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Children as young as six going to A&E in mental health crisis
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- There has been a 36% increase in children and young people aged 6 to 17 attending A&E units in England for mental health crises, including self-harm and eating disorders, between 2019 and 2025, with some waiting over 12 hours for care.
- The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns that A&E departments are not suitable for mental health crises but are often the only option due to a lack of community support and mental health services.
- Families and carers report long waiting times and inadequate support, with some children exhibiting aggressive behavior while in crisis; mental health charity Mind highlights that the current system only supports those deemed 'unwell enough,' leaving many without help.
- Experts call for increased investment in children's mental health services, better training for staff across health, social care, and education, and expansion of community-based support hubs to provide more appropriate care.
- The UK government acknowledges the issue, stating plans to improve services and release a new mental health strategy soon, alongside ongoing investments in school mental health teams and community mental health hubs.
