Children and young people
We are witnessing a crisis in children and young people’s mental health
According to the NHS, one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental health problem in 2023.
But with demand increasing and waiting lists growing, almost half of young people who need help for their mental health in England are not receiving it. If this trend continues, we could see absenteeism in schools continue to rise in as well as incidents of self-harm and suicide.
Towards a Cohesive Whole: Why we need a long-term vision for children and young people’s mental health services
To not let the next generation down, this country needs to look at the bigger picture. In our 'Towards a Cohesive Whole' report, we explore a whole system community car approach by breaking down the following treatment gaps:
- Young people stuck on waiting lists: Children and young people who wait for long periods to get support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
- The missing middle: Children and young people who do not meet the eligibility threshold for CAMHS but whose needs are too complex for school-based support or early access hubs.
- Young people who disengage during the transition to adult’s services: young people who discontinue their care against clinical advice during or soon after their transition to adult mental health services.
Read the Towards a Cohesive Whole report
Read the report Read the report
Three groups of young people who are missing out on mental health support
Over the past decade, the number of young people struggling with their mental health has climbed, and many of them are not receiving the support they need.
Read about the young people not getting support Read about the young people not getting support
The hidden toll of CAMHS waiting lists on young people’s mental health
Imagine being a teenager struggling with your mental health having to wait months to see a professional. This is the heartbreaking reality for thousands of young people.
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The young people too complex for schools, but ‘not complex enough’ for CAMHS
Thousands of young people are stuck in limbo with mental health needs too complex for school-based support but not considered "acute" enough for specialist services.
Read about the young people caught in the middle Read about the young people caught in the middle
Why young people struggle to transition to adult mental health services
Each year, thousands of young people face the challenging transition from Children and Adolescent to Adult Mental Health Services are falling through the cracks.
Read about the young people falling through the cracks Read about the young people falling through the cracksReal life experience is key
Real stories
“This part of my life has shaped the person I am today”
Rebekah has experienced depression, anxiety, OCD and anorexia nervosa since her teenage years. She now works in mental health and advocates for positive change.
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“The negative thoughts used to be constant”
Olivia-Mae lives with a disability, as well as severe depression and anxiety. After recovering from a suicide attempt, she now lives independently and is proud of her resilience.
Read Olivia's story Read Olivia's story
“I feel in control of my life again”
Nadia reflects on her difficult journey through mental health services, from adolescence to adulthood, and diagnoses of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder.
Read Nadia's story Read Nadia's story