Legal News

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show a huge rise in the number of young adults in Norfolk and Suffolk being referred to mental health services between 2011-2012 and 2014-2015.

Local publisher EDP24.com reports that Norfolk saw a rise of 101% in under-18s being referred, compared with a 67% increase in Suffolk. The figures show that last year there were 9,166 new episodes of care, compared with 4,971 just four years ago.

Child experts have attributed the rise in part to increased pressures on young adults, as well as reductions in support services elsewhere – and a disappearing stigma in admitting to having a mental health issue.

Health chiefs at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) have conceded changes are needed – but have outlined a major project to be launched, which it is hoped will revolutionise the care and support youngsters in Norfolk and Waveney receive.

Consultant psychiatrist Jon Wilson – NSFT’s clinical lead for youth service – said:

“As of September, we will launch a new service for children and young people.

“We have spoken to them and designed the service they want – something that is modern, relevant and which they will engage with.”

The figures show referrals for those aged up to four years rose by 190%, for those aged five to ten years by 92%c, for those aged 11 to 14 years by 74% and for those aged 15 to17 years by 87%.

Of those in need of mental health services, 2% were aged up to four years, 19% were aged five to ten years, 39% were aged 11 to14 years and 40% were aged 15 to 17 years.

Adult referrals to mental health services also rose by 30% during the same period, the figures show.

Policy manager at the Young Minds mental health charity, Chris Leaman, said:

“There has been a perfect storm – there’s more pressure put on young people: they live in a 24/7 society and can be more prone to things like cyber-bullying.

“They can be bombarded with images of how they should look and what they should do.

“Schools have become more focused on exams, which brings more pressure – and everything they are told about their prospects when they grow up has been bleak.

“But for too long these problems have been ignored – children’s mental health services have been under-funded and we are now having to play catch up.”

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 mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law – and in some cases 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 0203 114 1124.