Mind responds to new NHS data on the number of children and young people experiencing a mental health problem
Today the NHS released data showing the number of children and young people who experienced a mental health problem this year.
The figures, published in the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2021 - wave 2 follow up to the 2017 survey, show that 1 in 6 young people had a mental health problem, the same figure as last year and up from 1 in 9 pre-pandemic (2017).
Responding to the findings, Leila Reyburn, Policy and Campaigns Manager, said:
"It is sad but unsurprising that 1 in 6 young people are still experiencing a mental health problem, up from 1 in 9 before the pandemic (2017). We know from speaking to young people that they have had to bear the brunt of this difficult time - with disruption to their education, finances and employment and a bleak outlook for their futures.
"With a record number of under 18s seeking mental health support through the NHS, Mind is calling on the UK Government to invest in early intervention hubs in communities and give the NHS sufficient funding to meet demand. Without this, these statistics are unlikely to change."
