The number of children in England referred for urgent mental health care has risen by 13% in just one year, highlighting the increasing crisis faced by young people struggling with mental health issues.
Data from mental health charity YoungMinds revealed that between April and October 2024, there were 34,793 emergency or very urgent referrals to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) crisis teams, up from 31,749 during the same period in 2023.
The rise in referrals has been attributed to long NHS waiting lists, with many children unable to access regular care in a timely manner, forcing them into crisis. These young people, some suffering from severe conditions such as eating disorders or suicidal thoughts, often face delays of months or even years before receiving the necessary treatment.
Laura Bunt, CEO of YoungMinds, expressed concern over the rising figures, emphasizing that early intervention is crucial to preventing children from reaching a crisis point. “Instead of receiving early support, these children are deteriorating, which puts their lives at risk,” Bunt said. “This is a shocking betrayal of young people and their mental health.”
The analysis also found that the number of new, very urgent referrals had increased by 13%, from 3,912 in 2023 to 4,424 in 2024. Urgent referrals also rose by 13%, from 22,045 to 24,886. Although emergency referrals decreased slightly by 5%, the overall trend shows a significant rise in children needing urgent care.
Dr. Elaine Lockhart, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ child and adolescent faculty, explained that the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and other factors have worsened children’s mental health. She pointed out that mental health services are struggling to cope with the growing demand, largely due to staff shortages and a lack of resources, which in turn contribute to longer waiting lists and more children reaching a crisis before getting help.
Meanwhile, separate data revealed a 5% increase in hospital admissions for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This reflects the wider mental health challenges young people are facing, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the problem, admitting that too many children are waiting too long for mental health support. A spokesperson assured that the government is working to address the issue, with plans to recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers, provide specialist mental health professionals in schools, and establish young futures hubs in every community.
However, experts argue that without significant reforms to address the root causes of the crisis, and without easier access to help for children when they need it most, the situation will continue to worsen.
