Laura Sharman 28 January 2021

Pandemic could impact children's mental health for years, report warns

Pandemic could impact childrens mental health for years, report warns image

Damage to children's mental health caused by lockdown and school closures could last for years, the Children’s Commissioner has warned today.

A new report accuses the Government of a lack of 'ambition' for improving children's mental health services and calls for a 'wholesale change' in the way services are provided.

This includes providing an NHS-funded counsellor in every school, boosting funding for children's mental health, expanding services, and eliminating the postcode lottery.

However, the report did find that some local areas are delivering vastly improved services for children.

Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: 'Even before the COVID pandemic, we faced an epidemic of children’s mental health problems in England and a children’s mental health service that, though improving significantly, was still unable to provide the help hundreds of thousands of children required.

'It is widely accepted that lockdown and school closures have had a detrimental effect on the mental health of many children. Since the NHS study in July 2020 estimating one in six children in England have a probable mental health condition, we have had another long lockdown. Sadly, this will be causing even more damage to many children’s mental wellbeing and putting even greater strains on mental health services, potentially for years to come.'

Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: 'Supporting children early on to reduce the need for clinical interventions means more can receive help when they need it, rather than waiting until they are unwell.

'It is vital that effective and evidence-based mental health and wellbeing services and statutory mental health services for children are able to meet existing, new and unmet demand that has built up during the pandemic.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Housing

North West Leicestershire District Council
£64,241 to £74,525 (plus car allowance)
We are currently seeking a new Head of Housing to lead a number of key service areas Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287 – subject to skills and experience
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Learning Tutor Maths WMF2142e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235.00 - £36,124.00 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver maths courses to our learners across Carlisle. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Adult Learning Tutor ESOL English WMF2144e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235 - £36,124 (pro rata)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with experience of teaching ESOL. Whitehaven, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner