SPENDING on child mental health services in the South West has fallen by almost half in three years, research has revealed.

An analysis of NHS England data shows that between 2010/11 and 2012/13, health bodies in the region reduced their spending on child and adolescent mental health disorders from £89million to £49million.

That is despite a growing number of young people requiring mental health support.

The Children's Society has now announced plans to expand work on children's mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Jack Welch, 22, from Weymouth said: "I have at first hand been affected by the sadness in that poor mental health afflicts more young people across the UK, now more than ever.

"Having lost a good friend, who had already accomplished so much in his short time, was a terrible realisation of the impact that not taking the consequences of someone's emotional well-being seriously enough.

"When a tragedy does strike close to the heart, it is sometimes a greater frustration at the lack of action by those who could have helped steer the situation from this fate.

"I have just started working with the Young Inspectors team in Dorset to investigate local CAHMS services across the county and I am very hopeful it will deliver a strong message for those who have the power to invest in these services to regard it seriously.

"The research released by The Children's Society just proves how far we have yet to go in order to protect the most vulnerable young people and for services to have equal priority with that of physical wellbeing.

"It is not enough to just think the problems will go away."

The organisation’s focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing comes against a backdrop of pressures on young people, such as exams, constant access to social media, and with research showing that many teenagers’ self-esteem and emotional well-being are worryingly low.

Gary Thomas, area director for The Children’s Society in the South West, said: "Children and young people are under huge pressures and yet they are made to wait to receive the help they need with issues like depression or anxiety, if they are able to access help at all.

"The mental health needs of the most vulnerable young people in particular are so often overlooked when they are crying out for help to deal with the emotional impact of abuse and neglect.

"We believe schools are the ideal places to start identifying and meeting the mental health and emotional needs of pupils at an early stage.

"They offer a safe environment for children and young people to address issues that can have an impact on mental health, such as low self-esteem, bullying, and exam anxiety.

"Through our work, we know all these issues can be early warning signs of future risks for young people such as running away, falling into gangs, and even being at risk of exploitation and abuse."

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830985

e: meghan.hindley@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoMeg