Do you support a child or young person?
Neurological conditions affect at least 1 in 6 people in the UK, including children and young people. Many children and young people will have a loved one with a neurological condition, and in some cases multiple family members with complex and life changing conditions.
Mental health is as important to physical health when enabling people to live well. Neurological conditions can co-occur with anxiety, depression, behavioural change, attention challenges, sleep disturbance and more. It can be hard for children and young people to express how they are feeling, particularly if they have access to limited vocabulary. For children living with neurological conditions in the family, many take on caring roles without identifying as a young carer. Too often, access to mental health support for families impacted by neurological conditions is inadequate.
Out of the children and young people you work with, do you know who is affected by a neurological condition? Are you supporting them effectively? In collaboration with our charity members, we have developed resources to help those working with children and young people to better understand the impact of neurological conditions and support their mental health.
Don’t Assume I’m OK: A Toolkit
Neurological conditions can impact children and young people in diverse and sometimes hidden ways. It is important to never assume a child or young person is “ok”. In 2026, member organisations developed a useful toolkit to help professionals such as teachers, youth club workers, and health and social care workers support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people they work with.
The toolkit outlines four key things you can do to better support a child or young person’s wellbeing and signposts to further information, resources and support.
Download our toolkit here.
Download an easy read version here.
Hear from children and young people affected by neurological conditions on the impact on their mental health
This Brain Awareness Week, we are sharing stories from children and young people on the impact of neurological conditions on their mental health. From growing up with a parent or loved one with a neurological condition, to living with a condition themselves, children and young people share the diverse ways these complex and often life-changing conditions have impacted the mental wellbeing.
Don’t assume I’m ok: My story
Presentation: The mental health impact of a neurological condition on children and young people
In 2025, member organisations developed a detailed presentation on how neurological conditions can impact the mental health of children and young people and how best to support them. The presentation is intended to be shared as a learning resources for professionals. It outlines the specific needs of children affected by neurological conditions relating to their mental health, the impact on mental health for those who cannot access support due to lack of understanding of their condition, and resources and advice that are available.
Download the presentation here.
