Local NHS responds to our report on children's mental health
Our recent report highlighted the growing number of children with mental health issues. More children than in 2020, for example, report having had problems sleeping or feeling isolated. More girls than boys are affected by these issues. Many children reported using social media platforms though they are under the relevant minimum age, and a growing number are online without supervision.
We've received a detailed response from Sarah Blow, the Chief Officer of the NHS South West London Integrated Care Board. The Integrated Care Board commissions health services across the six boroughs of South West London.
Sarah comments that:
"Work is underway across the ICB to better support children and young people and address current levels of need. Increased funding of £3.8m was allocated to children’s mental health in 2023/24 to improve access and to continue the expansion of school support teams. There is a focus on increasing understanding of effective mental ill-health prevention for children and young people and increasing universal mental health and wellbeing support in settings such as schools and community services. The ICB also aims to improve awareness to support self-help and early diagnosis and reduce stigma by supporting children and young people to normalise talking about mental wellbeing."
Sarah also comments on the issues the local NHS faces with recruitment and retention of a sustainable workforce in this area.
We appreciate the ICB's detailed response, and the fact that they are aware of the importance of this issue. We are continuing to meet with NHS and Council bodies about this issue, and will add more responses and plans for the future to our site when we have them.
You can read the whole of the response from the Integrated Care Board below.