Sharp rise in the number of children and young people accessing mental health services over the last three years
The call follows yesterday’s publication from NHS England of the latest monthly statistics for the number of Children and Young People accessing mental health services. The data revealed 893,219 children and young people accessing mental health services in the year to July 2026, a massive 23% increase over the last three years.
People’s Health Trust was recently awarded £850,000 by City Bridge Foundation to deliver a significant new programme in London focusing on children and young people’s mental health. The programme will be delivered in partnership with community-led expert organisations.
“This data is a reminder of the growing pressure young people are under, but their mental health is shaped long before they reach NHS services.
“These figures are part of the cycle of worse mental health and decreasing opportunities young people face. We know that poor mental health can create barriers to education, training and employment, while spending long periods outside education, employment and training can cast a long shadow over a young person's health. That’s why we are committed to delivering new programmes that can make a difference.
“If we want to improve young people's mental health, we must look beyond services alone and invest in the conditions that help young people thrive, including clear pathways to good work and a secure income. Only then will we see the significant fall in the figures.”
Max Rutherford
Deputy CEO, People's Health Trust