Barnardo's statement on the Public Accounts Committee on Mental Health services

Barnardo’s CEO, Lynn Perry MBE, said: 

“We welcome the committee’s recommendations to put mental health on an even footing with physical health. We have been warning that young people’s mental health has been at crisis point for some time with waiting lists for treatment soaring due to staff shortages and thresholds for getting help leaving many without the support they need.  

“Existing mental health services for children and young people are already close to breaking point. As many as one in six children and one in four young people aged 17-19 have a probable mental health condition, and this is showing no signs of abating. In fact, research shows that mental health often worsens as children sit on waiting lists for treatment.  

“Today’s report acknowledges that Government funding for mental health services has increased. But this is with a focus on acute and specialist services for adults, whilst only 1% of all health and care funding is spent on children and young people’s mental health. The Government must tackle waiting times for young people who desperately need support with their mental health and invest in Mental Health Support Teams in schools to help prevent children reaching crisis point.”