Record numbers of children and young people were referred to mental health services in March, with 932,822 under-18s having an active referral and 134,837 new referrals, both monthly highs. The charity YoungMinds, which analysed NHS England data, warned these figures highlight a “mental health emergency” facing youngsters.
Rising Referral Rates
New referrals increased by 11 per cent from February and 2 per cent compared to the same period last year. This surge comes amid growing concerns about the state of youth mental health in the UK, with experts calling for urgent action.
Unprecedented Waiting Times
Waiting times for these services reached unprecedented levels, with the average wait exceeding 300 days for the eighth consecutive month, standing at 301 days in March. In the most severe cases, young people faced waits of over two-and-a-half years, or 1,006 days, marking another record high.
Children’s minister Josh MacAlister noted “big variations” in mental health diagnoses across the UK, suggesting inconsistencies in how young people are assessed and treated. The data underscores the strain on NHS mental health services, with demand far outstripping capacity.
YoungMinds has called for a comprehensive strategy to address the crisis, including increased funding and early intervention programmes. The charity’s chief executive emphasised that without immediate action, the situation will continue to deteriorate, leaving vulnerable young people without the support they desperately need.
