Our children are struggling to know how to live in today's world. Unprecedented numbers are being diagnosed with mental health disorders, medicated, or are facing a crisis of identity. For almost 100 years the Tavistock and Portman has been at the forefront of exploring young minds. This series, with exclusive access to the Trust, goes behind Tavistock's doors for the first time. It's the first question that's asked, before we're even born - 'is it a boy or girl?' But for an increasing number of children, the answer isn't straightforward. The first programme in this series, directed by Bafta-award-winning Peter Beard, follows two families who attend the Tavistock's Gender Identity Development Service, through life-changing decisions.
An unprecedented number of children in the UK are being diagnosed with and treated for mental health disorders. This documentary follows three of these children at the Tavistock and Portman's day unit, Gloucester House, a unique NHS-run primary and early secondary school for children with complex emotional, social and behavioural problems. The specialist team of teachers, mental health nurses, therapists and support workers work intensively with its 18 students, many of whom have been excluded from mainstream schools. The programme follows 11-year-old Josh in his last term at the school. He was adopted when he was six, but his traumatic early years have been worked through in his time at the school.
Self-harm and suicide are major public health problems for teenagers. Although boys are by no means immune, one in three UK teenage girls is now said to report symptoms of anxiety or depression. A&Es describe a surge in teenagers who seek treatment for their self-harming injuries, and they are predominantly girls. This episode tells the stories of two teenage girls who have repeatedly harmed themselves, and shows the support they receive from Tavistock clinicians. Demi, who's 17, has been admitted twice to psychiatric inpatient units after attempts to take her life. She is desperate not to go back.