Big rise in child mental health referrals

Child mental health referrals have risen in Shropshire and nationally

The number of children referred to a Shropshire trust's mental health services has nearly doubled in five years, according to data.

More than 7,255 children were referred to mental health services run by Midlands Partnership NHS Trust during 2023/24, compared to 3,942 in 2018/19.

A further 806 children are currently on the waiting list, according to data obtained by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The trust said "demand on children and young people’s mental health services has grown significantly across the country in recent years", adding it appreciated the frustration of families seeking support.

Medical Negligence Assist submitted FOIs to all NHS mental health trusts.

It found that Shropshire children faced an average wait time of 56 days from referral to their first appointment at the trust.

The wait is longer than the national average of five weeks, it found.

The trust also confirmed a maximum recorded waiting time of 336 days as of April 2024. 

The latest NHS figures show that child mental health referrals nationally have topped one million for the third year in a row.

A spokesperson for the Shropshire trust said the demand nationally "has been reflected in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin where referrals to the BeeU emotional wellbeing and mental health service have risen dramatically".

“We understand this has led to longer waits to access services than we would wish and appreciate the frustration felt by families who are seeking support," they added.

The trust said additional investment into the service "twinned with the tireless commitment of our staff is addressing the backlog of children awaiting an assessment" aimed to enable more timeless access to services.