Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said:
“The mental health of children and young people across England is at crisis point. Facing growing pressures and continually being failed by a system that does not provide the services they need, today’s children and young people are far from ‘snowflakes’.
“No child should be left to manage their mental health alone. Children and young people need joined up and compassionate support in places they already spend their time, and earlier, before problems escalate. That’s why we’re calling for the expansion of Mental Health Teams in schools to include counsellors, as soon as is feasibly possible.
“By providing children and young people with consistent support that meets their unique needs, we could take a significant step towards giving every child and young person the opportunity to chance to grow up safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful. Without action now, we risk the health, happiness and future prospects of an entire generation.”