Between April and October 2024, referrals for children's emergency mental healthcare in England surged by 10%, totaling 34,793, compared to 31,749 during the same period in 2023.

The rise in mental health crises is evident as new very urgent referrals to crisis care teams increased by 13% to 4,424, while urgent referrals also saw a 13% jump to 24,886.

Laura Bunt, CEO of YoungMinds, expressed alarm over these rising figures, stressing the critical need for early support to prevent children from reaching crisis points.

Bunt has called for significant reforms in the mental health system, emphasizing the need for easier access to services and the government's commitment to establish early support hubs in communities.

Dr. Elaine Lockhart from the Royal College of Psychiatrists noted that factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis have worsened children's mental health issues.

Children in need of emergency care often encounter lengthy NHS waiting lists, which can lead to deteriorating mental health, and in severe cases, suicidal tendencies or serious illnesses like eating disorders.

Additionally, data from PA Media revealed a 5% increase in hospital admissions for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia over the past year.

Interestingly, while overall referrals to crisis care teams increased, emergency referrals decreased by 5%, totaling 5,483, which still contributed to the overall rise in mental health needs.

The escalating mental health crises are further complicated by staff shortages and insufficient resources within mental health services, resulting in longer waiting times for care.

In response to the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the issue and plans to recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers, along with providing access to specialists in schools and community hubs.