#DontAssumeImOkay campaign calls for more understanding around the mental health of young people with neurological conditions
- Area of Work: Children and Young People
- Type: News Item
- Published: 16th March 2026
The new campaign has launched during Brain Awareness Week.
As part of Brain Awareness Week (16 – 22 March), organisations across the neurological community have launched a new campaign to shine a spotlight on the mental health impact of neurological conditions on children and young people.
Led by the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, Wales Neurological Alliance, and the Neurological Charities Alliance Northern Ireland, #DontAssumeImOk urges professionals to understand how neurological conditions shape daily life and emotional wellbeing, and to take proactive steps to ensure every young person feels seen, heard and protected.
Around one in six people in the UK has at least one neurological condition, with an estimated 600,000 people diagnosed each year. Many children and young people live with neurological conditions or have family members impacted by these conditions. These conditions, ranging from epilepsy, MS, dementia, rare conditions and acquired brain injuries, can profoundly shape daily life, relationships, emotional wellbeing, school attendance, development, and identity.
Neurological conditions can co-occur with anxiety, depression, behavioural change, attention challenges, sleep disturbance and more. For children living with neurological conditions in the family, many take on caring roles without identifying as a young carer, meaning they miss out on vital support they’re entitled to under law. Too often, access to mental health support for families impacted by neurological conditions is inadequate.
#DontAssumeImOk will be sharing case studies from young people with neurological conditions, infographics and launching an online toolkit designed for professionals to support them in recognising the signs, starting conversations, and responding confidently when a young person needs help.
View the Don’t Assume I’m Ok toolkit here, or read the stories from young people as part of the campaign on the Neurological Alliance of Scotland website.
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