Surge in children seeking mental health services in Bedfordshire in lead up to coronavirus pandemic

The number of children and young people referred to mental health services in Bedfordshire has increased by more than 70 per cent in a year, figures reveal.

The Children’s Commissioner is urging the Government to introduce an NHS-funded counsellor for every school among fears that thousands of children are being left without support.

NHS Digital data shows that in 2019-20, 7,125 under-18s were referred to mental health services across NHS Bedfordshire CCG.

This was a 73 per cent increase on the previous year, when 4,120 children were referred.

However, children are waiting less time to access treatment. The average number of waiting days has fallen from 49 to 36.

Of the total number of children referred to mental health services, 2,145 were seen within six weeks – however 385 children had to wait longer than 12 weeks.

There were also 1,900 children who saw their referral being closed before treatment.

These children may not have required specialist treatment, they may have been referred to services funded by non-NHS organisations or chosen not to enter treatment.

The data provided does not specify why a referral was closed.

The Children’s Commissioner says there is a lack of ambition in improving children’s mental health services, despite numerous Government announcements.