A MENTAL health charity says children are waiting nearly a year for support.
Response, the largest independent mental health charity in Oxfordshire and based in Littlemore, has spoken out about delays in accessing youth services at its Berkshire hub, warning that children referred in February may not receive support until 2027.
It says this is due to rising demand, particularly among young people who are waiting for statutory NHS care.
Jamie Douglas, associate director of children, young people and families at Response, said: “Already, we have a waiting list of young people who we won’t be able to see for months – potentially up to a year.
“This is due to a rise in demand from young people waiting for statutory help.
“It is our responsibility as a charity to attend to those who are waiting on statutory support, or have been turned away.
“But even our waiting list has reached an unsustainable level.”
Response operates across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, supporting children aged 11 and above with mental health needs.
In October, the charity opened a youth wellbeing hub in Thatcham, Berkshire, to ease NHS pressures and support local schools.
The hub is now at full capacity.
The charity is now appealing for donations to help increase the support it can offer.
To find out more about Response’s work and donate to its cause, visit: app.thegoodexchange.com/project/21028
Mr Douglas said: “With additional funding, we can recruit a second youth worker – which would be the difference between providing young people with the immediate support they require and leaving them waiting.”
To help families on its waiting list, Response signposts them to free online resources that offer practical advice to help children feel safe and supported at home.
Mr Douglas said: “It’s a very uncertain world to live in, and children do feel pressure from that.
“The most prevalent issue we see in young people is anxiety.
“School can be a stressful environment with exam pressures and there is a hangover from those who returned to full-time education following shutdowns caused by the pandemic.”
He also emphasised the importance of involving families in the support process.
Mr Douglas said: “It’s critical we work with parents and carers too, as in almost all cases children are powerless and rely on their seniors to help them get the support required.
“Providing them with the necessary guidance and knowledge during a time when it might feel like the door is being closed in front of their face multiple times is essential while we source a permanent solution to address the root cause.”
The charity has a match-funding agreement in place with The Greenham Trust until Sunday, May 3, meaning every donation until then counts for double.
link