A youth charity in Norfolk has praised the government’s decision to invest further in mental health services for young people.
The additional funding will support early intervention hubs in King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth, and Norwich, which provide immediate care for young people while they await treatment from the NHS. These hubs, operated by the youth charity MAP, play a crucial role in reducing waiting times for mental health services.
According to Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, the number of young people on waiting lists has decreased by more than 50% since April 2022.
One young person, 15-year-old Mel from King’s Lynn, shared her experience of waiting four years for treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Mel explained that after her GP refused to refer her to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), she reached out to MAP for help. MAP not only got her onto the NHS waiting list but also provided vital support during the waiting period.
“I waited months from my assessment to my psychological review, but it took years to even get a referral. Without MAP, I wouldn’t have received the treatment I needed,” Mel said. “Prevention is better than cure, and addressing mental health early on is crucial for young people.”
Mel also pointed out that the pressure from school is a major factor contributing to the rise in mental health issues among young people.
The early support hubs were initially piloted under the previous Conservative government, and Labour has now committed to extending and expanding the initiative.
Dan Mobbs, CEO of MAP, welcomed the extra funding, stating, “We, along with other charities, have been urging the government to act. The mental health of young people has worsened, with one in five now affected by mental health problems.”
Dan Klyn, a senior mental health worker at MAP in King’s Lynn, noted that many young people often fail to meet the criteria for NHS care, as they are considered “not sick enough.” He emphasized that MAP is there for all young people, regardless of the severity of their condition.
While MAP has reported wait times of over six months for some in-house services, young people continue to receive support through regular meetings until treatment is available.
The BBC contacted Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to inquire about the current number of young people waiting for treatment but did not receive a response. However, the trust issued a statement affirming its commitment to providing timely, high-quality care for children and young people in the community, noting that waiting times for both assessments and treatments have significantly improved.
This investment in early intervention and support is seen as a positive step forward in addressing the growing mental health crisis among young people.
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