How much help is there for children and young people experiencing mental health problems? New NHS figures show that, in some parts of England, up to four in five children with mental health problems are not getting the help they need.
The new data, obtained by Pulse under freedom of information legislation from 15 mental health trusts, found six in 10 children and young people across England do not receive treatment for problems such as anxiety and depression, despite the risks around their condition getting worse if left untreated.
A GP in Bristol, Dr Dominique Thompson, who specialises in young people’s mental health, said the figures showed that NHS children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) were “failing the next generation. This comes despite government pledges to improve the service for children.
What has your experience been? We want to hear from parents, teachers and young people over the age of 16. Have you or family members been referred on to a school counsellor or charity-run mental health service rather than to the NHS? Have you experienced long delays for treatment? Share your experiences in the form below – and we will use responses for an article that will appear online.
As this is a sensitive topic, please be reassured that we will not share or publish any personal details without obtaining contributors’ permission first.
