Young people's mental health

Children and young people carry the hopes and aspirations of adults on their shoulders. The world they will inherit we hope will be different to the one we live in now. As Gandhi stated:"e;If we are to teach real peace in this world and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."e;In relation to health and inequalities in health, the Marmot (2010) review in the UK made similar conclusions. Although it identified six policy objectives to promote social justice and health equity, the review highlighted that the priority was to give every child the best start in life (Marmot, 2010). As children and young people are so important to society, it is disappointing that when they struggle with their mental health the services and support they need are often not available.Given this context, we have prepared this youth mental health special issue for the Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice. The innovation and commitment the article authors have demonstrated through their projects demonstrates some fantastic work taking place in the research, education and practice arenas. Their work also serves as a reminder that youth mental health is not only the responsibility of health services. Third sector organisations, peer support and family all have an important role in supporting young people with mental health problems.