Exclusive: Rise in poor mental health among Greater Manchester youth to be reviewed, says Mayor
Andy Burnham is addressing concerning statistics related to mental health services for children
Research Hits & Greatest Hits Radio Manchester have conducted, indicating a significant increase in young people needing mental health support in Greater Manchester, will be reviewed.
Our investigation shows that referrals for children and adolescents to mental health services have almost doubled since the pandemic, highlighting urgent areas for improvement.
0-17-year-olds in the region have seen a sharp rise in referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) over recent years.
In the financial year 20/21, 34,635 young people were referred.
By 24/25, the figure reached 66,895 referrals.
While these numbers highlight the growing demand, not all referrals result in contact with mental health services.
In 20/21, 21,061 referrals received at least one contact.
The year 24/25 saw 39,794 accepted referrals, meaning almost four in ten young people missed out on specialist support.
Andy Burnham has acknowledged the need for enhanced support for young people, admitting the region has fallen short.
"I don't think we've got mental health services where they should be in Greater Manchester," Burnham said.
"We need more focus on child and adolescent mental health services.
The figures that you've revealed only strengthen my view about that."
Burnham expressed concern for children's mental health in Greater Manchester, noting the impact of the pandemic.
"I am worried generally about children's mental health in Greater Manchester and it's been a thing that I've been thinking a lot about since the pandemic because I know the impact here and on our kids was possibly greater than elsewhere," he said.
Reflecting on past initiatives, Burnham highlighted the Mentally Healthy Schools pilot.
"I look back to a pilot we ran a few years ago called Mentally Healthy Schools and that led to us putting independent counselling on site within schools.
"But at the time we didn't have a budget to continue it.
"The changes that are coming to special educational needs and disabilities actually give us an opportunity to revisit some of that."
Burnham reiterated the need for improvement in CAMHS and collaboration with health leaders.
"I recognise the picture with relation to CAMHS in Greater Manchester isn't as good as it should be.
"We do need to put more emphasis on it.
"We are beginning to look, myself and the 10 health leads in our councils, we're looking very closely actually at mental health in Greater Manchester.
"So all of the research that you've done will form a part of that review."
The NHS Greater Manchester acknowledges the challenges faced by children and families, as referrals have increased drastically, particularly in the region.
Professor Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said:
"We know many children and families are really struggling, and it’s deeply concerning when young people feel they aren’t getting the help they need.
"Referrals have risen sharply since the pandemic, especially here in Greater Manchester.
"Our specialist CAMHS teams support those with the most complex needs, while many other children are directed to school-based, community or online services that can help them sooner.
"We recognise waiting times are too long, and we’re investing in earlier, more personalised help so young people feel genuinely heard and supported."