In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of children struggling with their mental health. According to NHS Digital data, 20% of children in England aged 5-15 now have a probable mental health disorder, an increase from 12% in 2017. That’s equivalent to 6 children in every classroom struggling with their emotional wellbeing.
Children’s mental health charity Blue Smile provides arts-based 1-1 therapy and groupwork for children aged 3-13 in Cambridgeshire schools.
During the 2023-24 school year, Blue Smile saw record levels of demand for its support and reached more children than ever in local schools:
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424 children received support from Blue Smile in over 30 schools across Cambridgeshire, up from 408 in the previous year.
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266 children were supported through 1-1 therapy and 158 through groupwork.
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Over half of children accessing therapy with Blue Smile were eligible for Free School Meals.
In recent years, the charity has also seen an increase in the complexity of problems experienced by children they support. Nearly 1 in 5 children receiving therapy last year were facing more than 4 “adverse childhood experiences” such as family breakdown, family mental illness, bereavement or domestic violence.
With half of all lifetime mental health issues beginning before the age of 14, early intervention support is crucial when children are struggling, to prevent mental health issues escalating in the future. Following 1:1 therapy with Blue Smile in 2023-4:
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90% of children had improved on their identified goals
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72% of children with low prior school engagement were more willing to engage.
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48% had improved school attendance.
"We've noticed lots of improvement at home. (My child is) playing with friends outside more than online. They’re more sociable, there’s less drama at home and more engaged with the family." - Parent
“(The child) is able to articulate and express her emotions much more clearly. She is able to minimise outbursts independently and recognise the feeling prior to the outbursts.” - Teacher
“It has stopped me from worrying and being sad. It has made me more happy at home and school.” - Child
This World Mental Health Day, find out more about Blue Smile and how you can support children’s mental health at https://www.bluesmile.org.uk/support-us/
