A recent report reveals that children in poorer areas of Oxfordshire are much more likely to face mental health challenges. The findings were presented to the Oxfordshire County Council by the director of public health, Ansaf Azhar, during a meeting on Tuesday.
The report highlights how mental health issues are preventing some children from reaching their full potential. Azhar stressed that these issues could become a barrier to their success. He added that rising mental health problems among young people need urgent attention.
At the meeting, local councillors voted to support the actions and initiatives outlined in the report. Nathan Ley, the cabinet member for public health, emphasized the need for immediate action to support young people’s mental health, stating that it’s crucial for both their well-being and the future of local communities.
The report pointed to “striking” inequalities in children’s mental health, citing data from the 2023 OxWell School Survey. About 25% of children aged eight to 16 with mental health problems had parents unable to afford extracurricular activities. The report also found that children in more deprived areas, such as Greater Leys, are six-and-a-half times more likely to experience self-harm than those in wealthier parts of Oxford.
Rising living costs and high housing prices in relation to local incomes were identified as contributing factors. Additionally, the report raised concerns over the negative effects of harmful content, harassment, and cyberbullying on social media, which are linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression.
Other significant findings include:
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An increase in children requiring special educational support, outpacing national trends.
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Approximately 11% of children are referred to secondary mental health services, one of the highest rates in southeast England.
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Higher rates of autism compared to the national average.
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Oxfordshire’s ranking is in the lowest 25% for educational attainment among disadvantaged children.
Key recommendations from the report include:
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Strengthening partnerships between the NHS, local councils, educational institutions, and the voluntary sector to address broader issues.
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Encouraging community-based activities, such as arts and sports clubs, to help children stay away from excessive social media use.
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Prioritizing early mental health interventions and better training for school staff, parents, and caregivers.
Azhar emphasized that young people need to feel more empowered to manage their own mental health. He praised the efforts of local schools and early years teams and called for expanding these initiatives.
Dr. Emma Soneson, who helped with the survey, highlighted the contrast between the perception of Oxfordshire as a prosperous area and the reality of deep inequalities. She stressed that addressing these inequalities should be a top priority, noting that the report provides a clear action plan for tackling the issue.
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