliefs on Benefits-in-Kind are already available for certain occupational health services. This consultation will test if expanding these reliefs or introducing new ones could be an effective lever to achieve greater Occupational Health provision, as well as thoughts on any alternative tax incentives. The consultation will determine if expanding tax incentives is an appropriate measure to boost Occupational Health provision.

This is all a key component of the measures in the 2023 Spring Budget to grow labour market participation, reduce economic inactivity and get more people into work. The Department is helping millions to return to work with inactivity falling by 360,000 since the peak of the pandemic.

Long-term sickness is currently the main reason people of working-age give for being economically inactive, but just under half of workers have access to Occupational Health services. Over 90% of large employers offer Occupational Health support, compared to under a fifth of small ones.

Occupational Health provision can help employers provide work-based support to manage their employees’ health conditions, leading to better retention and return-to-work prospects, and improving business productivity, which can be adversely impacted by sickness absence.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay said: “High quality Occupational Health support in more workplaces would not only help to reduce economic inactivity, but it can lead to a healthier, happier workforce.

“The individual health benefits are clear and by focusing on preventative measures, we can reduce the burden on the NHS and help to bring waiting lists down, which is one of the government’s top priorities.”

Angela Rowntree, Occupational Health Physician for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “At John Lewis Partnership we are moving away from reactively managing sickness to proactively supporting our Partners’ health and wellbeing at work.

“Our founder, Spedan Lewis understood this when he launched an in-house health service for all Partners in 1929 – nearly 20 years before the NHS was established – and we’re proud to be part of his legacy today, providing advice and support to help our Partners achieve their potential in the workplace.

“We welcome this new focus on ensuring other businesses and their employees are able to access better workplace health.”

The Occupational Health consultation will run until 23:59 on Thursday 12 October .

Edinburgh charities secure Outdoor Community Play funding

Around 14,000 children living in deprived areas will have access to more outdoor play opportunities in their local communities, thanks to over half a million in funding from the Scottish Government.

More than 30 charities providing local outdoor play initiatives for children will receive a share of £550,000 to expand their projects.

Edinburgh charities receiving a share of the fund in 2023-24 are:

Bridgend Farmhouse – £15,540.00
Canongate Youth – £9,452.10
North Edinburgh Arts – £14,504.70
Smart Play Network – £14,374.50
YMCA Edinburgh SCIO – £13,778.10
Scotland Yard Adventure Centre – £5,783.21 (below)
The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project – £15,424.50

The Outdoor Community Play Fund will support children and families through the year, including during the school holidays.

Children’s Minister Natalie Don announced the funding during a visit to Renfrew YMCA – one of the 32 charities to receive funding.

Ms Don said: “Outdoor play has an incredibly positive impact on our children’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence. It can teach them how to solve problems, assess risks, boost their physical activity and provide opportunities to meet and interact with others.

“However, options for children to play safely outdoors can be limited, especially for children in deprived areas. At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living crisis, it is even more essential that we provide this vital support to ensure there are outdoor play options available, free of charge, for families across Scotland.

“I am looking forward to seeing how this fund will help grow outdoor community play projects and I am proud that this Scottish Government investment will benefit thousands of children living in our most deprived communities.”

Inspiring Scotland Director of Funds Julia Abel said: “All children have the right to play – not only is it vital for their mental health and wellbeing, but is also supports children to learn social and emotional skills while boosting their physical activity.

“We want to make outdoor play accessible for all children in Scotland. Last year, the programme expanded to include more sessions for children and families with additional support needs.

“The beauty of outdoor community play is that it’s child-led, enabling children to use their creativity and imagination to develop their own ways to have fun, overcome barriers, while teaching life-enhancing skills that will make positive effects all the way into adulthood.”

TUC: It’s time to end the pay disparity that penalises disabled workers

Disabled people are more at risk of having to make the difficult decision between heating and eating

Before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic disabled workers faced huge barriers getting into and staying in work (writes TUC General Secretary PAUL NOWAK).

The pandemic, and the huge changes it has caused to our everyday lives, has exacerbated the barriers disabled people face.

Not only have disabled people been disproportionately affected in terms of loss of life, with six in 10 Covid-19 related deaths being disabled people, but pre-existing workplace barriers have been accentuated by the pandemic.

And now, new data published by the TUC for our disabled workers conference shows disabled workers are much more likely to earn less than non-disabled workers.

That’s not right.

Having an impairment should never mean you get paid less or that you’re on worse terms and conditions. However, for too many disabled workers in this country, it is an all too true reality.

With spiralling inflation and eye watering bills, workers are having their income stretched in every direction. But for disabled people, the situation is even more challenging.

Let’s not forget – disabled workers face even higher living costs than non-disabled workers. So as the cost-of-living crisis continues to play havoc with everyone’s lives, we know that these workers are feeling the pinch even more.

