An analysis of NHS Digital data by mental health charity Young Minds found that record numbers of children under the age of 18 have been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in recent years.
Last year, 1,4255,194 children were referred for specialist treatment for issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other psychological problems. This is up from 812,070 in the previous year, which was already an increasing number due to the impact of concerns including the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lynn Perry MBE, CEO of Barnardo’s, said:
“Children today are facing a range of complex challenges, due to the combined impact of disruption caused by Covid-19 pandemic, and pressures from the cost-of-living crisis. At the same time, waiting lists for treatment from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are soaring and thresholds for treatment remain high. Together, this means that crisis point for young people’s mental health has well and truly been reached.
“Without the right support, poor mental health in childhood can have a devastating and lifelong impact by limiting opportunities to thrive in education, build relationships and move into work.
“That’s why Barnardo’s has long been calling for Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) to be rolled out across all schools and colleges. MHSTs help to identify and support children who are struggling with anxiety, low mood and emotion regulation. This helps to ensure their mental health doesn’t spiral and can reduce waiting lists for overstretched specialist services.”
Barnardo’s is also working with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) Crisis Intervention team with the Black Country NHS Foundation Trust to help and support those who are referred to the service. This includes one-to-one support both before and after a person has been admitted as well as providing a single point of contact to link between CAMHS, other healthcare professionals and social care services, when required.