Study uncovers young people facing rejection from mental health services

Research compiled by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) reveals that over 130,000 young people in the UK were rejected from NHS services in 2019. These include individuals who suffered abuse or self-harmed. 26% of children and adolescents who had referrals did not receive help because their conditions did not qualify for treatment access. The National Health Service refutes these claims, with a spokesperson calling the report a ‘flawed analysis’. Despite pushback the EPI stands by its analysis, which also found certain regions of England are more overwhelmed than others when it comes to providing care for those struggling with mental health, for example living in west London could mean waiting 180 days for assistance. Educators and advocates who have read the report are concerned but not surprised by its outcome. Geoff Barton of the ASCL says these figures “confirms what schools know only too well” while Vicki Nash of the charity Mind calls it “deeply disturbing.” The NHS has since explained that spending on mental health services will increase and be worth over £2 billion by 2023.