DATA ON DEMAND
NHS data on children’s mental health services suggests the pandemic had a significant impact on the pattern of referrals for support. The data shows that between April and October 2020, the number of referrals tripled from 20,000 to 60,000, a third higher than at any point in the previous two years (see graphic). In April referrals were 34 per cent lower than in the same month in 2019, but in September they were 72 per cent higher than in September 2019.
Similarly, the number of children in contact with services fell during the first national lockdown and has only recovered partially since. It means that while referrals to services have rapidly risen above pre-crisis levels, the number of children accessing treatment has not. However, experts caution that numbers entering treatment fluctuates over the year, so it is too early to draw definite conclusions.
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