Government pledge to invest £22m in child mental health services
The English government has promised to invest £22m in child mental health services so that talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy become more widely available and accessible, reports BBC News.
According to data, around one in 10 children aged between five and 16 is affected by some form of mental health problem, with more than a million children having some form of diagnosable mental health problem at any one time.
With research revealing that one in two adults with a mental health problem first experienced symptoms in their teenage years, and three-quarters before their mid-20s, it is hoped that this investment will go some way towards forming a solid early intervention strategy.
Ministers have said that the money will be spent over a three-year period and will focus on intervention so that conditions such as depression and self-harm can be dealt with in their early stages.
The government added that some of the money will also be spent on additional training for both NHS staff working with young people and teachers, social workers and counsellors whose job role involves working with the younger generation.
Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister has said that the issue can’t be left to drift or rely on adult services as a ‘cure all’ for much longer, and the money being invested today will work specifically for children on therapies that have been proven to work.
“Mental health must have the same priority as physical health. Giving children the treatment they need as soon as they need it will help ensure that millions of children suffering from a mental health problem will have a fairer opportunity to succeed in life.” He said.