Mental health support from the NHS is already one year ahead of schedule with 2.4 million children and young people who now have access to support in schools or colleges.

650,000 children and young people were in contact with NHS health services over the last year, this is an increase of 534,000 people seeking mental health support. In 2021 it was reported that 1 in 6 children from 6 to 16 years old experienced mental health problems in England.

The hopes are that if children and young people receive help and support early then many mental health struggles can be minimised and stopped from turning into something serious.

The NHS has introduced 24/7 crisis support lines, face to face, telephone, or digital appointments so that any mental health issues can be identified early on so that the correct help can be given sooner.

Referrals for the above for a child or young person can be made by a teacher or GP.

Training on mental health will also be encouraged as well as therapy sessions, so that everyone is aware of the symptoms, risks and prevention that can be took for those facing mental health issues.

Work began in March 2020 in the first mental health teams across 59 schools and now NHS mental health support teams can be found in 4,900 schools and colleges across the country with 287 expert teams that offer support for common mental health issues, such as Depression and Anxiety. 112 teams are said to be in training and 104 new teams will start training this year and next year, making this a total of around 500 teams confirmed ahead of April 2023.

Continue supporting your mental health HERE