But the challenges don’t end there.

Disabled workers also encounter more barriers in the workplace than non-disabled colleagues – with many worried that if they ask their employer for the reasonable adjustments they need to do their job, they’ll be refused outright.

New TUC analysis reveals disabled workers are much more likely to be paid less than their non-disabled colleagues – with those in the North of England and Wales even more likely to be paid less.

And we know that disabled people are more at risk of having to make the difficult decision between heating and eating.

With this cost-of-living crisis not looking like it’s going to end any time soon, things are only going to get worse. We need action now.

With the government too focused on its own political survival, ministers have done nothing to put the mind of disabled workers at ease.

Our call is clear: It’s time to end the pay disparity that penalises disabled workers and it’s time disabled workers get the support they need in the workplace.

At the TUC’s disabled workers conference, we heard from delegates about how the cost-of-living crisis is hitting disabled workers across the country. And we heard how we can build workplaces that work for everyone.

That means stamping out insecure work by banning zero-hour contracts, increasing the minimum wage and outlawing fire and rehire.

That means giving disabled workers fair access to request reasonable adjustments, and fining those employers who discriminate against workers because of any impairment.

And that means forcing employers to come with an action plan to report their disability pay and employment gaps.

This is a plan which will deliver and transform the lives of so many disabled workers across the country.

Ministers must step up and act now.

NHS highlights importance of measles vaccination to safeguard public health

NHSGGC has emphasised the importance of being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella following an increase in cases across the UK and Europe.

Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications if it is not treated. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, rash, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. In the most severe of cases, measles can develop into more threatening conditions such as pneumonia, especially in those with a weakened immune system.

To combat this, NHSGGC strongly recommends members of the public are up to date with their vaccines to ensure protection against the disease. The normal course is two doses of MMR vaccine in childhood. It can also be given to adults, and if you have missed a dose, for whatever reason, you remain eligible and your GP can refer you in to one of the health board’s vaccine clinics.

The immunisation is provided from the health board free of charge and can be administered at a range of healthcare facilities across the city and at other locations in the NHSGGC area.

Iain Kennedy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: “Getting vaccinated against measles helps prevent the spread of the disease and by increasing vaccination coverage, we can create a shield of immunity that safeguards individuals and the wider community.

“As we have noticed an increase in cases across the UK, it is important to ensure the safety of each other and in particular, young children.

“Measles can spread easily and quickly though droplets from the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“We would encourage all parents to ensure their child has had two doses of the MMR vaccine before they start school to help reduce the spread of infection.

“The best way to stay safe and healthy is to get vaccinated against the disease and collectively reduce the risks of outbreaks.”

For more information on measles and how you can stay protected, please visit NHS Inform.

UK Government reveals plans to improve disabled people’s lives

New plans to improve the lives of disabled people have been set out by the Government today (Tuesday 18 July).

Government launches consultation on Disability Action Plan, which brings together ideas and action across Government to make disabled people’s lives easier
Plans include raising awareness of life-changing tech for disabled people, mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers, autism-friendly programmes for cultural and heritage sites
Plans designed by Ministers to make the UK a more inclusive society in the long term

Immediate and practical measures proposed in the fully accessible consultation include ensuring businesses are aware of disabled people’s needs – including Guide Dog access needs – to allow all disabled people to live, work and shop freely and support for local authorities to ensure the playgrounds they build or refurbish are accessible for disabled children.

The proposals will inform the Government’s Disability Action Plan later this year, laying the foundations for longer term change.

Other measures in the proposed Plan include:

– Raising the profile of assistive technology to ensure more disabled people have access to life-changing tech

– Legislating for mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers to unlock greater travel freedom for disabled people

– Encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors to drive greater inclusivity

– Improving reasonable adjustments in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries improving diversity and breadth of experience

– Implementing the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE, over a year after the BSL Act was introduced, giving thousands of pupils communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives

– Exploring the feasibility of Great Britain hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2031.

The Disability Action Plan sits alongside the Government’s National Disability Strategy which sets out our longer-term vision to improve disabled people’s lives for the better.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “Our Disability Action Plan will lay out practical measures we can implement here and now to improve the lives of disabled people.

“From leading the way globally with assistive technology to improving inclusivity and accessibility across sport, travel and culture, the Plan will also be important in setting the stage for longer term change.

“We want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making and I would encourage anyone interested to respond to this consultation so the views of disabled people across the country are front and centre of our final Disability Action Plan.”

The Plan builds on the Government’s achievements over the last year on education, work, leisure, and rights for disabled people. This includes supporting the passage of landmark legislation: the Down Syndrome Act and British Sign Language (BSL) Act – and a consultation to support the introduction of a new BSL GCSE.

