More children seek mental health help

A RECORD number of children and young people in England have sought mental health support, according to new analysis.

In just three months, almost 200,000 youngsters were referred to mental health services – nearly double pre-pandemic levels.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists said that the figures show that the pandemic is taking its toll on children and young people. The College analysed NHS Digital data on mental health referrals for children and young people aged 18 and under.

It found that between April and June this year, 190,271 children aged 18 and under were referred to children and young people’s mental health services – almost twice the number referred during the same period in 2019, at 97,342 referrals.