Ellie Ames 05 February 2025

Children stuck in limbo amid delays for mental health support

Children stuck in limbo amid delays for mental health support image
Image: fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Young people seeking mental health support are not getting the help they need, according to a new survey.

In a poll of parents in England and Wales, 45% said their child had asked for mental health support, but over a third (36%) of these requests went unmet.

The research by the Children’s Society found that 85% of parents believe earlier intervention should be offered to children, with 52% citing current thresholds and waiting times as direct barriers preventing their children from getting the support they need.

The charity’s chief executive, Mark Russell, said: ‘Children can’t wait for weeks or months for treatment, they need immediate help before their issues hit crisis point.?

‘We must act now to ensure every child has access to the mental health care they need.’

The charity called for more funding for early support services so that young people can build resilience, work through their feelings, and learn to cope with stress.

The chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people board, Arooj Shah, said: ‘The growing children’s mental health crisis needs to be tackled with a cross-government plan to support children and young people.’

Cllr Shah said there should be a named mental health professional supporting each school, and mental health training for all staff who work with young people.

Councils should be supported to provide parenting support programmes and to set up local peer support networks for parents and carers with children with mental health needs, he added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner