Concerns over waiting times for children's mental health support in Lincolnshire

The amount spent per child is lower than some other regions

Concerns over waiting times for children's mental health support in Lincolnshire
Author: Andy MarshPublished 9th Mar 2023

Concerns are being raised about how long it's taking for children in Lincolnshire to wait for mental health support

There was a gap of 37 days on average to receive second contact from services,

The Children's Commissioner also revealed health bosses in the county spend £51 per child on these services, compared to other areas like the Norfolk region that spend almost three times as much.

Julie Griffin is a Counsellor for Young People across Lincolnshire and says services are more stretched than ever before.

She told us: "There seems to be an increase in complex mental issues for young people."

"A lot more specific things like autism, that's been undiagnosed, self harming issues, gender identity issues."

"Some areas may be more equipped to deal with demand and some areas of the country people are more able to access private therapy so the public sector there aren't quite so pressured."

"I've been in practice 18 years now - I've noticed much more demand."

"I have a 7 week waiting list myself, in the public sector there are long waiting lists as well."

"It does depend on what part of the country you're in."

The Government says they are investing in mental health services and are increasing the number of mental health teams to almost 400 in England by next month.