The overarching focus on disability has also ensured over 2,000 miles of King Charles III England Coast Path is accessible, while the government has delivered an additional £1 billion for the education of children and young people with more complex needs.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and be open for anyone to comment. This will ensure the Plan is informed by the experience and views of disabled people, disability organisations and charities as well as other interested parties.

Chair of the Disability Unit West Midlands Regional Stakeholder Network, Louise Mckiernan said: “I welcome the Government’s commitment to their new Disability Action Plan and their intention to take immediate and practical actions to improve the lives of disabled people across the UK.

The launch of this consultation is an important opportunity for disabled people in particular to have their say and to help shape the Government’s short-term plans.

“I would encourage as many disabled people, disability organisations and other interested parties as possible to take part in this consultation exercise to ensure their voices are heard.”

Further Information:

The consultation can be accessed from 18 July here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/disability-action-plan-2023-to-2024
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, and is due to close on the 6th October, 2023.
Respondents can give feedback on either the entire Disability Action Plan, or specific actions within it.

More children turn to Childline

Childline delivered more than 4,000 counselling sessions, including 273 in Scotland, to children and young people with worries around body image and eating disorders
40% of these counselling sessions take place during the summer – June to September
Childline reminds children the service is here to support them during holidays

Childline, the counselling service run by the NSPCC, reveals new data showing that 40% of all the counselling sessions they delivered last year on eating disorders and body image took place in the summer months (June to September).

Across the whole year – April 2022 to March 2023 – Childline delivered 4,179 counselling sessions to children struggling with these issues. 273 of these were in Scotland.

1656 (40%) of those counselling sessions based on these topics took place from June to September , the lead up to and the duration of the six-week summer break.

Eating disorders and body image issues were the 6th most common concern for children contacting Childline in 2022/23 in Scotland.

During this year’s summer holiday, Childline knows that many children might be struggling to cope with these issues and wants to remind them that their trained counsellors and online services are here to support them.

Childline insight

Common themes that came out of Childline counselling sessions on body image and eating disorders include:

Comparisons to friends, siblings, and people on social media
Guilt around eating particular “bad” foods or guilt about eating at all
Negative comments from family, friends, bullies, and partners about their weight and body often contributes to body image concerns
Weight worries linked to lockdown, gaining weight due to lockdown inactivity or stress
Not knowing how to manage weight or fitness without going to extremes
Cancelling plans due to body image issues

Childline knows that there are number of factors that make the summer holiday a particularly tricky time for children and young people struggling with their body image or their relationship with food.

For some, the prospect of wearing clothing which shows their body more can make them feel under pressure to look a certain way, that they need to lose weight or change their appearance.

For others, this pressure is also reinforced as many will be spending more time online during the summer months to keep in touch with their friends and to stay entertained. As a result, we know many children may be exposed to more content online that might make them feel negatively about the way they way look.

Additionally, children who struggle with eating disorders might find a change in their day-to-day routine and eating habits over the summer period difficult to cope with.

A girl in Scotland aged 16 who reached out to Childline said*: “How is Tiktok full of so many beautiful people and I look like this? I stare out at my face in the mirror and can only see what needs fixing. My lips, my nose, my eyes, my cheeks. Even my friends agree my nose is huge. Make up doesn’t do what surgery and fillers can do.”

A boy aged 13 told the service: “I feel so guilty every time I eat. I’ve been trying to be healthy and cut down on food, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. My older siblings are all so skinny, everyone says they’re so handsome and look like models, then there’s just me. It’s been upsetting me so much lately, thank you for letting me offload how I’m feeling.”

Support

Kieran Lyons, Service Head of Childline said: “Every year our trained counsellors speak to hundreds children in the run up to and during the summer holidays who are struggling with their body image or eating disorders.

“Summer can be a really a tough time for anyone who is already dealing with these issues, and it also can be a time which can make others who ordinarily felt happy with their body image begin to feel negatively.

“Regardless of your situation or your worries, Childline is here to ensure that no child is left to cope alone with any worry they have.

“If you are struggling with your body image or an eating disorder, we want you to know that Childline is here to help, and we can support you on what you can do and how to make things feel better.”

If there is a young person in your life struggling with their body image or an eating disorder here are some tips on how best to support them:

Remind them that how they look is part of who they are and that their personality, achievements and the way they behave is important too.
Images they may see on TV, in magazines, in social media or online are often altered and airbrushed so what they are seeing isn’t always real.
Remind them that everyone is different and not to compare themselves to anyone else. Accepting themselves is all about them noticing things they are happy and unhappy about and realise that is what makes them unique.
To help build their confidence encourage them to spend time focusing on a hobby they enjoy.
Also, it may help if they write down every morning a few things they like about themselves.

All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website.

Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have on body image and eating disorders and they can also use the service’s monitored message boards to get support from their peers.