Children and young people's mental health and wellbeing
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Healthwatch Warrington undertook research in 2020 on children and young people’s mental health during the pandemic. They were asked to reprise it by Public Health. They undertook a survey to which children, young people, parents and professionals responded. They received 1,083 responses and undertook engagement with 259 people.
Children and young people felt that the pandemic affected their wellbeing. Parents felt that their children had experienced poor mental health due to the pandemic. Some reported that their children had developed serious mental health disorders. Some were waiting for counselling. Teachers and educational staff struggled with the pressure and stress of the pandemic, balancing the needs of their students whilst balancing their own mental wellbeing.
Almost all GPs had seen an increase in appointments with people asking about mental health conditions since the pandemic. Many said that the referral process to CAMHS was difficult to navigate.
The pandemic has highlighted how important local groups are for people’s wellbeing and mental health. People felt that CAMHS had very long waiting lists and was short staffed. The criteria for accessing support was very high and they were quick to discharge.
The report contains 15 recommendations.