12.11.19
Mind urges government to tackle 175,000 cancelled child mental health appointments
Mental health charity, Mind, uncovered data yesterday (Mon 11) that revealed 175,000 appointments in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were cancelled by the NHS in England.
The charity insist that the next UK government must do more to tackle the massive strain the NHS services are under, as cancelled CAMHS appointments see a 25% increased compared to the previous year.
The figures show that CAMHS are being used more than ever and the system is struggling to manage the demand, with cancellations by the NHS accounting for nearly one in five of all missed appointments.
The appointments can cover eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression.
Research carried out by Mind on 12,000 school pupils shows that three in five young people have experienced a mental health problem or are close to someone who has.
With only three in 10 of those with a mental health problem able to access specialist services last year.
Responding to the data, Vicki Nash, head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, said:
“We know services are struggling to cope with the increasing numbers of people needing help but no young person should face being stood up by the NHS.
“Despite mental health problems increasing among children and young people, many are simply not able to access support. Too often young people only get help once they reach crisis point. Half of all mental health problems have been established by the age of 14 but if we can enable our young people to seek and receive support as early as possible, we could drastically improve the situation.
“With so many young people affected, this is rapidly becoming one of the major challenges our society faces. The next UK government must ensure that the progress made over the last few years is not lost in order to ensure that all young people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”