The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has highlighted a urgent situation within England’s mental health services for children and young people, describing it as a “ticking time bomb.” As of November 2023, close to half a million individuals were either waiting for or receiving mental health treatment, facing substantial issues like underfunding, lack of staff, and significant treatment delays, with an average waiting time of 40 days from referral. Chris Dzikiti, the CQC’s director of mental health, warned of the severe risk of harm, including suicide, due to delays in receiving care. The report calls for a larger, permanent workforce and better community support to mitigate these risks.

Staff shortages were pinpointed as a crucial factor affecting care quality, with existing staff under considerable strain. Although there are ongoing efforts to improve staffing, more substantial actions are required to address the gap in mental health services adequately. The CQC also flagged concerns over racial inequalities in care access and the treatment of LGBT+ patients, urging for measures to address these disparities.

In parallel, the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on various age groups across the UK has been profound, with long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. Babies and preschool children have faced developmental delays due to isolation, while primary school-age children have seen a dip in physical activity and a rise in obesity rates. Teenagers and young people have suffered from heightened anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the pandemic’s challenges. Older people have experienced decreased physical activity levels, which could lead to increased health risks. These challenges highlight the need for targeted interventions and support across all age groups to address the pandemic’s aftermath.