We've already been contacted by a number of celebrities in support of this campaign, and we'd like to highlight what they have said here.
Jane Asher
Jane Asher, President of The National Autistic Society, said: "Having worked with the NAS for many years now I know all too well how severely the mental health system is failing young people with autism. It’s heartbreaking that services that have been set up specifically to help people are, in many cases, not supporting children with this complex disorder at all. I wholeheartedly back this campaign which can help to stop and prevent so much unnecessary suffering, and I urge you to join me in calling on the Government to make this a reality.”
Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's former head of communications and now an author, campaigner and current MIND champion of the year, said: "With so much talk around of cuts, it is important that mental health services do not get relegated back to being the Cinderella services of the NHS. Though I have no direct experience of autism in my family, I do have personal experience of mental health problems and know how important it is that people get the support they need. I think the last government has a good record in tackling mental health issues, and in raising them up the agenda, but it is clear much more needs to be done to address the mental health needs of children with autism. That is why I urge people to back the You Need To Know campaign from The National Autistic Society. Right now, with MPs having to face up to so many difficult choices, is the right time to make sure your MP hears your voice on this and other mental health issues."
Emma Noble
Actress, presenter, mum and NAS supporter, Emma Noble, says: "People often tell me how much they have struggled to get the support their children desperately need so I know just how important this campaign is. The research announced today shows that the system, set up to help people in their time of need, is too often unfit to meet their needs. I find it shocking that only a third of parents felt that these services had improved their child's mental health. The impact that this has on the whole family can be devastating so please support the You Need To Know campaign to help to ensure a healthier and happier future for children with autism."
Robert Powell
Actor Robert Powell said: "Around 10,000 children with autism currently use mental health services but sadly the majority are being let down by an unfit system that doesn’t understand them or their needs. The Government has to reform these services to ensure that the NHS knows how to help children with autism. Please support The National Autistic Society's new campaign; You Need To Know that we can work together to make this a reality."
Gaby Roslin
Television presenter, actress and NAS supporter Gaby Roslin says: "It is so upsetting to hear that such a huge number of children with autism also have mental health problems which are so often preventable. The Government must do something about our failing mental health system as I can't stand by and watch children and families struggle to get the support they so desperately need. By giving children with autism understanding and support they can flourish and together we can help to promote healthy and happy children."
Reggie Yates
TV presenter and radio DJ Reggie Yates, says: "I recently had the honour of meeting a handful of great young people with autism who each had their own struggles but most importantly they had their own passions and achievements. They were amazing individuals and gave me a real insight into autism which is why I am supporting the You Need To Know campaign. I am amazed that our mental health services are unable to give children with autism and mental health conditions the support they so desperately need. This has to change. With the right support at the right time children with autism can have good mental health just as anyone else can."