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PHE report finds more than 110,000 London children “suffering with significant mental ill health” (8 December 2016)

Date: 08/12/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, PHE report finds more than 110,000 London children “suffering with significant mental ill health”

A new report by Public Health England (PHE) into the mental health of children in London has found that more than 110,000 children in the capital are suffering with significant mental ill health.

The report has been published to support commissioners in taking action to improve the mental health of children and young people (CYP).

The report also reveals that just one in four (25%) children across the country who need treatment for mental ill health receive it, with nearly 40,000 children suffering from anxiety and more than 10,000 children experiencing depression.

A further 19,000 children have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – and more than 68,000 children have conduct disorder (a serious behavioural and emotional disorder).

In response, PHE is supporting work with the Healthy London Partnership to
reduce suicide and improve children’s and young people’s mental health care, as well as developing a London-wide vision and approach to help make the capital the world’s healthiest city.

To improve care for children and young people experiencing mental health crisis, PHE has produced a mental health toolkit for schools and colleges, in partnership with the Anna Freud Centre. PHE is also working closely with NHS England, the Department of Health and Department for Education, to deliver the national ambitions for child mental public health set out in Future in Mind.

In 2014 and 2015, more than 1,800 children in London were admitted to hospital for mental ill health. In addition to mental ill health issues, many young people in London report low life satisfaction.

In 2014 and 2015, a total of 16% of 15-year-olds in London reported low life satisfaction – the equivalent of one in every six.

There are wide variations in life satisfaction across London boroughs – factors such as deprivation, gender (girls are more likely to report low life satisfaction), ethnicity and sexual orientation can all impact on life satisfaction among CYP.

The report shows that mental ill health is a leading cause of health-related disabilities in CYP and can have adverse and long lasting effects – children who experience mental ill health are more likely to smoke and struggle with alcohol and drug misuse. They are also at increased risk of poor physical health, lower educational attainment, decreased employment prospects and difficulty establishing social relationships.

Evidence shows that early intervention and access to mental health services can help young people avoid falling into crisis and prevent longer-term interventions in adulthood.

Dr Marilena Korkodilos – a paediatrician and child health lead for PHE London – said:

“Children’s and young people’s mental health is a real issue for London – and this report shows that we all need to do more.

“We are working with the city’s leaders and the NHS to develop a citywide vision and approach, to help make London the world’s healthiest city.

“Alongside the Healthy London Partnership, we are supporting both work to reduce suicide and improve children and young people’s mental health care.”

Chief Policy Advisor at YoungMinds, Dr Marc Bush, added:

“Public health and local authorities are vital partners in supporting children’s mental health – and we welcome this new report.

“Children in London face a huge range of pressures, including stress at school, body image worries, bullying, around-the-clock social media and uncertain job prospects – and it can be extremely difficult for them to get help when they’re struggling to cope.

“This report is an important contribution to the mounting evidence demonstrating that early intervention is crucial.

“Help needs to be available for young people when problems first emerge –
and health professionals need the skills and confidence to offer the best possible support.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.

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