Mental Health is key for young people, as Propertymark reminds us

Propertymark has chosen YoungMinds as its charity partner of the year. 

YoungMinds is dedicated to ensuring every young person gets the mental health support they need, by providing tools to help empower adults with the skills and knowledge to best support the young people in their lives.

To fundraise for this brilliant cause, Propertymark is organising a family walking event on June 5. 

As people physically can’t come together due to Covid-19, Propertymark is encouraging families to go on their own walk for between one and five kilometres, and to use the time to talk about mental health. 

Those taking part should share pictures using the hashtag #Propertymark4YoungMinds. 

The professional body is also running a children’s competition as part of the fundraising. Children taking part are encouraged to submit designs for an emblem to go on the front of a cap.

YoungMinds is a charity that resonated with many at Propertymark after hearing ARLA Propertymark Regional Representative Natalie Barton share her story about her 13-year-old daughter Amelia.

Natalie says: “Amelia has faced increasing anxiety attacks at school since returning after the initial lockdown, which resulted in her self-harming and stating that she wanted to commit suicide in December last year. 

“As we sat in the GP surgery, we were told that our assessment request would likely be rejected due to lack of evidence and it would also likely take a year to access Point 1 well-being services in our area.

“During Children's Mental Health Week, I posted on LinkedIn as I felt people needed to hear the reality of young people's mental health issues. 

“This is turn was seen by Liana Loporto-Brown, President Elect of NAEA Propertymark, who suggested we select a children's mental health charity to support this year. After all, mental health issues are more important than ever, but the resources just are not there, and we feel the YoungMinds ethos and approach offers much-needed support to children, young people and their families nationwide. 

“Despite an initial rejection, Amelia has now been accepted for an Autism assessment and is in a much better place than she was in December.”

Propertymark is aiming to raise £10,000 to support young people’s mental health during this challenging time, to find out further information and to donate visit here.

** This Easter, Estate Agent Today and Letting Agent Today are saluting those in our industry who raise money for others. It’s a small way of saying ‘thank you’. Our normal news stories resume on Tuesday April 6 - so in the meantime, respect to all fund-raisers!