Newark charity warning primary school children in the most serious mental health need of support
Last year 10% of all referrals to CASY counselling were for youngsters presenting suicidal ideation and self-harm
A counselling service based in Newark says they're seeing children younger than ever in need of the most serious support.
CASY, who work across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, say the number of primary school aged children they're age with suicidal thoughts and self-harm has doubled in the last year.
"Common issues are anger and behaviour, low mood and depression and low self-esteem," said Emma Gilbert from CASY..
"We are also seeing an increase in young people needing support with self-harm and suicidal ideation, with 10% of our referrals presenting these in 2025."
"Topics such as school avoidance have increased, along with anxiety and anger, family breakdown and emotional dysregulation. We've also seen an increase in mental health issues associated with neurodivergence."
It comes as leading charities have warned the decline in the mental health of children and young people is "one of the biggest challenges of our time".
A recent Mumsnet survey of 1,009 users found that 77% are concerned about their child's mental health, with 29% saying they are "very concerned".
The most common mental health issue parents reported among their children was anxiety; followed by self-esteem or confidence issues; stress related to school or exams; behavioural issues and depression or low mood.
Andy Bell, chief executive of Centre for Mental Health, said: "The mental health of children and young people is under unprecedented strain.
"It is disrupting education, limiting future employment, driving up public service costs, and threatening the UK's long-term prosperity.
"Too little is done to prevent mental health problems in childhood.
"Too many children face long waits or are turned away from specialist care, while early support is often patchy or unavailable.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.
Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.