Supporting collaboration between young people could ease mental health crisis

There are many factors that are taking a toll on the wellbeing of children and young people: the hangover of the Covid-19 pandemic five years on, years of austerity, and an ongoing lack of preventative measures and mental health facilities.

A cumulation of these factors have led to lacking investment in the charity sector and provision of youth services to prevent the mental health crisis that more young people than ever before are finding themselves in.

News that there has been a significant rise in the number of children and young people admitted to acute hospital wards for mental ill-health is sobering, yet unfortunately unsurprising. The report published by University College London (UCL) found that the number of children being admitted to acute hospital wards due to mental health concerns has risen by a shocking two thirds over the last decade. Findings also highlighted the steep rise in admissions particularly of young girls and of children aged between five and 10. The worsening situation on acute hospital wards – specialised wards designed to improve rapid assessment, treatment and care for patients – is putting a strain on the delivery of mental health provisions for young people.