Region’s schools ‘need help’ over rise in pupil mental health issues

SCHOOLS NEED help from the Government to deal with a “mental health crisis” which is growing in Yorkshire, a Shadow Cabinet Minister has said.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey, said every single school in his constituency reported a rise in the number of pupils with mental health problems over the last five years, with most saying young people’s issues have become more severe since 2013.

He called on Ministers to understand the “scale and urgency” of the problems and called for funding to ensure schools can help young people with mental health issues.

Commenting on his survey of schools in his constituency, Mr Healey said: “Our schools are struggling to provide essential early intervention and support.

“All schools report an increase in mental health problems, yet many simply don’t feel they have the expertise, funding, time or back-up to deal with the pressures. Schools are being asked to do more as other support services are cut back.

“I want to see a counsellor in every school, better links between schools and specialist services and, above all, Ministers to recognise this mental health crisis in schools and help find the support that’s needed.

“I’ll be taking some of our local head teachers to see the Schools Minister. “The Governments plans don’t begin to measure up to either the scale or urgency of the problems and new forms of funding will not be available for another four years in some areas. Help with young people’s mental health is needed now.” Among his demands was a counsellor in every secondary school for pupils, with similar shared support available between local primary schools, and support also available for staff, Mr Healey said.

He also called for better referrals, shorter waiting times and lower rejection rates for mental health services outside school.

Education, health and social services should also work more closely together and with a better understanding, the Labour MP said.