Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said:
“Today’s findings from the Royal College of Nursing are deeply distressing and another reminder that the mental health of children and young people across the country is at crisis point. No child should be left to deal with poor mental health alone and no child should have to wait for hours, and in some instances days, for mental health support in the emergency department.
“What we need is meaningful investment in early intervention to prevent children and young people from reaching crisis point in the first place. That’s why Barnardo’s is calling for the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams to include school counsellors. This is important so that all children can access the right support at the right time and can also help reduce pressure on the NHS.”